Poinsettias are undoubtedly among the favorite flowers during this festive season. However, maintaining their vibrant red hue and preventing leaf loss can be quite challenging. In this article, we suggest ways to achieve this using natural fertilizers that you can easily prepare at home.
Originally from Mexico, poinsettias are now widespread worldwide, becoming a symbol of Christmas alongside nativity scenes and Christmas trees.
Before listing the recipes for natural fertilizers, it’s essential to understand the most common issues with poinsettias, their causes, and the precautions to take:
- White Edges on Leaves: Indicates a lack of calcium, often due to excess humidity, insufficient light, or particularly cold weather.
- To Promote Larger Flowers: Thin out the branches during summer. If you want a compact bush, prune the plant every two months.
- Purchase Tip: Choose a plant with smaller leaves and flowers for longevity.
- Regular Fertilizing: Add a soluble fertilizer every two weeks or once a month to keep the plant healthy.
Now, here are 5 DIY fertilizers to enhance the redness of poinsettia leaves and make them last longer:
- Banana Peel Fertilizer:
- Rich in potassium, a vital nutrient for plants, banana peels can promote flowering.
- Boil banana peels in water for a few minutes, then strain and use the room temperature liquid to water the plants.
- Hair Fertilizer:
- Hair contains nitrogen, which stimulates plant growth. Collect daily hair loss and place it directly in the plant’s soil.
- Despite sounding unusual, hair serves as an excellent natural fertilizer.
- Used Coffee Grounds Fertilizer:
- Coffee also contains nitrogen, beneficial for your poinsettias.
- Mix room temperature coffee grounds with the plant’s soil or sprinkle them directly on top.
- Crushed Eggshell Fertilizer:
- Rich in calcium carbonate, eggshells are excellent for nourishing the plant and keeping insects away.
- Grind eggshells into a powder and spread them on the poinsettia’s soil.
- Lentil Sprout Fertilizer:
- Lentil sprouts act as a fertilizer and rooting agent.
- Grind lentil sprouts with a little water, strain, and apply the liquid to the plants.
These DIY fertilizers offer natural and cost-effective solutions to keep your poinsettias vibrant and healthy throughout the holiday season.
