In its natural habitat, the Star of Bethlehem achieves up to 3 meters high and resembles a small treenot a delicate pot decoration. However, its red “petals” are not flowers at all – they are discolored leaves (bracta). Real flowers are tiny and often completely invisible. However, if we do not want them to fall off quickly, they will need a home-made conditioner.
The homeland of the star of Bethlehem (The most beautiful Euphorbia) are tropical regions of Mexico and Guatemala, where it grows in a stable climate with high humidity and moderate temperatures. At home, however, she becomes a demanding “diva” – she reacts violently to any care mistake. Transport from greenhouses to supermarkets and then to apartments often means thermal shock. Unfortunately, even a short exposure to cold while transporting the plant may result in massive leaf fall.
Research conducted at the Botanical Garden of the University of Warsaw shows that poinsettia develops best at bright, diffused light for 6-8 hours a day. The lack of light causes the intense color of the red flower buds to lose their intensity and the lower leaves begin to turn yellow. The plant needs appropriate:
- temperature: the optimal range is 18-24°C during the day and not less than 13-15°C at night. Drops below 10°C cause physiological shock and rapid loss of leaves;
- humidity: in winter in apartments it often drops below 30%. Meanwhile, poinsettia prefers air with a humidity of 50-60%. The solution is to place the pot on a saucer with pebbles and water or use a humidifier.
The most common mistake when caring for the Star of Bethlehem is excess water. The plant does not tolerate flooding of the roots – this situation most often leads to their rotting. On the other hand, dryness of the substrate results in rapid wilting and falling of the leaves. We should have it water only when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch, then excess water will be able to drain freely from the pot.
Poinsettia, or the star of Bethlehem, requires care based on simple but consistent rules. In winter, the plant is particularly sensitive to watering errors, so it is worth using a proven home method using yeast and milk.
Step by step instructions
- Measure 7-10 g of dry baker’s yeast and dissolve them in a glass of warm water (about 30-35°C). Set aside for 15 minutesuntil bubbles appear – this is a sign that the yeast has started working.
- Pour into the solution 400 ml of full-fat cow’s milk. Mix thoroughly to combine the ingredients. Avoid plant milk – it does not contain calcium and proteins needed by the plant.
- Use the solution every two weeks. Pour 50-100 ml per potdistributing the liquid evenly over the surface of the substrate. After watering, allow the soil to dry.
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Yeast supports root development and provides B vitamins. Calcium from milk acts as a stabilizer of cell membranes, and milk proteins and sugars are a source of nitrogen and organic carbon.. Thanks to this, poinsettia retains its freshness and color throughout the holidays, becoming a real decoration of a winter interior. It copes better with dry air and temperature fluctuations.
Star of Bethlehem is a tropical plant, so its condition in our homes depends on several very important factors. Photoperiodismi.e. the plant’s response to the length of day and night, plays a fundamental role here – it is the short days and long nights that help maintain the intense color of the bracts. This is why placing the plant in a place with bright but diffused lightpreferably by the eastern window, is one of the most important steps. Direct sunlight can burn delicate leaf tissue.
Poinsettia thrives best in the range of 15-21°Cbut you should avoid both cold drafts from windows and hot air from radiators. We should therefore find a stable place for it, free from drafts.
Contrary to popular belief, the star of Bethlehem is not an annual plant. With proper care, it may bloom again in the next season. However, this requires providing her with dark nights from October – minimum 14 hours without light per day – in this way we imitate its natural development conditions.
