With its red color, the poinsettia is often displayed in florists during the end-of-year holidays. Nicknamed the Christmas star, this plant with multiple bracts requires appropriate maintenance to adorn itself with magnificent colors. However, you don’t need to have a green thumb to take care of it. You just need to adopt a few simple actions. We give you some practical advice in this article.
The poinsettia flower is a species native to Mexico and Central America. It is characterized by green leaves and colorful bracts that take the shape of a petal. This offers flower lovers several varieties of colors such as red, white, yellow and pink, and can be used for table decoration during the holidays. However, it requires a minimum of maintenance to enjoy this plant in winter.
How to get a poinsettia with red bracts before winter?
To make the star plant of the Holidays change color, you need to have a few simple reflexes, whether in terms of watering, exposure or supply of essential nutrients. It will thus be able to flower before winter and remain red and beautiful for a long time.
- Store poinsettia in the dark
It is possible to color poinsettia leaves and extend the duration of flowering by controlling their exposure to the sun. Please note that the poinsettia blooms from mid-November to February. However, it must avoid the sun between September and October. Therefore, the first thing to do is to install it indoors in a dark room away from daylight for a period of 12 to 14 hours in a row. Then place it in a bright place for the rest of the day. This change will in fact stimulate the flower which will better preserve its bracts. This operation should last approximately 8 weeks. Be careful, however, to never expose it to direct sunlight so as not to dry it out.
- Fertilize poinsettia with banana peels
Most plants need additional nutrients to maintain their beautiful appearance and bloom. This is the case for poinsettias which need a supply of potassium and magnesium to strengthen their stems. There is therefore a way to stimulate it without resorting to chemicals. Simply save two or three banana peels, cut them into small pieces and immerse them in a pot of water to use as fertilizer later. Heat until it boils, then strain the solution and store it until it is time to fertilize the plant. This process should be done before putting the poinsettia in the dark.
- Choosing a suitable location for the poinsettia
Poinsettias need to be kept at a suitable temperature. So that their leaves develop in the best conditions, they should be kept away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators or even hotplates. However, they should be placed at an ambient temperature of around 20°C. Likewise, low temperatures should be avoided. Their foliage can in fact be damaged if they are exposed to cold drafts or sudden changes in temperature. During the first three months of the year, avoid placing them near windows so that they are not affected by frost.
- Mastering Poinsettia Watering
In order to get red or white leaves and bracts for Christmas, you have to pay attention to humidity. The soil must certainly be well drained with a regular supply of water so that the plant can flourish. However, it is not necessary to water abundantly to prevent water from stagnating and damaging the roots of the plant. Do not hesitate to place clay balls at the bottom of the pot and empty the saucer as soon as necessary to evacuate excess humidity. If the air is too dry, spray the foliage with water from time to time.
To make poinsettias bloom again, these few simple reflexes can be of great help to you. Do not hesitate to repot the plant in early spring by placing it in new potting soil to extend its lifespan.
