Nurturing the Christmas star: Year-round poinsettia care tips
The poinsettia, widely known as the Christmas star, requires proper care to remain beautiful for an extended period. Here's how to look after this plant so it lasts not only for the festive season but also for many seasons to come.
The poinsettia is not merely a festive decoration; with the right care, it can become a perennial plant, dazzling for months. It's crucial to avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes, which can cause leaves to drop. It thrives best in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. What should you do to make it stunning during the festive season?
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 holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain.
During the festive season, remember regular watering, but pay attention to one thing: the soil should be moist but not soaked. Frequent watering is only necessary 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 warmer months. Avoid overfilling the pot's saucer to prevent harming 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 placing it in direct sunlight and 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 fertiliser is spring. During this time, the poinsettia begins to awaken and grow vigorously. Introduce natural fertilisers every 3-4 weeks until autumn – this will ensure it has the strength and healthy growth it needs. During winter, when the plant is blooming, fertilisation 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.
