Content
- Maintain Christmas star - important care tips
- How is the poinsettia properly poured?
- Which fertilizer does the poinsettia need?
- Does the poinsettia have to be cut?
- When should poinsettias be repotted?
- Which diseases can occur?
- What to do in case of pest infestation?
- Why does the poinsettia lose the leaves?
- Why are the leaves turning yellow?
- How do you make the poinsettia bloom?
- Why do you have to darken it before flowering?
- How is the poinsettia over-summered?
- Does the poinsettia withstand minus temperatures?
- Tips
The care of poinsettias is not very demanding
Maintain Christmas star - important care tips
Poinsettias are usually cared for only during the Christmas period and then disposed of. In the process, the pretty, if poisonous, plants can be kept indoors for several years with the right care. Care instructions for the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima).
Early article The poinsettia is poisonous to humans and animals Next article Pour poinsettia with fingertip feelingHow is the poinsettia properly poured?
Do not keep the poinsettia too moist. Do not water until the plant substrate has dried. Avoid waterlogging by immediately draining off excess water.
If the substrate has become too damp, waterlogging results, which causes the poinsettia to rot. Then let the root ball dry out first, without the plant completely dried up.
Which fertilizer does the poinsettia need?
In the first year and right after repotting the poinsettia does not need fertilizer. There are enough nutrients in the soil.
In the second year, you start to provide the poinsettia with liquid fertilizer in two-week intervals from April to September. Too much fertilizer is harmful, halve the amount of fertilizer indicated on the packaging. In addition to liquid fertilizers, you can also use fertilizer sticks.
Does the poinsettia have to be cut?
The cutting of the poinsettia is basically not necessary. If the plant has gotten out of shape, you can cut it back. The best time to cut is after flowering.
Shorten the shoots by about half with a clean knife. Do not damage the lignified shoots! Because the sap contains toxins, you should always wear gloves when cutting.
After two to three weeks, new instincts should show on the remaining branches.
When should poinsettias be repotted?
The best time to repot is after flowering in spring. For this, take the poinsettia out of the pot and gently shake off the old earth.
If the plant has grown too large, pest it into a larger pot filled with a mixture of potting soil, cactus soil or granules.
For the Christmas star to recover, do not expose it directly to the blazing sun for several weeks.
Which diseases can occur?
Diseases such as root rot occur when the poinsettia is kept too moist. The plant is otherwise quite robust.
What to do in case of pest infestation?
Occasionally, pests occur:
The occurrence of pests is usually caused by inadequate care. In case of infestation, collect the uninvited guests and treat the plant with diluted soft soap.
Spider mites occur when the room air is too dry overall. Increase it by setting up water bowls.
Why does the poinsettia lose the leaves?
The leaves lose the poinsettia mostly only because it was poured too well. Do not pour too often and not too much. Make sure that no waterlogging can occur. Do not leave water in the coaster.
Even drafts make the Christmas star to create. Avoid putting it in a drafty place.
Wrap the plant well when shopping and do not carry it home for a long time through the cold winter air.
Why are the leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can be a sign that the poinsettia has dried up. Dip the root ball in a water bath for a short time. Often the poinsettia can still be saved.
Also too much wetness causes yellow leaves. In this, let the pot bale dry well before you pour again.
How do you make the poinsettia bloom?
For a poinsettia to flower for several winters, it needs a multi-week phase in which it gets less light. It should be set up so that the daily light duration is less than eleven hours. This can be simulated with a paper bag or a flower pot.
Why do you have to darken it before flowering?
The poinsettia is a short-day plant. It only blooms when it gets less light for about six weeks before flowering.
If the Poinsettia is to show its colored bracts for Christmas, you must start the dimming no later than mid-November.
How is the poinsettia over-summered?
After flowering, place the poinsettia over the summer in a partially shaded place, preferably on the balcony or terrace. Make sure the plant does not get too moist or too dry.
Does the poinsettia withstand minus temperatures?
Poinsettias are not hardy and enter at minus temperatures. It should not be colder than 10 or 15 degrees at the plant's location.
Keep the poinsettia on the terrace and remember to catch the plant in time before it gets too cold outside.
Tips
The attitude of the poinsettia is not without problems. In addition to proper care, the location and plant substrate also play an important role. Mix normal potting soil with cactus soil or granules.