Alexandrine (Poinsettia)

Although an integral part of festive decorations in homes and shops, the beauty of the Alexandrine does not stop there, as it can be kept all year round as an outdoor plant.

Let's see, in detail, what care the Alexandrine needs to enjoy it bright and beautiful during the holiday season, how its leaves turn red, along with tips to keep it all year round and decorate it again next Christmas.

Care

We make sure to place them in a bright place in our house, where they do not receive direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause burns and fade the leaves of the alexander. In order to keep the red color of the alexander bright, avoid very shady locations that gradually cause the alexander leaves to lose their vibrant coloration.

Watering

Alexandrine needs frequent watering and plenty of water in order to have satisfactory growth and abundant flowering. During the holiday season, when it is kept indoors, we must be careful with its watering. We usually water the pot with the alexandrine every 4-5 days and only resume watering when the soil in the pot is dry, as excessive moisture can cause problems for the roots.

Temperature

Keep the Alexandrine away from cold draughts and frost to keep it in good condition with green foliage and abundant flowering. Especially during the festive season, ensure a position away from frosted windows, as it can shed its leaves.

Transplanting

To transplant the Alexandrine into a larger pot, choose a pot with holes in the base and use a light soil that ensures good drainage during watering. For better water drainage, place a layer of pebbles or gravel at the base of the pot.

Tips

With proper care, the alexandrine planted in the garden grows and becomes a beautiful tree that reaches a height of three metres.

In order for the leaves to redden again next autumn, it will need to be kept in the dark for several hours. In particular, the Alexandrine, as a low-light period plant, needs little exposure to sunlight, so cover it daily for 12-14 hours with a dark cloth or black nylon in October and November, making sure that the plant has sufficient ventilation. By covering the Alexandrine, the leaves will gradually begin to turn red. After a few weeks, in late autumn, the leaves of the alexander will turn the desired bright red colour to decorate it again in the living room to keep it beautiful and impressive during the next Christmas celebrations.

Although the milky liquid that comes out when the shoots of the alexandrina are cut or the leaves are torn can cause a slight itching of the skin, alexandrina is not considered a toxic and poisonous plant for humans and animals.