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Poinsettia, how to buy and care for it to keep it perfect throughout Christmas

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Good lighting and adequate watering are key to prevent the leaves from turning yellow and falling off. With these expert tips, it will stay impeccable. The first step, a trick to know that we bought it in good condition

Good lighting and proper watering are key to preventing leaves from yellowing.
Good lighting and proper watering are key to preventing leaves from yellowing.BENITO PAJARES

Christmas doesn't come into the house until a poinsettia does, the plant that becomes the centerpiece of the decoration during this time of year. In fact, its showy red leaves are already taking over storefronts and flower shops; it's time to start buying them to choose the one that will stay perfect at least until January, although with the right care, it can even last until next year in top form.

With this goal in mind, we turn to the experts at Stars for Europe (SfE), an initiative founded by the leading poinsettia breeders in Europe, Beekenkamp Plants, Dümmen Orange, Selecta One, and Florensis, committed since 2000 to ensuring that poinsettias survive beyond Christmas Eve as healthy and beautiful as the day they left the flower shop.

How to buy a healthy poinsettia

The first step to keep our poinsettia impeccable is to buy it in good condition, "a proper start ensures a resistant and long-lasting plant throughout the season," point out from SfE. It should be acquired with dense and vigorous foliage, without visible damage. And a gardening tip: it's better if the small greenish-yellow flowers in the center of its red leaves are still closed.

Tips for caring for the poinsettia

Although typical of Christmas, if there's one thing this plant can withstand, it's the cold, as they are native to tropical climates. That's why it's much easier to keep them beautiful in summer, and during these months, care must be taken. "It's essential to pay attention to factors such as temperature, light, and watering," say the experts at SfE. Here are their recommendations to ensure that the flowers maintain their brightness for a long time.

Why are the leaves falling off my poinsettia?

It could be for many reasons, but most of the time, it's due to incorrect watering: too little water will cause dry and limp leaves, while too much will make them turn yellow and fall off. "First, the leaves will die; then, the entire plant," say from SfE. "And if the soil dries out so much that it detaches from the edge of the pot, it's unlikely that you can save the plant by watering it," they add, recommending to be very careful with mini poinsettias: "Since the pot volume is small, the soil dries out very quickly."

There are three foolproof methods to know when it's time to water it:

Tips for watering correctly

Poinsettias don't need much water. The amount depends on various factors, including the size of the plant and the pot, environmental conditions, and the soil they are planted in: be very careful with the peat, which retains more water. "And when in doubt, it's better to water less," say the experts.

What's the recommended amount of water? In general, here's the guide, based on the pot size:

There are several methods for watering poinsettias, each with advantages and disadvantages. From SfE, they recommend "bottom watering." This method is the simplest: "Pour room-temperature water into the drip tray every day or every two to three days, depending on the plant's location and size. This will allow the poinsettia to absorb the amount it needs. If the water level doesn't change for 15 minutes, you need to drain the excess."

The most common watering method is pouring water directly onto the pot's soil, being careful not to wet the lower leaves. This method has its advantages; it's simple, quick, and practical if the plant is in a hard-to-reach place, plus it allows for easy water control. On the downside, there are risks; the main ones being the danger of waterlogging (if you water too much, the liquid accumulates in the pot or drip tray, suffocating the roots and causing them to rot) and uneven moisture (you may end up with the top soil wet but the bottom still dry, causing the roots to not be hydrated uniformly). If this method is chosen, it's best to water slowly and evenly with a narrow-spout watering can and remove any excess water from the tray after 15 minutes.

In this case, water approximately once a week, depending on the plant's size, room temperature, and location. You should immerse the pot in not too cold water in a deep container until the root ball is completely covered. As the water flows into the soil, it will bubble; "wait until no more bubbles come out, drain well, and empty any remaining water from the tray or pot after 15 minutes," they conclude.