Gardening expert Monty Don has offered a slew of tips for keeping poinsettias perky beyond the festive season. He explained: "Hundreds of thousands of poinsettias are given as Christmas gifts and with a little care these can be made to last looking good for months." Noting the transformation they undergo for domestic appeal, he added: "Modern poinsettias grown as houseplants are treated with a growth retardant to create the familiar short, bushy shape we all know and love.".
But in their home turf, it's a different story, as Monty highlighted: “However, in their native Mexico, poinsettias grow at the margin of the forest to a large 10ft high shrub.". For optimal conditions, Monty recommends placing these plants where there's a constant, mild temperature, steering clear of chilly nights and overly dry or hot rooms. They aren't fans of dramatic temperature shifts either, reports the Express.
Monty advised watering them just when the soil feels dry, which could mean occasionally or once a week depending on your home's climate. Providing more detailed care instructions, he said: "They like plenty of water but let the compost dry out before giving them a really good soak. Stand the pot in a sink full of water and leave it to stand for 10 minutes or so before letting the excess water drain from the pot.".
Claire Bishop, senior houseplant buyer at Dobbies, recommended feeding the houseplant if you want to keep it thriving for months. Consider using liquid plant food to fertilise, and there are plenty on the market, both online and in garden centres. Britons could also opt to feed their poinsettia monthly with a high potash feed, such as tomato food.
