Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is one of the most symbolic symbols of Christmas. Also known as poinsettia or poinsettiaThis plant, with petals that look like large red petals but are not, decorates homes around the world at Christmas and pre-Christmas. After the holidays are over, many people try to save it until next year. But the truth is that many of them fail. Poinsettia care This is not easy because it has very specific requirements that we sometimes overlook.
And poinsettia is a plant that belongs to the middle terms. He needs light, but not too much. You will have to water, but only when the soil dries out, and it needs a warm and very specific temperature. Too much cold or heat can kill it.
If you want to know what to do to take care of your poinsettia after Christmas, stay and read this article. Although, first of all, let’s start by learning a little more about her.
Features of poinsettia
Pasquero is a plant with a thousand names. Its origin is in Mexico, where it is known as the Christmas Eve flower. However, it has a different name in each region. In Argentina it is known as the federal star, in Nicaragua and Costa Rica as the cowgirl, in Peru it is called the cardinal because of its red color, and in Venezuela it is called the parrot. Cubans and Guatemalans, like the Spaniards, know it as poinsettia. But why?
The poinsettia is known for its appearance as a large red flower. However, in fact, flowers are plants small inflorescences (sets of different colors) colored yellow which are visible in its center.
What we see in red is bractWith. That is, leaf organs located near the flowers and differing from normal leaves in shape, color and size. However, if you follow the definition, the leaves located on the stem are also known as bracts. right under the flowersalthough its appearance is identical to that of the other leaves.
Tips for caring for poinsettias
To care for poinsettia, you must first take into account three parameters: light, water and temperature.
As for the light, if we have it indoors, it should be placed near a window where it will receive bright natural light. But just as if it were outside of us, we must not allow it to have more than 4-6 hours of light per day.
The temperature should fluctuate between 18°C and 21°C. Temperatures above this can cause them to dry out, which is why the heaters that are so often used at Christmas pose a danger to our poinsettias.
As for water, this must be taken into account. a pot with water flowing out of itto avoid the slightest accumulation. Additionally, you should only water it when you notice that it weighs very little when lifted or when it is completely dry when it comes into contact with the soil.
Often we look forward to its care and think that the more we water it, the better it will be, but no. This is one of the first mistakes we usually make when caring for poinsettias.
What happens after Christmas?
When Christmas is over, although there are still a few cold months In the northern hemisphere (unless climate change prevents this), temperatures gradually rise and days become longer. Therefore, when it receives more light and heat, the plant’s leaves begin to fall off.
If we want to take care of our poinsettia and save it until next year, now is the time to prune it and move it outside. In fact, if we have a garden, it would be ideal to replant it, since bush cycle It starts at the end of winter. If not, we can always prune it and move it to a larger pot.
During this time it will be necessary to water thoroughly and maintain it in the same way, watering as necessary until Aprilwhen to do the second trimming. This will be followed by a third Augustin which all the stems will have to be left at the same height so that the flowers to be used next Christmas can grow.
Either way, this is an expert option for poinsettia care. If we want to keep him at home as long as possible, the keys remain the same: light, controlled temperature and just enough water.
One more thing. If you have a cat, try to keep it away from you. It is not lethal and is much less dangerous than other plants, but can cause severe digestive discomfort if ingested. Prevention is better than cure.
Source: Hiper Textual
