Poinsettia loses leaves: This is how the sensitive plant lasts until after Christmas
Created: 2022-12-15, 2:03 p.m
By: Romina Kunze
Its red flowers in particular are perfect for the Advent season.
But how can you enjoy the festive poinsettia for a long time?
The right care makes the difference.
Kassel – For many people, the poinsettia is just as much a part of the festively decorated room as the Christmas tree and Advent wreath.
The small potted plant contributes perfectly to the Christmas feeling, especially with its red look.
But as soon as you get home, the first leaves are often already falling.
This is not only annoying, but also an important indication of incorrect handling of the plant.
Even if the ornamental plant ends up in the bin for most people after Christmas at the latest, the poinsettia (also called "Euphorbia pulcherrima") is actually a perennial plant.
And with the right care, the little seasonal worker becomes a permanent part of the room furnishings.
The guide portal Ökotest.de
reveals what this looks like
.
Poinsettia Losing Leaves: What Causes It?
The poinsettia originally comes from South America and paradoxically likes it rather warm.
If it drops its leaves, it wants to tell the owner that it is too cold or too humid for it.
Ideally, he needs a spot that is as bright and cozy as possible in the home, even during the darker months of the year.
But watch out for direct sunlight.
Because, especially in a glaring midday sun, it can quickly get too warm for the little exotic.
Burns are the result.
And even a place right next to the radiator is taboo for the poinsettia.
Like many other indoor plants, the poinsettia should never stand on the windowsill.
According to Ökotest.de
, the perfect temperatures
for houseplants are between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius - and therefore also right on target for the recommended room temperature in winter.
Delicacy when watering: Poinsettias are tropical plants and therefore only need little water.
© Ekaterina Yakunina/Imago
Poinsettia does not tolerate a lot of water - tips for hobby gardeners
plants need water;
that is clear.
But eye and instinct are required.
If the top layer of soil has dried noticeably, the star needs some water.
The emphasis here is on "something".
Waterlogging should be avoided at all costs.
Instead, the root ball can be removed and hung in the water for a moment.
Important: Whether poured or dipped, the water should be lukewarm.
A small snack between meals is good for everyone – including the plants.
Potassium-rich fertilizer is to the poinsettia what chocolate Santa Claus or cookies are to us during the Advent season.
Only the potted plant does not need something to “snack” quite as often.
Every two weeks she should get a fertilizer cure.
Poinsettia faded: What you should definitely pay attention to when buying
There are a few things to consider when buying the decorative plant.
It's a bit like the myth about bananas: if they have dark spots in the fruit department, they won't be edible in the kitchen at home for much longer.
It is similar with the poinsettia: it should have strong, dark green leaves and buds closed in the middle.
If the buds are missing or already open, the flowering period of the plant is already over.
So: keep your eyes open when buying a Christmas star.
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Just take an Advent star with you when shopping in the supermarket;
there is nothing wrong with that.
But here they are mostly in the drafty entrance area or even in the cold in front of the entrance.
And – we have learned – the sensitive little plants do not like that at all.
So the star should be packed well so that it doesn't "catch a cold" on the way home.
Nor does he like drafts.
This also applies at home.
Ventilation is also necessary in winter, but the poinsettia can do without it.
Caring for the poinsettia properly: this is how it lasts until next winter
Upcycling and recycling is known to be “in”.
If you have fallen in love with your Advent star, your heart will bleed in January when the Christmas decorations are put away and the plant thrown away.
Why not just use it again next year?
Bringing the plant through the winter is also possible if a few things are taken to heart.
Care tips for poinsettias at a glance:
Water only sparingly
: Only water when the top layer of soil has dried.
Plenty of light
: But beware of direct sunlight.
Cozy and warm:
Advent stars don’t like the cold, but unfortunately neither do heaters.
An environment with 18 to 22 degrees Celsius is ideal.
Caution, poisonous:
Pet owners should definitely keep an eye on their four-legged friends, who like to examine the plants.
The milky sap that the plant contains can be toxic to furry friends.
Source:
Ökotest.de
In order to keep the poinsettia fit all year round, it first needs a rest after the holidays.
This might sound familiar to some.
To do this, place the plant in a rather dark, not too warm place for about twelve weeks.
For example, the basement is suitable.
If the temperatures outside rise and there is no longer any threat of night frost, the shoots can be cut back and the star can move to the balcony, terrace or garden.
Since he should get a new pot and fresh soil, informs
Ökotest
.
Even in summer, the demanding plant does not need much water.
But a partially shaded place and then no more than twelve hours of light in autumn.
Et voilà – then the Christmas season is almost upon us again.
And with it the heyday of the red poinsettia.
(Romina Kunze)
