Poinsettia and hyacinth: two plants that have in common to offer an explosion of colors in the middle of winter. Real natural antidepressants!
The poinsettia, from the sun
Originally from Mexico, the poinsettia explodes into a multitude of colorful bracts, which have earned it the name Christmas star. No need to wait for the end of year celebrations to buy one or more, varying the colors: red, green, white, pink, salmon, purple. It is the leaves that, in the poinsettia, take on these bright hues, the flowers being the small yellow balls that make up their center.
The poinsettia is a fragile plant, it fears the cold and drafts. Ask that it be well packaged for transport outside when you buy it and do not choose a plant presented near the entrance of the store, in full draft.
To keep your poinsettia for several months, be sure to water it sparingly, only when the soil is dry, by immersing it in a container of lukewarm water – cold water causes its leaves to fall – then draining it in order to do not leave standing water. Install it in a warm room (15-22°), in light without direct sunlight.
The hyacinth, a taste of spring
With its superb flowering in pink, blue, purple, white, orange or yellow and its fresh fragrance, the hyacinth is a concentrate of spring in the middle of winter!
This Dutch bulb is not demanding: a little water every two days to keep the soil moist is enough for it, light or darkness does not matter to it.
Flowering hyacinths in December come from forced bulbs.
You’ll find them potted at florists, but you can also tackle them yourself using a high-necked carafe. A quick grow experience loved by kids.
Fill the vase with water up to one centimeter from the edge and place your hyacinth bulb in it, point upwards. Place it in a cool place without light until the leaves appear: your hyacinth is ready to see the light of day! Remember to replenish the water level throughout its growth.
