A GARDENING guru has shared four simple tricks to keep your poinsettia alive over Christmas.
So if you want your home to look and feel festive this December, you’ll need to listen up.
Not only this, but Michael, who is also known online as ‘The Mediterranean Gardener’, also shared why you should never buy a plant from outside a petrol station.
Sharing his advice on social media, he said: “Does your poinsettia always die really quickly?
“Well this is how to keep it alive over Christmas and well into next year.”
So if you’re planning on buying the iconic red plant, which many houses all over the UK are bound to have this Christmas, it turns out that you need to choose carefully.
Michael explained: “When buying your poinsettia make sure it’s in good condition.
“It should have dark green foliage down to the soil line.
“Avoid buying poinsettias that have been left by a door or on a petrol station forecourt.
“The cold air would’ve already got to it and it just won’t last.”
He also revealed that you must ensure your poinsettia is protected on your journey home, as well as how to care for it.
He advised: “When you’ve picked your plant make sure its delicate leaves are protected for the journey home and definitely don’t leave it in the car overnight.
“When you get it home, put it in a bright, draught free position that’s out of direct sunlight and only water it when the top of the compost is starting to feel dry.”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under @themediterraneangardener, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it was shared just 15 hours ago, but has quickly amassed 30,900 views.
Social media users were thankful for the tips and were eager to ask for more advice in the comments.
One person said: “Don’t over water.”
Michael responded and confirmed: “Absolutely – but also never let it fully dry out.”
Another added: “I’ve still got one from last year! Shall I re-pot it?”
The green-fingered enthusiast then replied: “Fab! They can be hard to keep going! Have a look at the roots, if root bound you can pot on.”
A third commented: “Do you water the poinsettia from the top or bottom? Thank you.”
Michael then explained: “Either is fine. I personally water mine from the top. Just make sure the pot can drain and never let them fully dry out.”
Meanwhile, someone else claimed: “Mines still doing well from last year, red leaves starting to show really for Christmas.”
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