The Christmas Star flaunts its colourful leaves
Although most people know it as the 'Christmas Star', the Poinsettia provides your home with a warm atmosphere throughout the entire winter. Its velvety leaves are as soft as a blanket, regardless of whether they're green or red, white, salmon pink or purple. Yes, you read that correctly: it's the leaves that assume such beautiful deep colours – not the flowers. The flowers are the little yellow speckles in the middle of the leaf rosettes.

Originally, this warm family friend came from Mexico where, outdoors, it would grow up to three meters highs. It won't grow that tall in the Dutch living room, however, and it doesn't usually last longer than a couple of months. Enjoy its colours until it's finished flaunting them, then you can throw it away and make room for a new plant.

Reduces stress
In return for its warm charisma, the Poinsettia would like a couple of things. It wants to be watered with lukewarm water (ice-cold water makes its leaves fall off) and it needs light so it can stay beautiful until after the festive season (but don't put it in direct sunlight). Scientific research has shown that people feel calmer with green foliage in their homes. So it wouldn't do any harm to pull up a chair for this warm family friend when everyone sits down for the Christmas dinner.

Spot: Light spot, no bright sunlight.
Water: Water regularly with lukewarm water.
Fertiliser: Add a dash of plant food now and again to the water.