Poinsettia Care: 5 Tips for Long-Lasting Joy

Whether as festive table decoration, a gift, or classic window ornament: The poinsettia (Poinsettia) is the star of the Advent season. If you take proper care of it, you can enjoy it for many weeks – or even years. Here are five expert tips to prevent the star from losing its leaves prematurely.

How to Enjoy the Poinsettia for a Long Time

Originally, the poinsettia is native to Mexico. Since it can thrive year-round in Central America under mild tropical temperatures, there are a few care rules to follow.

1. Be Careful When Buying
Fresh and healthy plants can be identified by dense, strong leaves and many small buds in the center of the colorful bracts. Avoid wilted or limp plants – otherwise, leaf drop will begin before the celebration.

2. Wrap Well
The poinsettia does not like the cold. Temperatures below 12 degrees can cause lasting damage to the plant. Therefore: Wrap well during transport and keep outside exposure to a minimum.

3. Perfect Spot at Home
The poinsettia loves bright, warm locations – ideally 15 to 22 degrees, without direct proximity to radiators or drafts. Windowsills facing south or west are well-suited. When airing out, the plant should be protected from cold drafts.

4. When Watering: Less is More
The most common care mistake is too much water. The soil can dry out slightly, but waterlogging must be avoided. Water with room temperature water, remove excess after 15 minutes from the planter. During blooming, the plant does not need fertilizer.

5. How to Succeed in the 2nd Year
After blooming, the poinsettia retreats – then water sparingly, do not fertilize, place in a cool and bright location. In spring, prune, repot, slowly start watering and fertilizing again. From September: darken daily for 12–14 hours – this stimulates new leaf coloring.

(Red)

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