In the days and weeks leading up to Christmas, present options for green-fingered friends or relatives may include growing hyacinths or spring bulbs in small glass containers. Or there is always the novelty mug, floral small trowel and fork sets or yet another pair of gardening gloves.
However, if you look in your local garden centre or supermarket, you won’t fail to spot the shelves lined with rows of poinsettia plants. The distinctive red bracts of the plants and the dark green leaves are very noticeable and are considered as perfect Christmas colours and make ideal presents. However, it may surprise people to know that poinsettias can also be pink or white.
If you are lucky enough to receive one as a gift, then do make sure you place it in a warm room, in a sunny position, away from draughts or extreme heat from a radiator or an open fire, for instance. If you put your plant on a window sill, then make sure the leaves do not come into contact with a cold window pane. Poinsettias originate from Central America and, as a result, much prefer a warm environment.
You must make sure that the soil in the pot never dries out completely but be careful not to over-water as the soil must not become waterlogged. With care and attention, your poinsettia could last several months. If this is the case, then make sure you feed with a soluble plant food twice a month.
