spurge, beautiful euphorbia or simply – star of Bethlehem. It appears in stores at the end of November. Enchanted by its beauty, we buy it and wonder what to do to make it last until Christmas. The Star of Bethlehem should decorate our homes, but it often happens that it loses its leaves just a few days after purchase. What can be done to ensure that the star of Bethlehem does not lose its bright red color and blooms for the next holiday season?
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The star of Bethlehem will not lose its leaves until Christmas. Here’s what the popular potted flower needs to grow healthily
In our conditions, poinsettia blooms from late autumn to the end of winter. However, if properly cared for, it can please the eyes even until spring. For this to happen, you need to pay attention to the right plant at the time of purchase. We choose specimens with fully colored flowers and intensely green leaves. Let’s also check whether there are no whiteflies, i.e. small white flies. Another important issue is transport. In the store, we wrap the flower in paper, and when we bring it home, we only unwrap half of it. We place it in a not too warm place for a few hours, and only then do we unpack it completely and move it to the destination. The star of Bethlehem does not like sudden changes in temperature, it is sensitive to cold, so avoid watering it with cold water and placing it in places exposed to drafts. What else should you pay attention to?
Star of Bethlehem. Watering and care
It is best to water the Star of Bethlehem with water at room temperature. The plant likes moderate humidity. We water it regularly, but avoid overwatering. It is best to water when the top layer of soil is dry. We pour water directly into the pot, not onto the leaves. Excess water should drain freely through the drainage holes in the pot. If water collects in the base after watering, it should be poured out. If the roots are immersed in water, they will rot. Poinsettia likes moist air. Twice a week you can also spray a fine mist of water near the plant. Water quality is also important. Hard increases the pH of the soil and reduces the absorption of some micronutrients. The Star of Bethlehem likes warm and well-lit places, preferably at a temperature of 13 to 22 degrees Celsius. In winter, it will tolerate direct sunlight on the windowsill. Poinsettia does not tolerate drafts. If we place it in an inappropriate place, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.
How to store the Star of Bethlehem for the second year? Here’s how to get it to bloom again
Many people treat the star of Bethlehem as a one-season flower, but if properly cared for, it can change color. After flowering, the poinsettia goes dormant and watering is significantly reduced. In spring (April) we need to prune it. We remove withered and diseased shoots. This way we will keep the plant in shape and stimulate it to produce new twigs. We prune the poinsettia by shortening it by approximately half. Attention! Due to the fact that the sap of the star of Bethlehem is irritating (and also poisonous when consumed) to the skin and mucous membranes, it is best to cut it with gloves. After such treatment, we move the flower to a cooler room (approx. 13 degrees C). In May, we transplant the plant into a larger pot and leave it for two days in a shaded place without watering. This treatment will stimulate the roots to grow. After this time, we place the pot again in a bright, warm place and water it thoroughly. From October, every day until mid-November, we cut it off from light for 15 hours (you can cover it with cardboard). Then we just wait for the star of Bethlehem to turn red again.
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