Euphorbia pulcherrima, spurge, Christmas star, poinsettia – all these names refer to a bright, often scarlet, star-shaped plant that creates a festive mood in homes. Very soon, poinsettias will appear on store shelves, reminding you that the holidays are close.
The life of poinsettias is often short, but the reason lies not in the plants themselves, but in improper care. How to care for a capricious Christmas star so that it pleases the eye for longer than one holiday week, says Lina Spureproduct specialist at Kesko Senukai Latvia.
Why don’t poinsettias live long?
“Many people are faced with the fact that poinsettia blooms for a short time, then sheds its leaves and completes its life cycle. However, in fact, poinsettias are perennial plants that are most often simply kept incorrectly,“Lina Spure explains.
Typically, poinsettia reaches 35 cm in height, but with proper care it can grow up to 50-60 cm, become a bright green addition to the garden in the summer and bloom again in the winter. In the wild, in the homeland of poinsettia in Mexico and Central America, the plant grows up to 4 meters.
Blooming as the days get shorter
Unlike many other plants, poinsettias begin to bloom as the days shorten. Therefore, blooming poinsettias appear in stores in late autumn and on the eve of Christmas.
In order for poinsettia to bloom again, at the end of September it must be switched to a reduced daylight hours: 8 hours of light and 16 hours of complete darkness. This regime should be followed until December 1, when the natural length of the day becomes quite short. This will allow the plant to bloom just in time for the holidays.
How to care for poinsettia?
1. Watering. The soil should be constantly moist, but without stagnant water. After watering, be sure to drain excess water from the pan.
2. Temperature. The optimal temperature is 18–22°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 28°C are detrimental to the plant.
3. Protection from drafts. Poinsettias do not tolerate temperature changes. The best place is in a bright room, away from windows and radiators.
4. Summer vacation. In summer, the plant can be planted in the garden, but in partial shade or shade. The soil should remain moist. With the arrival of autumn, poinsettia is returned to the house.
Poinsettia Care Calendar
– December: Enjoy the vibrant colors of poinsettias. Water the plant regularly.
– February: As new shoots begin to grow, the poinsettia can be pruned, replanted and begin to shape.
– June: Summer pruning by a third will help the plant become fuller.
– September: Reduce daylight hours to 8 hours.
By following these recommendations, you can enjoy the beauty of poinsettia not only in winter, but all year round!
Source: www.gorod.lv
