The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a plant native to Mexico, where it grows as a shrub, and today it's a must-have during Christmas in many Nordic homes. In its natural warm habitat, it can grow several meters tall and blooms during the winter months. The plant has large red, white, or pink leaves, which are often mistaken for flowers but are actually leaves. This has made it the perfect Christmas flower, as the colors fit into any holiday-decorated home. The poinsettia can be a long-lasting plant if you take care of it properly.
How do I care for my poinsettia?
We all want our Poinsettias to stay beautiful throughout the winter, but how do you take care of them so they actually last the whole season?
The first thing to consider is where to place your poinsettia, and the answer is: in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. Like most plants, the poinsettia likes light, but placing it directly in the sun can cause its leaves to lose color.
The plant also likes water but can be sensitive to root rot, so make sure the soil stays slightly moist but never wet.
Ironically, for a Christmas flower, the poinsettia does not like cold temperatures at all, so it's important not to place it near drafty windows or doors. It prefers room temperature but not temperatures below 15°C.
This is also important to keep in mind if you're planning to give a poinsettia as a gift – remember to wrap it carefully with paper and cardboard to protect it from the cold when it's leaving your home or the store.
If you want to keep your poinsettia for next year, that’s absolutely possible! The poinsettia is a perennial plant and can live for several years. Keep it in a bright but not sunny spot until autumn, then place it in a dark area for about two months to trigger blooming.
How do I create a beautiful Christmas arrangement with a poinsettia to give as a gift?
Giving a homemade Christmas arrangement is, in my opinion, perfect for all of the holiday parties and events. But always buying a new arrangement from the store can get expensive and tiring after a while. That's why I think it's a good idea to make your own arrangement. Plus, it’s much more personal and unique.
To make a Christmas arrangement to give away, you'll need:
- A pot, basket, or similar container
- A poinsettia
- Moss or pine branches
- Soil (optional: clay pebbles for drainage)
- Complementary plants, such as ivy, cypress, or other low-water plants
- Decorations like ornaments, pinecones, ribbons, nuts – anything you like
Here’s how to make your own poinsettia arrangement:
- Start by filling your container with soil, and add clay pebbles at the bottom if you'd like better drainage.
- Place your poinsettia in the container. If you want some extra color, you can use two different poinsettias for a more varied Christmas arrangement.
- Arrange your complementary plants around the poinsettia.
- Cover the soil with moss or pine branches.
- Decorate however you like.
Now you have a beautiful, personal Christmas arrangement to give away when it's time for the holiday festivities!
The poinsettia truly is the perfect pop of color we need in our homes during Christmas, and also the perfect flower to give as a gift. I hope this post has inspired you to let poinsettias take a place in your home this year!
