New Year is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about what to give to your loved ones (friends, acquaintances).
If there are people in their circle who are interested in gardening, especially in terms of growing plants at home, then a gift is already prepared for them.
Don't doubt it, they will appreciate it, because we are talking about poinsettia, one of the most popular gifts of this kind.
"Christmas Star"
Why? For the simple reason that this tender and beautiful creation of nature pleases the human eye with its blossoming at Christmas and New Year.
Poinsettia (the flower is also called the "Christmas star"), according to the official scientific interpretation, is an evergreen shrub that grows in Mexico.
In natural conditions it can grow up to 4 meters, but at home – up to 0.5 meters maximum.
During the flowering period, bright bracts appear around the nondescript inflorescences - they can delight with red, pink, milky-white colors.
Care
We are talking exclusively about home conditions. With proper care, your gift will delight the recipient even after the New Year holidays.
It is worth knowing that poinsettia does not tolerate cold. A comfortable temperature for it is 18-20 degrees Celsius.
The plant loves light, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. Therefore, it is better to place it in a semi-shaded location of the apartment.
Watering (with warm water) should be done only when the top layer dries out. The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise you can harm the plant (the roots will rot).
Since the plant loves high humidity, you need to spray water around it twice a day (the ideal option is a nearby humidifier).
The flower prefers airy and fertile soil, which should be loosened periodically.
It is recommended to feed once every 2 weeks with universal mineral fertilizers; in winter, add fertilizers with a high potassium content.
Important to know
To encourage new buds to form, the bush is cut back by half immediately after flowering.
Then, leaving 4-5 growth points, you need to place the plant in a dry room with a temperature no higher than +15 degrees.
In winter, water the minimum. At the end of spring, cut off weak branches, leaving 5-6 strong ones. Transplant into a larger pot, which we put in a sunny place.
We start regular watering again and trim long shoots.
