The star of Bethlehemis a pot plant that blooms around Christmas. For this reason, it is a popular Christmas gift. It happens, however, that soon after the purchase ofthe star of Bethlehem loses the leavesand loses its decorative value. How can I fix it? Seewhy the star of Bethlehem loses its leavesand what to do to make it shine again!
Star of Bethlehem, photo: Stars For Europe
1. The star of Bethlehem loses its leaves because it is frozen
The star of Bethlehem is a plant that is very sensitive to low temperatures . The optimal temperature for growing is 15-21 ° C. A drop in temperature below 10 ° C may damage the leaves, which results in their massive fall off.
To prevent this, the newly purchased Christmas star should be tightly wrapped in paper during transport from the florist's home. You should also avoid buying this plant on frosty and windy days, because then, despite proper packaging, the star may be damaged.It is enough to expose the star of Bethlehem to low temperature for a few minutes for the leaves and decorative bracts to fall down
You should alsoavoid putting a plant in a cold car . The Christmas star should also not be left for too long in a car parked outside during frosty days or in an unheated garage.
Good to know!The star of Bethlehem reacts badly to drafts. Both cold and warm air can damage it. As a result of the draft, the leaves of the poinsettias sag and curl, and finally fall off. Therefore, always place the Christmas star pot in a sheltered place, away from windows and entrance doors.
2. The star of Bethlehem loses its leaves because it is watered poorly
When the air humidity is significantly lowered, most often because the radiators are turned on,the leaves of the star of Bethlehem gradually turn yellow, dry, curl and fall at the bottom of the stemsTo keep the plant fresh on the longer, it is worth sprinkling the leaves with lukewarm water every day. When sprinkling, be careful not to wet the inflorescences.
Star of Bethlehem, photo: Stars For Europe
In conditions of reduced air humidity, the soil also dries out very quickly - within only 2-3 days. As a result of an insufficient amount of water in the substrate , the leaves of the Bethlehem star lose their firmness and hang limp on the twigsAfter watering the plants, the leaves regain their lost firmness, but the lower leaves turn yellow, dry and fall off after a few days. Therefore, it is worth checking the moisture content of the substrate in the pots every 3-4 days to avoid the star of Bethlehem drying out.
Note!Plants sold as miniature Bethlehem stars are actually one-year-old seedlings that are forced to bloom prematurely. They are particularly sensitive to the drying of the substrate and are easily damaged. It's better to avoid buying such thumbnails.
Water stress may occur in the store. That is why it often happens that freshly purchased Bethlehem stars, despite proper irrigation, begin to flake off the lower leaves after a few days.
The star of Bethlehem reacts to excess water in the same negative way as it does to a shortage of it.When the substrate humidity is too high for a long time, the roots of the Star of Bethlehem may rot.It is not easy to restore the plant's he alth then. As a result of rotting the roots, the substrate is contaminated, pathogenic fungi causing Bethlehem diseases appear, and the plant gradually wilt, lose leaves and die.
3. The star of Bethlehem loses its leaves because it is too dark
The star of Bethlehem requires a lot of natural lightIf the plant stays in too dark a place for several weeks, it will slowly lose leaves and strip itself from the bottom of the stems. This is favored by short, cloudy autumn days.It is worth placing the pot with the star of Bethlehem in the most visible placeIn winter, even direct sunlight does not harm it.
4. The star of Bethlehem loses its leaves due to polluted air
The stars of Bethlehem give off a large amount of ethylene. In the open air, this gas is quickly dispersed in the air without causing any harm to the plant. However, if the plant remains tightly wrapped in foil for several days, thenhigh concentration of ethylene accelerates the aging of the star of Bethlehem, which is manifested by the fall of leaves and decorative bractsIt is worth paying attention to this fact when buying stars, especially in supermarkets, where they are often packed in foil and crammed into a small space.
Star of Bethlehem, photo: Stars For Europe
After purchasing it and bringing it home,remove the star of Bethlehem from the packagingas soon as possible. If we want to present a plant as a gift, we should pack it again on the day when we are to give it to someone.
Bethlehem stars are sensitive to fumes from gas cookers and stoves, and tobacco smokeA few weeks in a room with polluted air causes the Bethlehem star to drop leaves. These plants should be grown in well-ventilated and frequently aired rooms.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
