Aaron’s poinsettia care tips

As with all houseplants, the key to poinsettia care lies in the watering regime you devise for them. if a poinsettia gets too dry, there’s a tendency to want to give it lots of water – but if you do this, you’ll effectively drown it. That’s because the roots need to breathe, and if water is blocking all the air channels through the growing medium, there’s no room for air to get in.

› To judge whether your poinsettia is in need of water, we recommend ‘the finger test’. Poke your finger into the potting mix. If there’s very little potting mix stuck to it when you pull it out, it’s time to water. But if your finger feels damp, and there’s potting mix stuck to it, don’t water the plant. ›

when you do add water, it’s best to give a little, regularly, than a lot all at once. and just because your plant is wilting, don’t assume it’s in need of water. the opposite may be the case!

› When watering, do so during the day, when the temperature is on the rise (before 11am is a good guide in most homes). This gives the soil time to dry out a little before night, something that helps prevent fungal disease. always water around the base of the stem, and not over the foliage (poinsettia bracts will water mark).

› There should be no need to fertilise your plant, as the growing medium Zealandia formulates contains controlled-release fertiliser that is good for six to nine months (which should see the plant right through the festive period). if you do want to fertilise, use a standard indoor plant supplement.