The star of Bethlehemis a popular floral ornament for Christmas. However, it often causes problems and may wilt before we get to Christmas. A common cause of wilt or yellowing of poinsettias leaves, and consequently their fall, is improperwatering the star of BethlehemTherefore, it is worth knowing the rules of watering it well. Seehow to water the star of Bethlehemso that it blooms for a long time and delights with beautiful leaves!
How to water the star of Bethlehem?
How often to water the Christmas star?
The star of Bethlehem should always have moist soil but not excessively wet at the same time (excess water must never remain in the stand under the pot).Watering the star of Bethlehem too often and too rarely is harmful.
If the soil is too wet, the roots of poinsettias quickly rot and the plant is attacked by pathogens that cause diseases of the star of Bethlehem. On the other hand, when the soil dries out excessively, the leaves will lose their firmness and become saggy. Even if we water the star of Bethlehem immediately after noticing such symptoms , the leaves will regain their firmness, but the lowest ones will turn yellow and fall over time.
The frequency of watering the Star of Bethlehemdepends on the conditions in the room in which the plant is grown. In heated apartments, the soil in the pot can dry out very quickly, even in a day. Therefore, it is bestto check with your finger every day that the top layer of soil in the pot has not dried out If it is dry to a depth of 2 cm, the plant should be watered. An additional indicator can be the weight of the pot with the plant. If it appears light, it means that the earth has dried up. Wet ground is always heavier.
In practice,the Bethlehem star should be watered every 2-7 daysThere is no hard and fast rule. You always have to check whether the soil is dry. We should also remember that when the plant fades and becomes dormant, watering should be limited and the soil should be allowed to dry out (this applies to plants that we want to store until next year).
How do I water the Christmas Star?
Before you start watering the Christmas starmake sure there are drainage holes at the bottom of the pot so that excess water can drain out. Otherwise, water will remain on the bottom of the pot, causing the roots to rot.
Water can be poured over the top layer of earth (from the top of the pot) until it flows out of the pot from the bottom.Thanks to this, we can be sure that the soil has been sufficiently moistened. Pour off the excess water accumulating in the stand under the pot.The star of Bethlehem must never be allowed to stand in the water for a long time , because then its roots will quickly rot and the entire plant will die.
Watering the stars of Bethlehem in a greenhouse, photo: Stars For Europe
It's also a good ideato place a pot with a star of Bethlehem in a larger container of water(the pot should be at least half submerged) and wait until all the soil is soaked up, which should take 10 -Twenty minutes. After removing the pot from the water, let the excess water drain out, and then place the plant back in the growing area.
Note!If the star of Bethlehem is wrapped in decorative foil, make sure that the foil does not remain wet after watering the plant. Leaving the foil wet would encourage the development of fungal diseases.It is best that the plant, after bringing it home, should not be left in any foil packaging at all, even if it was an additional decoration.
With what water should I water the star of Bethlehem?
You can useordinary tap water to water the Star of Bethlehem. However, it is best if the water was left standing, necessarily at a temperature equal to the temperature in the room in which the poinsettia is grown.
Good to know!During the flowering of the star of Bethlehem, it is worth dissolving the dose of fertilizer for flowering plants in the watering water once every two weeks. Thanks to the use of fertilizer, the plant will grow he althier and bloom more abundantly.
Do not rush to fertilize the newly bought plants, however, as they are usually planted in a fertile soil. If the poinsettia was bought before Christmas,watering the star of Bethlehem with diluted liquid fertilizerstart not earlier than in January.
