Tips for keeping your poinsettia vibrant year-round
The poinsettia, known as the Christmas star, requires proper care to please the eye for an extended period. Here's how to look after this plant so it lasts not just for the holidays, but for many seasons to come.
The poinsettia is more than just a holiday decoration; with the right care, it can become a perennial plant, providing beauty for months. It's crucial to avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes, which can cause leaves to drop. It thrives best in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight. So, what can you do to make it stunning during the holidays?
How to care for your poinsettia?
Poinsettias require light, well-drained soil. Heavy soil restricts air access to the roots, hindering their development. The pot should have drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape.
During the holiday season, ensure regular watering, but pay attention to one thing: the soil should be moist but not soaked. Watering should occur when the top layer of soil begins to dry out. In the heating season, it's best to water every 3-4 days, less often during the warmer months. Avoid overfilling the pot's saucer to prevent damage to the plant's roots.
The plant does not tolerate drafts and sudden temperature changes, so the best place for it is a well-lit spot, though it's better to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight and keeping it too close to heaters. The ideal temperature for a poinsettia is about 17-22 degrees Celsius.
Avoid care mistakes
The best time to start using fertilizer is spring. During this time, the poinsettia begins to awaken and grow vigorously. Introduce natural fertilizers every 3-4 weeks until fall—this will ensure it has the strength and vitality it needs. During winter, when the plant is blooming, fertilization is not necessary.
This plant thrives in areas with bright light, but it should not be exposed to direct sunlight, which can harm it and cause burns.
In the spring, the poinsettia should be trimmed by a few centimetres, which helps maintain its shape and stimulates lush growth. Cuttings can also be pruned once they've taken root and begun to grow. At that point, trim their tips for better growth.
