Poinsettias are as much a part of Christmas as cookies and Advent wreaths. But the joy of having them is often short-lived. Poinsettias often wilt after a few days. This is due to care mistakes that are easy to avoid.
Did you know that the flowers of the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are small and inconspicuous? The bright red, white or multicoloured leaves that we admire as flowers are actually bracts surrounding the small yellowish flowers. But it doesn’t really matter to us whether it’s the flowers or the bracts of the poinsettia, as the star of Bethlehem is also called, that create the festive atmosphere in the room – the main thing is that the leaves glow brightly.
However, it is not uncommon for poinsettias to wilt after purchase and be thrown away after a few days or after the holidays at the latest. If you follow these three tips, you can enjoy your poinsettia for a long time to come.
Mistake 1: Not protecting poinsettias from the cold
Poinsettias are native to Mexico and like warmth. They cannot tolerate the cold, even if they are only exposed to low temperatures for a short time on the way home after purchase. Wrap poinsettias well in paper in the shop to protect them from the cold.
Mistake 2: Wrong location
Poinsettias need a bright spot, but not in full sunlight. Above all, it is important that they are not exposed to draughts. Do not place them near a door or window that you open regularly for ventilation.
You should also avoid giving these delicate plants ‘cold feet’. For example, don’t place them directly on a cold windowsill, but place a wooden board under the pot to protect the root ball from the rising cold.
Tip: Before you buy a poinsettia, look at where it is placed in the shop. They are often placed near the door. You should not buy these poinsettias because if they are exposed to draughts they will wilt quickly.
Mistake 3: Overwatering
Poinsettias need very little water. They should only be watered when the top layer of the potting soil is dry. A constantly damp or even wet substrate can quickly kill the plants. Before watering, test with your thumb and finger to see if the soil in the pot is dry. Here are some tips on how to water your houseplants.
Tip: It is best to water the poinsettia through the saucer. The soil will absorb as much water as it can hold. Any excess water will remain in the saucer and must be poured out after about 20 minutes to prevent stagnant water.