MANY of us will be tempted to buy a poinsettia plant, expecting it to provide a vibrant red colour to the house throughout the Christmas and new year holidays – only to discover it will fade and wilt within days.

But don’t despair – properly cared for, a poinsettia can flower beautifully for up to six weeks.

When buying them from a florist, garden centre or market stall, look for one that’s healthy and the soil moist.

And when transporting it home, keep it wrapped up – they can be damaged by a cold blast of air! And don’t leave them in the car overnight, where the cold could easily finish them off.

Once indoors, give them a warm, bright draught-free spot, with some natural daylight, but preferably not in direct sunlight.

Poinsettias are exteremly vulnerable to the cold, and any period of more than an hour or so below 16C will threaten the plant.

Hot blasts of air are almost as dangerous – so a location by the fire or near the cooker is not recommended. It will thrive when properly cared for, but once the leaves wilt, there’s no way to save it.

It’s vital that you remember that over-watering is as damaging as under-watering. Allow the compost to dry out a little before watering with tepid water. It needs to stay moist but not soaked.

It’s best to use a saucer or plant dish, and pour away any excess water. This will maintain the plant in tip-top condition throughout the Christmas season and well beyond.

Poinsettias can be maintained longer with a monthly feed of a high-potassium, low-nitrogen fertiliser.

They can also be moved outside in springtime in a warm, sheltered position and cut back to encourage new bracts – you can even maintain it until the following Christmas and beyond!