The poinsettia is one of the favorite holiday decorations in many homes, but at the same time it is also a demanding flower that many people cannot cope with, so they buy a new one every year. With proper care, this plant thrives for several seasons in a row. Therefore, follow the tips below and your poinsettia will thrive.
The poinsettia must adapt to the temperature
Carefully bring the poinsettia back from the store. It should be well protected, because it needs to be protect against low temperatures. The plant has to adapt to the new temperature, so it has to go through the conditioning process. Before you bring her into the apartments, leave her in the corridor for about an hour, as the immediate warm temperature of the apartment does not suit her.
Poinsettia does not like high temperatures and drafts
Another important thing is that the poinsettia must not be in near a heat source, therefore, do not place it near radiators. They're also not fans of drafts, so don't place them next to windows or open doors. Once the plant has a place in your home, don't move it anymore, because they like their place.
Poinsettia is sensitive to overwatering
This plant loves moisture, which does not mean that you need to water it a lot. Too wet soil only harms the plant, as the leaves fall off and turn yellow. Also, the soil should not be too dry. The soil should dry out between waterings. Water it with soft water at room temperature. You can occasionally spray it on the green leaves, and once a month you can also use fertilizer.
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How the poinsettia gets red leaves again
Once the colored leaves fall off, you usually discard the poinsettia. But you can still do that keep growing. To grow again, it needs a temperature of 18 to 20 degrees, sufficient water and fertilizers. Poinsettia is a short-day plant and only produces flowers and bracts if you provide it with complete darkness during the day. Therefore, it is best to move it to a dark place at night so as not to disturb its development by turning on the light. That way, by next Christmas, she will be re-coloring her leaves.
