To keep the “Christmas Star” burning for a long time

When purchasing a poinsettia, or “Christmas Star” (the Latin name for this plant is Euphorbia pulcherrima, the most beautiful spurge), try to follow a number of simple rules so that it can decorate your home and delight you for as long as possible.

Choose a plant with dark green foliage and brightly colored bracts. Leaves and bracts should not have yellow or brown spots or borders. True flowers (small, yellow-green, centered on brightly colored bracts) should produce little or no pollen. And of course, you should not take a plant with wilted foliage or with a small amount of lower leaves.

Remember that the fragile branches of the poinsettia are easy enough to break when moving, so when choosing, make sure there are no broken or partially broken stems, and then handle the plant carefully so as not to break the branches after purchase. The poinsettia loves warmth, so be sure to wrap it carefully before taking it outside. It is best, of course, to deliver it from the store home in a warm car. Exposure to low temperatures, even short-term, can cause the leaves to turn black and fall off. At home, carefully unfold your purchase and, mindful of the fragility of the branches, it is better to cut the protective sleeve, and do not try to pull it off. Well, then place the plant pot next to a sunny window or in another well-lit place and make sure that the leaves do not touch the cold window glass. In addition, keep the poinsettia away from cold drafts or, conversely, heaters – she does not like sudden changes in temperature, and feels most comfortable in the range from 18 to 23 ° C.

To avoid root rot, the plant should not be watered too often. Before watering, make sure that the surface of the soil in the pot is dry to the touch, and then water it properly – until the water begins to flow out of the bottom of the pot, and then it is better to remove excess water from the pan.

With proper care, these ornamental plants can please the eye for a long time. Unfortunately, the reality is that poinsettias supplied to stores are intended for temporary cultivation and some time after the holidays, when the plant loses its visual appeal, it is most often composted or disposed of. However, someone who does not look for easy ways and loves difficult tasks will be able to ensure that the same poinsettia blooms again at his home next season.

Olga KURSAKOVA.

Saint Petersburg – Moscow.

Photo of the author.

Based on the materials of “My House Moscow”