Poinsettias are a favoured houseplant option for introducing a burst of festive colour into homes throughout the Christmas season. Yet, many individuals might not be aware that with proper care, these lively plants can thrive for many months. Although they can be a bit tricky to care for, there are particular methods that can assist in prolonging their life, allowing them to provide happiness for several months.
Gardening guru Monty Don has shared some tips on maintaining the beauty of poinsettias long after the holiday season. He highlighted that poinsettias flourish in warm, moist environments, making it crucial to steer clear of placing them in hot and dry areas to preserve their health and aesthetic charm.
Monty added: “They do not like cool nights, very hot, dry rooms or big fluctuations in temperatures. So keep them where there is a constant average temperature, avoiding draughts, cold windows or even very bright spots that can get very hot in the middle of the day.”
With this in mind, identifying the ideal location in your home is crucial to prolonging the lifespan of your poinsettias.
Maintaining their health also requires ensuring they are properly watered, but it’s vital to wait for the appropriate moment to give them a thorough soak.
This calculated approach to watering is essential for the optimal care of poinsettias. Monty recommended: “They like plenty of water, but let the compost dry out before giving them a really good soak, standing the pot in a sink full of water.
“Leave it to stand for 10 minutes or so before letting the excess water drain from the pot.”
Indicators that a poinsettia has received too much water include foliage becoming yellow or brown and drooping in severe instances.
To increase moisture levels surrounding the plants whilst preventing overwatering, regular misting is advised.
This simple routine should preferably be carried out in the morning, enabling the plants to dry out during daylight hours.
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