Keep poinsettias blooming beyond Christmas with pumpkin magic
The red flowers of the poinsettia are inseparably associated with the holidays. You can find them almost everywhere, even in supermarkets. While it may seem that these flowers are just for a brief moment, a simple method will allow you to enjoy them much longer than just during the Christmas season.
10:34 AM EST, December 18, 2024
In winter, it's hard to find vibrant colors, making the red poinsettia stand out against the omnipresent gray. Its colorful leaves, reminiscent of stars, add festive charm and create beautiful and simple home decor. This unique plant is often treated as a one-time purchase, but with proper care, it can last for many weeks.
Poinsettia for the holidays
Although the poinsettia is often regarded as a seasonal decoration, it is a perennial plant that can adorn our homes with the right care for many months. The key is to provide it with proper growing conditions and regularly use homemade fertilizer.
The poinsettia grows best in well-lit areas, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It's also important to avoid drafts and maintain moderate humidity levels. Room temperature should be around 64-70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is optimal for this plant.
How to care for your poinsettia
After the holidays, we often forget about the poinsettia, but it requires care all year round. During the winter months, the plant enters a resting phase, which means reducing watering and moving it to a cooler place. In spring, you can start watering and fertilizing the plant more intensively and transplant it into a larger pot. In summer, it's beneficial to place it outside, avoiding direct sunlight.
Pumpkin is an ally in caring for your poinsettia. This vegetable is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals that nourish the plant. Thanks to it, the poinsettia will retain its vibrant colors longer and be more resistant to diseases. Pumpkin provides essential nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus, which strengthen the roots and help produce energy.
How to make pumpkin fertilizer
Simply take the vegetable, blend it, and fertilize. It's a cost-effective and natural way to keep your poinsettia stunning for much longer.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of pumpkin pulp without seeds
- 1 cup of water per tablespoon of pumpkin pulp
Instructions:
- Blend the pumpkin pulp into a smooth paste.
- Add water and mix well.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve.
Water the poinsettia with the fertilizer every two weeks, using 2 tablespoons per pot. After the first month, you'll see the effects, and the poinsettia will bloom longer than usual.
