The poinsettia is one of the most recognizable representatives of the Christmas atmosphere. We present to you 9 golden rules on how to properly care for a poinsettia so that it blooms long and beautifully.
Christmas star it is truly a beautiful flower. Are you interested in how to care properly for her? Below we present you 9 golden rules!
Christmas star, which originates from Mexico, blooms in December and January and is one of the most beautiful Christmas decorations, as classic as a Christmas tree. The Aztecs called it the "star flower of the wild", and it got that name because of the star-shaped leaves. Although it is traditionally red, botanists have developed it over the decades more than 150 versions, also wonderful pink poinsettia, orange, in cream color and, of course white. Red is still the best seller, followed by white.
Caring for this flower is not difficult at all. Here are 9 rules to help you stay in great shape throughout the holidays.
How to properly care for a poinsettia?
1. Many supermarkets place poinsettias near the entrance in the hope of luring customers into the store. But you should never buy such a poinsettia, especially if it is placed near an automatic door that opens every 30 seconds. Exposure to drafts and temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius it will harm the flower. Although it may not be immediately noticeable, the poinsettia will drop its leaves soon after we bring it home.
2. A healthy poinsettia will have sepals intact. So if the stamens are still close together between the colorful sepals, then you know you can buy the flower.
3. If possible, before buying check the finger that has the poinsettia. It should not be too wet, but also not completely dry. If it is like this, it was most likely not taken care of properly, so it probably won't last in your home either.
4. When you finally find your poinsettia, protect it from the wind. Immediately wrap it in paper after purchase and only unwrap it when you bring it home.
5. Christmas stars they don't like too much water. Remember that the root of the plant should not be soaked in water, nor should it dry out. Overwatering can quickly lead to waterlogging, which means the root will rot and the poinsettia will die.
6. It has to get into your blood checking the leaves of the plant. If they turn yellow or fall off, you are probably watering it incorrectly. It will be enough a small "sip" of water every two days. You can also choose to have the entire root ball immerse in water once a week. Smaller pots need more frequent watering than larger ones and remember: Poinsettias like it best room temperature water.
7. A poinsettia needs heat and light. You can have it near a radiator, but not near sources that could dry it out (fireplaces, open doors, open windows or drafty corridors).
8. Put it where it will have it daylight, e.g. on the windowsill. But don't leave the window open there. Also remember that the poinsettia prefers temperature between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, so she might feel best in the living room.
9. In order for the poinsettia to survive until next Christmas, you will need it pruned in April to about 10 centimeters and store it at a temperature of 13 degrees Celsius. She has it transplant and keep it in a cool place in the summer, the ideal temperature is between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. When November rolls around, yeah place in a bright place for 12 hours, this should be followed 12 hours of total darkness. In this way, it will get used to the shorter winter days, and at the same time it will encourage this plant to bloom.
Poinsettia arrangement
If you don't manage to keep the poinsettia alive, you can cut it and make a beautiful arrangement out of it. Cut it below the sepals, flowers for Soak in boiling water for 20 seconds and then immediately in cold water. This should keep the leaves vibrant and red for a few more weeks. Place them in a vase with other flowers.
Poinsettia decorations
Although the poinsettia is a beautiful decoration on its own, it can also be used for other holiday decorations. Poinsettias can be beautiful in a flower putty that is wrapped around the staircase, poinsettia flowers can also be used as decorations on the Christmas tree, namely we nest them between the branches. We can place them similarly in the advent wreath or put up a poinsettia on Wednesday the table at Christmas dinner.
