For those of us who just can't get enough of Christmas (it's never too early to start decorating, by the way), poinsettias are the perfect first step to spreading a little festive cheer around our homes. With its striking red and green leaves, the plant adds a festive touch anywhere. But before you rush into a happy trip to the garden center, it would be wise to ask yourself how you can water and care for your poinsettia and keep it looking its best.
Where does the poinsettia come from?
The poinsettia is a species of euphorbia. It is native to Mexico, where it is actually an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 m tall.
In Mexico it also has the name “Flores de Noche Buena”, which translates to “Flowers of the Holy Night”. This name is believed to come from a biblical story about a Mexican girl who presented a bouquet of weeds to baby Jesus. When they were placed in front of the manger, they turned into the poinsettia and this was considered a Christmas miracle.
The Advent star we know forms large, colorful leaves at the end of the stems, which are arranged in rosettes, which leads to a common misconception: the colorful stars are not the flowers of the plant. These are the bracts.
In the wild form of the poinsettia, these bracts are always red. However, there are varieties with creamy white, yellow or pink bracts. Poinsettias with blue, silver or gold leaves, on the other hand, do not occur in nature - they are made by spraying paint.
Tipp:If you want to buy a long-lasting poinsettia, make sure the small flowers in the center of the bracts are still closed and not sprayed with paint.
Water the holy poinsettia
Poinsettias are fairly easy to grow, but they still require a minimum of attention to develop well. Your plant needs to be checked regularly to ensure it stays happy and hydrated.
How to tell if your poinsettia needs water
The best way to determine whether a poinsettia needs water is to poke the potting soil with your finger (we didn't say it would be elegant!).
- Completely dry:When the soil is completely dry and the flowerpot feels light when you lift it, soak the plant in the sink. The goal is to avoid dry soil completely.
- Semi-dry:If the top inch of soil feels dry but is moist underneath, a little water to top it off is ideal - try to keep the soil moist at all times.
- Moist:If the soil is consistently moist, you can give yourself a pat on the back for being such a great plant caretaker. Leave the poinsettia alone and check with another soil test tomorrow.
- Soaked/wet:If the soil is constantly wet or waterlogged, it puts strain on the roots. Leave the plant alone for a week before watering it again. It's hard, we know, but your poinsettia will thank you.
How much water does a poinsettia need?
Well, as with most houseplants, too much water is just as bad as too little. A poinsettia needs enough water to keep the potting soil moist but not soggy. However, it is important to remember that the frequency of watering forevery plantdepends on the following:
- The size of the plant
- Where is the flower pot?
- The room temperature
Don't be put off, it's easy once you know how! Here are our tips on how to water your poinsettia so it looks great during the holiday season and is ready for the big day itself. Here are three options: Choose a technique that works for you and your routine to keep your plants looking fresh and vibrant.
3 easy steps to water the poinsettia
- Water the plant lightly every day:A light daily watering with a watering can is ideal for keeping the poinsettia potting soil moist. It should be enough to use no more than a splash or 2-3 tablespoons.
- Soak in the sink:In a sink, carefully pour water into the potting soil until it flows through the pot's drainage holes and the soil is soaked. Then allow the plant pot to drain completely for 10 minutes before putting it back in its place. Do this weekly.
- Add ice:Oddly enough, ice cubes are a great option for watering because there is less risk of contamination - they release moisture slowly into the soil and prevent overwatering. Start with one ice cube per day and keep an eye on soil moisture. The method is also ideal if youduring the Christmas holidaysLeave your apartment.
Care after Christmas
In spring, after the flowering period (around March), the poinsettia can be stored almost completely dry for a month. During the growing season from April to autumn it should be watered again with plenty of warm water. The root ball must always be moist and must never dry out, otherwise growth will stop. In winter it is enough to water the poinsettia a little.
