It’s not winter without a poinsettia. Tips for plant care

Light is the elixir of life for this Christmas classic. A spot near a window is well-suited and even full sun is not a problem during winter in our latitudes. The ideal temperature ranges between 15 and 22°C. When airing the room, make sure the plant doesn’t get caught in a cold draught. As long as the window is open, it’s better to move your poinsettia to a safe corner. To keep a poinsettia in top form, keep it in a warm, bright spot that is protected from draughts.

Watering poinsettias requires a bit of sensibility. It’s better for the soil to be a bit too dry than too moist. Waterlogging must be avoided, as this will occupy important soil space and suffocate the roots. Therefore, never give the plant more water than the soil can absorb and remove any excess water in the pot or saucer no more than 15 minutes after watering. There is no rule of thumb for watering poinsettias. If the air in the room is dry or if the plant is standing near a heater it may be necessary to water every day.

Usually it’s enough to get out the watering can every two to three days. If the root bale is immersed in water for a few minutes the plant won’t need watering again for longer. The size of the pot also plays a role: Small pots need watering more often than big ones. Poinsettia miniatures should be checked every day. Lifting up the pot will give you a feel for how much moisture is in it. If it feels light, it’s time to water again. And one more thing: poinsettias prefer room-temperature water.