
Jan Harris
Deputy Group Editor
1:00 AM 7th December 2024
nature
Do You Like The Christmas Poinsettia?
![Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash]()
Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash
Do you like me love the beautiful poinsettia?
I have often been given one and occasionaly decided to buy one for myself, but somehow I can never find the right place in the house for them to survive more than a few days or if I'm lucky a week. I must confess to even having a couple of silk versions which come out each Christmas.
Wikipedia describe the poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima, as a shrub or small tree which can grow up to a height of 4m. The houseplant is commercially imported, originating from Mexico and Central America and is synonymous with Christmas.
![Image by Cindy from Pixabay]()
Image by Cindy from Pixabay
Where to place your poinsettia
Poinsettias like a bright, draught-free spot out of direct sunlight with an average temperature of 13-15c. Don't put near a window, as temperatures drop at night or near a door or open fireplace which can be draughty.
Care for your poinsettia
Only water your poinsettia when the compost becomes dry and water sparingly. Spraying the plant every few days will also increase humidity.
![Image by sandid from Pixabay]()
Image by sandid from Pixabay
Types of poinsettia
There are several different hybrids in varying colours besides the traditional red which seems the most popular, including white, cream, yellow, salmon, purple, burgundy and pink. Some of these are developed by using dyes.
This year my friend bought me a beautiful poinsettia which I kept in its wrapping for a couple of days fearing wherever I put it that the leaves would shrivel and drop off. I then bravely unwrapped it and displayed it on the dining room table where I thought the room temperature might be a bit more suitable for the plant. So far, so good, but can it survive beyond Christmas, we shall have to wait and see.
For more information from GardenersWorld.com about how to look after your poinsettia click
here