Is last year’s poinsettia still alive, but its leaves haven’t turned red? No problem! Here’s how to make them red in a really easy way.
About the Christmas Star
Euphorbia pulcherrima, commonly known as the Christmas Star, is a plant that we associate with the holiday season. Native to Mexico, it has also been naturalized in some Asian regions. This plant can actually grow into a real shrub, although we typically see it in smaller sizes.
If you have space, you can plant it in your garden. Usually, the Christmas Star features thin stems and bright green leaves, and what we refer to as its flower are actually bracts that turn red. The actual flower is a small cup at the top of the stem, resembling a mouth with full lips.
Poinsettia Care: Turning Last Year’s Plant Red
If you’ve taken care of your Christmas Star throughout the year, you may have noticed that it loses its vibrant red color and turns completely green in the summer. Fortunately, there’s a way to bring back that intense fire-red hue just in time for the holiday season.
Steps to Revive Your Poinsettia:
- Fertilization: Start fertilizing the plant after flowering, at least once a month.
- Temperature: Place it in a spot that doesn’t exceed 16°C and prune the stems to about 10 cm from the base.
- Repotting: By May, when the plant flowers again, repot it in a slightly larger pot, adding some expanded clay balls for drainage.
- Summer Care: During the summer, fertilize with a liquid product every two weeks.
- Stimulating Color Change: Around September-October, prepare your plant to change color by putting it in the dark for at least 16 hours each day. You can use a cardboard box big enough to cover the entire plant, removing it for about 8 hours of light daily. Alternatively, place the plant in a dark room, like a closet.
Important Considerations
- Light Requirement: While keeping it dark, remember that a minimal amount of light is necessary for photosynthesis.
- Watering: Avoid overwatering. Only water when the soil begins to dry out.
- Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 12 and 15°C, ensuring it is not too close to radiators or drafts.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a stunning Christmas Star in your home without needing to purchase a new plant each year!
