POINSETTIA
The Poinsettia is a Christmas favourite known for it's colourful foliage. They are often deemed difficult to keep long term and are thrown way after Christmas but with this guide you can keep your Poinsettia thriving year after year. Fun fact the colourful blooms are in fact not flowers but a type of modified leaf called a bract.
WATER
Your Poinsettia should be kept consistently moist but do not allow it to ever sit on water.
LIGHT
Your Poinsettia will enjoy bright indirect light all year round.
FERTILISING
You can feed every 4 to 6 weeks during the Spring and Summer months, but you should not feed when the plant is blooming.
SOIL
A standard well draining houseplant mix is fine for your Poinsettia.
TEMPERATURE
The absolute key to a happy, healthy Poinsettia that lasts beyond Christmas is warmth, they hate to be cold and should be kept well away from cold drafts. Steer clear of Supermarket Poinsettia's thar are sat in the front of the shop. That might be a great spot to sell from but your Poinsettia will be dying before you even get it home if it is being blasted by cold air every time the doors open.
HUMIDITY
General household humidity is fine but make sure your Poinsettia is not too close to radiators.
TOXICITY
Considered mildly toxic.
General Watering Tips
Place your plant, still in its plastic nursery pot, inside the decorative pot you've chosen. This setup allows the plant to enjoy the drainage and airflow provided by the nursery pot's holes, which are beneficial for root health.
When it’s time to water, you have two options:
1. Top Watering: Take the plant, nursery pot and all, out of the decorative pot and water it over a sink. Allow the water to drain completely before placing it back in the decorative pot to prevent water build up.
2. Bottom Watering: Place the nursery pot in a shallow dish of water and let the plant absorb moisture from the bottom. This method encourages the roots to grow downward and reduces the risk of overwatering.
Both methods help keep your plant healthy by promoting good drainage and root aeration.