Poinsettia is a decorative plant native to Mexico that blooms during the New Year holidays.
According to a Mexican legend, a poor girl named Pepita wanted to give a gift to the baby Jesus, but she had nothing valuable. An angel suggested to her that any gift given with love would be accepted, and so Pepita brought ordinary weeds. Before everyone's eyes, the plants bloomed with bright red leaves, becoming poinsettias. This flower became a symbol of sincerity and the Christmas miracle.
In 1828, Joel Roberts Poinsett, a botanist and the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, brought this plant to the United States, and it was named after him.
The shrub has an attractive appearance and blooms just in time for the winter holidays, which is why it gained wide popularity in the U.S., and the tradition of decorating homes with it for Christmas was later adopted in Europe.
Now this beautiful plant can be purchased here as well. Let's figure out how to properly care for it.
Light and Temperature
Poinsettia does not tolerate cold. The optimal temperature for it is 18–20 °C. The plant should be placed in a bright location, avoiding direct sunlight. It is also important to protect the shrub from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Watering
Water the poinsettia only after the top layer of soil has dried out. Use warm, settled water. Excess moisture can lead to root rot, so it is important to drain any excess water from the saucer.
Humidity
The plant prefers high humidity. It is recommended to spray the air around it twice a day or use a humidifier. If the indoor air is very dry, you can place the pot on a tray with wet expanded clay.
Soil and Fertilizers
The soil should be light, fertile, and well-aerated. Regular loosening of the soil will help improve aeration. During the active growth period (spring/summer), fertilize every 2–3 weeks with universal fertilizers. During flowering (winter), feeding is not required.
Dormant Period
After flowering, the plant will shed its leaves. During this time, reduce watering, do not fertilize, and keep it at a temperature of +12…+16 °C.
In spring, cut the stems back by a third, repot into fresh soil, and resume care.
