Princettia - facts and care tips

The princettia is strikingly similar to a common poinsettia, but the colors make it something special. The Autumn Star also starts being sold earlier in the autumn than a regular poinsettia and it is also more robust. You could describe it as a tougher and trendier Euphorbia. The color shades of the Autumn Star range from pure white to vibrant shades of pink and apricot – some are even variegated or marbled. It is no coincidence that the plant has quickly become so trendy.

Did you know that the colorful leaves, which we often associate with the plant, are actually bracts? The actual flower is the small, yellow buds in the center. The common poinsettia is not as toxic as rumors make it out to be, but both poinsettias and princettia can be painful for allergy sufferers. The plants also contain a plant sap that can irritate the skin.

For the most beautiful color on the bracts, the plant should be placed in a bright location. A window with drafts is not the best option, as the autumn star is sensitive to cold. Strong, direct sunlight is also not ideal. Find a place with good lighting conditions and a consistent temperature. Also, keep the plant away from heat sources such as stoves and radiators.

Temperature
Normal room temperature is suitable for the autumn star. Like the poinsettia, the princettia does not tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees. If the plant is exposed to cold, the leaves may fall off. Therefore, remember to wrap the plant properly when transporting it home from the store.

Watering
Allow the plant to dry slightly between each watering, and use lukewarm water. The autumn star tolerates dryness better than being slightly too wet; if you water too much, the roots may start to rot. Yellow leaves can be a sign that the plant has been overwatered.

Fertilizer
During the darkest months of the year when the plant is at its finest, it does not need to be fertilized.

Similar to common poinsettias, many see the princettia as a seasonal plant - when the flower begins to wither, it is often replaced with other plants, but it does not necessarily have to be that way. If you want to try to make the autumn star bloom again, you can overwinter the plant in a bright place. Trim the flower and a couple of pairs of leaves below it, and give the plant new soil. Keep the autumn star's soil moist and provide nutrients regularly. After the summer, you can try to make the autumn star bloom again by letting it stand in a dark room for twelve hours a day. For example, you can cover the plant with a cardboard box to make it dark enough. The rest of the day, the plant should be placed in a bright spot. Then, just wait for autumn and hope the autumn star comes back with new flowers.