Immersed in the Christmas festivities, many people may still have a new addition to their homes. This is the poinsettia, a very common plant during Christmas, which is given as a gift and incorporated into the decoration of many homes. However, after the season is over, it is important to know that the poinsettia can last all year round.
1. Poinsettia
To make the poinsettia last from one year to the next, the first thing to consider is some basic care and recommendations so that it continues to grow and remain healthy and strong, with the typical red colour of its leaves, which are a perfect decorative element for the home.
2. Gardening skills
One of the most important factors to know is that this species is one of the most difficult indoor plants to care for, as it is very delicate, so you need to have a lot of gardening skills. One last note: the poinsettia is very toxic to cats, so if you have a feline at home, be very careful with this plant.
3. Temperature changes
One of the most important things to bear in mind when caring for poinsettias is their location. Where should you put your poinsettia? Always in a place where there are no draughts, away from windows or other locations, as they are very sensitive to temperature changes.
4. Between 15 and 20 ºC
This last point, temperature, is also essential, as it cannot tolerate cold or excessive heat, so it should always be kept between 15 and 20 ºC. If the leaves start to fall, one of the reasons may be too high a temperature, as well as too dry a climate. If your home is heated in winter, you will need to humidify the environment around the plant.
5. Watering and humidity
On the other hand, the rest of the care instructions refer to watering without excess, as flooding and overwatering this plant are very harmful to its roots and leaves. You should water it no more than twice a week, checking that the soil is slightly damp to see whether or not you should water it more than once a week. In addition, you should not pour water directly onto the soil, but rather place a saucer under the pot for 15-20 minutes, as experts recommend.
6. Lots of light
As for lighting, it needs an environment with lots of light, near a closed window during the cold months. But be careful in summer when the sun is strong, as the plant cannot receive direct sunlight or its leaves will burn.
7. Fertiliser
Finally, with regard to fertiliser, it is recommended to use it during the growing months, which are from November to January. You should use one specifically for flowering plants, adding it once every 15 days.