MONTY’S PLANT OF THE WEEK

POINSETTIA

Poinsettias are as much a part of Christmas as holly or mistletoe. They add brilliant colour to this bleak time of year, and they should look good for another few months. The secret is to keep them in a steady temperature, with no draughts or even bright spots that can get hot. Let the compost dry out before giving them a soak. If you want to keep your poinsettia for next year, cut it back hard at the start of April and put it in a bright, cool, frost-free place, keeping it bone dry before starting to rewater in late summer.