1 week Ago By Katherine McPhillips
Not many people realise that poinsettias should last for a long time if given as a present at Christmas as many people throw them away along with their other decorations. However, this pretty houseplant can not only survive outside the holiday season but can even be encouraged to rebloom again if you take the time to properly care for it. Monty Don , a gardener best known for hosting the BBC show Gardeners' World, has explained that the best way to keep poinsettias happy is to place them in the best spot in your home.
On his website , Monty said: “Hundreds of thousands of poinsettias will be given as gifts this Christmas and with a little care these can be made to last looking good for months.” He added: “ They do not like cool nights, very hot dry rooms or big fluctuations in temperatures, so keep them where there is a constant average temperature. “Avoiding draughts, cold windows or even very bright spots that can get very hot in the middle of the day.
” It may seem funny as poinsettias are known as a winter plant but they actually prefer a warm and humid climate. One of the best places in the home to keep poinsettias is the kitchen since there is lots of steam from cooking and it is usually hotter than anywhere else in the home. However, they can also be kept in the bathroom which also tends to be very steamy due to people showering.
To keep this Christmas plant healthy, keep it at a moderate temperature of at least 15C during the day and 13C at night. Keep poinsettias away from radiators as this can dry out the plant and cause it to become damaged or droop. Poinsettias also prefer to be in bright but indirect sunlight so if you have a south-facing or east-facing window in your home then this is the ideal spot to place them near.
Avoid placing poinsettias directly on the window shelf as direct sunlight is too intense for this plant and can cause the leaves to become burned and scorched. Once you have found the perfect place in your home for a poinsettia then be aware that the most common reason they tend to die is overwatering. You can avoid killing a poinsettia and to ensure you keep it healthy then make sure the soil is dry before watering it.
Monty said: “They like plenty of water but let the compost dry out before giving them a really good soak, standing the pot in a sink full of water and leaving it to stand for 10 minutes or so before letting the excess water drain from the pot.” Taking 10 minutes out of your day to water poinsettias and place them in the best area in your home will ensure they stay alive throughout the rest of winter and even throughout springtime..
