A sure sign that Christmas is well and truly on the way, poinsettias are right up there with holly and mistletoe in the book of iconic Christmas plants. For a plant that is typically only available in shops for 2 months out of 12, the UK sells a whopping 8 million poinsettias each year. With so many sold, it is important to know how to care for these ho ho ho-useplants and how to ensure they thrive throughout the festivities and beyond.
Temperature
Despite their availability being limited to the Winter months, Poinsettias do not particularly like the cold. Originating in Mexico, these tropical houseplants prefer to be kept in temperatures between 15Ëš c and 22Ëš c. Unlike many leafy plants, Poinsettias can enjoy areas of your home that benefit from full winter sun and south-facing windows. Do not place Poinsettias in cooler rooms or any areas of the house with a draught – this is a sure-fire way to upset a poinsettia and can result in them shedding their leaves.
Water
Like all houseplants, it is important to know how often to water your leafy friends. Poinsettias can be slightly fickle in that they do not like to be too dry, nor too wet. To check whether it is time for a drink, you can either feel the top 2cm of soil or you can feel the weight of your plant and pot – if the soil is dry or the pot feels unusually light then it is time to give your plant some water. Make sure that the water has come up to room temperature beforehand so as not to shock your plants with an ice bath. Depending on its location in your home, you may need to water your Poinsettia a little each day, or every 2 – 3 days. Most often once a week is enough, but if it is starting to show signs of stress then try the above checks to ensure you’re not over or under watering.
Look for Fresh
When choosing your Poinsettia, look out for the following to ensure you bring home a quality, healthy plant:
• Dark green leaves that are not yellowing or wilting.
• Check the soil moisture, it should be damp but not dripping.
• Intact bracts with tight yellow flower buds.
Once you have chosen your plant, ensure it is well wrapped up before taking it out of the shop to avoid exposing it to the harsh winter winds and cool air.
What can I do with it after Christmas?
Once the festivities have come to an end and your poinsettia has stopped blooming, you can continue to enjoy it as a lush leafy garden plant in the warmer months. With careful pruning and care, it is possible to make your poinsettia bloom again, however they rarely look as wonderful or impressive as they do in their first year.
