2 weeks Ago By Millie Bull
Poinsettias are native to Mexico and are known for their festive red and green foliage which is why they are often used in Christmas displays. The pretty plants are notoriously fussy and usually die at the end of the Christmas season. However, there are ways to ensure they survive past Christmas and into the New Year.
Gardening expert Michael, also known on TikTok as @themediterraneangardener , has shared how to care for poinsettia houseplants this Christmas. He opened his video saying, "This is the classic Christmas flower but does your poinsettia die really quickly? If so, here are some tips to help them survive." Michael's tips begin with how to choose the best poinsettia in stores and avoid buying one that will likely die.
If you are buying a poinsettia from a supermarket or garden centre then you need to make sure it is in good condition. One sign the plant may not be in good condition is wilting leaves. Michael said this could indicate it has "been left in too cold conditions".
Another red flag when it comes to buying poinsettias is if they have been displayed by a door or in a petrol station forecourt. "They just won't last," Michael said. Once you've chosen your poinsettia, ensure the plant's leaves are well protected during the journey home and do not leave it in the car overnight.
When positioning your plant, choose a draft-free area that's out of direct sunlight and only water it when the top of the compost starts to feel dry. Michael's video received more than 40 comments from fellow gardening enthusiasts who shared their own tips and experiences of the plants. Lynne Burns said: "Yes and don't overwater [it].
They don't like it." Michael responded saying, "Absolutely! Only water when the top of the compost feels dry." @intothewoods asked: "My two are still alive from last year, but are just green.
Is there anything I can do?" Michael responded: "Well done! So many throw them away. You might be a little late to get it to change colour now - but to do it, you’d need to put it in a dark cupboard for 12 hours a day. It needs lower light to flower.
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