Poinsettia warning as common mistake will kill your plant this Christmas

16 December 2023 , 14:30

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Poinsettias are lovely, but they need to be kept in a specific place (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Poinsettias are lovely plants that traditionally adorn people's homes at Christmas - but an expert has shared there's a place you should never keep the glorious red plant, otherwise, it could kill it over the festive season.

It's the time of the year when the bright red leaves of the poinsettia join the rest of your houseplants as they have come to represent goodwill and community spirit throughout the month of December. In religious communities, the shape of the poinsettia flower is also thought to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem, and the red leaves even symbolise the blood of Christ.

But an expert has shared that there's one place you certainly shouldn't put the plant, as it won't live long past Christmas. The expert told the Daily Star that you need to be mindful of the condition of the plant when you buy it, as if the leaves are already wilting, it may be best to leave it on the shelf, as it's a sign the plant has been too cold.

You should also avoid buying poinsettias that have been displayed near a door or even on a petrol station forecourt as they aren't likely to last very long.

When taking the plant home, you should also try to expose it to as little cold as possible, as the leaves are delicate. You could ask the shop assistant for a bag to place it in, and it's also best not to leave your poinsettia in the car for longer than is necessary, as the mercury can drop rapidly, and your poinsettia will suffer.

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So when your poinsettia is at home, where should you put it? In a bright, draught-free spot out of direct sunlight is the ideal place, and the one place you should keep it away from is windows, according to Gardener's World, as this is where temperatures can fall significantly at night. Doorways and fireplaces should also be avoided, as they can be colder too.

And when it comes to ensuring that the plant lasts, it's best to only water your poinsettia if the surface of the compost is dry, and continue to water it only sparingly. Gently spray the plant with water every few days as this helps to keep the leaves in tip-top condition.

Danielle Kate Wroe