The Poinsettia, or Christmas star, has become an essential icon of holiday decoration, with its striking red and green leaves adorning homes around the world during this season. However, maintaining that vibrant red color year after year proves to be a challenge for many gardening enthusiasts. Fortunately, an age-old method known as the “box trick” has regained interest, promising to restore this plant to its characteristic color.
The trick involves carefully managing the exposure to light for the Poinsettia, starting in the month of October when natural daylight hours decrease. For approximately eight weeks, the plant must be kept in complete darkness for 14 hours a day. This can be achieved by covering it with a box or storing it in a dark closet at night, and then returning it to light during the day.
The foundation of this method lies in the Poinsettia’s need for a controlled cycle of light and darkness to stimulate the production of anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for the red color in its bracts. By simulating the conditions of its natural habitat in Mexico, where daylight hours decrease at certain times of the year, the plant is encouraged to display its colorful splendor.
It is important to combine this trick with proper plant care, maintaining a temperature between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, avoiding drafts and proximity to direct heat sources. Watering should be moderate, allowing the top layer of the soil to dry before watering again to ensure the well-being of the plant.
By employing the box trick, those looking to enjoy a radiant Poinsettia during the holiday season have an effective tool. This ingenious method not only makes it easier to preserve a decorative tradition, but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural rhythms that govern the plant world.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
