Poinsettias: Transforming festive decor into year-round beauty
The red flowers of the poinsettia are closely associated with the festive season. You can find them almost everywhere, including in supermarkets. Although it may seem like these flowers are only for a short time, a simple method will allow you to enjoy them much longer than just during Christmas.
In winter, it's hard to find colours, so the red poinsettia definitely stands out against the pervasive grey. Its colourful leaves, reminiscent of stars, add a festive charm and create a beautiful and simple home decoration. This unique plant is often thought of as a single-use purchase, but with proper care, it can last for many weeks.
Poinsettia for the festive season
We often consider the poinsettia as a seasonal decoration. However, it's a perennial plant that, with the right care, can adorn our interiors for many months. The key is to provide it with proper growing conditions and regularly use homemade fertiliser.
The poinsettia thrives best in well-lit areas away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It's also important to avoid draughts and maintain moderate humidity levels. The optimal room temperature for this plant is 18-21 degrees Celsius.
How to care for your poinsettia?
After the festive season, we often neglect the poinsettia, which requires year-round care. During the winter, the plant enters a resting phase, which means reducing watering and moving it to a cooler place. In spring, we can start watering and fertilising the plant more intensively and transplant it into a larger pot. In summer, it is beneficial to put it outside but avoid direct sunlight.
Pumpkin is an ally in caring for your poinsettia. This vegetable is a true treasure trove of vitamins and minerals that nourish the plant. Thanks to it, the poinsettia will retain its vibrant colours longer and be more resistant to diseases. Pumpkin provides essential nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus, which strengthen the roots and aid in energy production.
How to make pumpkin fertiliser?
Simply take the vegetable, blend it, and use it as a fertiliser. It's an inexpensive and natural method that will keep your poinsettia stunning for much longer.
Ingredients:
- 125 ml of pumpkin pulp without seeds,
- 250 ml of water per tablespoon of pumpkin pulp
Instructions:
- Blend the pumpkin pulp into a smooth paste.
- Add water and mix.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve.
Water the poinsettia with the fertiliser every two weeks, using 2 tablespoons per pot. After the first month, you'll see the first effects, and the poinsettia will bloom longer than usual.
