poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings
Hardiness Zone:
9 - 11
Flowers:
Yellow flowers with red bracts Flowers
Sun:
part shade,part sun/part shade
Soil:
Well-drained
Fruits:
green,yellow Fruits In Winter Ready In Summer
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Maintenance:
High
Indoors:
Yes
watering
For optimal results, water your poinsettia regularly to keep the soil lightly moist. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, generally once every 5-7 days. Water until the soil feels wet to a depth of 3-4 inches. Allow the excess water to drain out, then discard any water left in the saucer. Do not allow the plant to sit in water or become overly saturated. Avoid sudden fluctuations in soil moisture, as this can cause yellow and wilting leaves.
sunlight
Poinsettias require a fairly bright light setting for healthy growing. Ideally, this plant should have indirect sunlight for half the day, from 6 to 8 hours of indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight may scorch and burn the leaves of this species, so it is best to keep it in a place where it will receive bright, indirect light for 4-6 hours during the day. During the winter months, it can receive some light from a windowsill or near a bright window; however, it is best to provide artificial light of 14-16 hours a day for optimal growth.
pruning
Poinsettia should be pruned annually in early spring, before they produce new growth, to help keep them full and shapely. Prune the stems back to about 6 inches in height, cutting just above where 2 leaves meet. This will encourage branching and help maintain a more bushy shape. The stems can also be pinched back lightly throughout the season to encourage fuller growth. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves as necessary, but do not over-prune. Poinsettia plants usually do not require heavy pruning and should not require pruning more than once a year.
FAQ
Can poinsettia propagate by stem cutting?
Yes, poinsettia can propagate by stem cutting. Stem cuttings of poinsettia are typically taken in late spring or early summer. To take a stem cutting of a poinsettia, use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to cut at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. Next, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Finally, plant the cutting in moist soil and make sure the cut end is facing downward. Place the cuttings in a warm, humid place and make sure to keep the soil moist. Within several weeks, the poinsettia should take root and start to grow.
Is poinsettia annual or perennial plant?
Poinsettia is a perennial plant, although it is commonly grown as an annual for the holiday season. Poinsettia is native to Mexico and is a popular choice for its bright red leaves, although it is available in a wide range of colors. While poinsettia is thought of as a holiday houseplant, it can in fact survive year-round with proper care. Poinsettia requires bright, indirect light and regular watering. It can also tolerate temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If pruned correctly, poinsettia can be kept alive as a perennial and its vibrant leaves can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Can poinsettia be used for natural dyeing?
Yes, poinsettia can be used to make a natural dye. To make a dye from poinsettia petals, you will need to boil the petals in water for about an hour to extract the most vivid hue. The longer you boil them, the more intense your hue will be. You can also dry the petals and grind them up to make a finer powder. The powder or solution can be used to dye proteins or cellulose fabrics, including fabrics like wool, cotton, and silk. Poinsettia produces a soft yellowish-orange color when used for natural dyeing.
Should poinsettia be grown in humid environment?
Yes, poinsettias can be grown in humid environments. They are originally native to Mexico, Guatemala, and southern parts of western-central America, which have humid climates. As long as they have sufficient water and light, and their soil is well-draining, they can handle a more humid environment. Just be sure to watch for pests, as they can be more of a problem in a humid environment. Additionally, you may need to water more often to ensure your poinsettia gets the moisture it needs.
Can poinsettia be used in landscaping?
Yes, poinsettia can be used in landscaping. This colorful plant is a great way to add color to a bland garden or lawn, as its bright red bracts offer a striking contrast to other plants. Poinsettias prefer partial to full sun, and should be planted in rich, well-drained soil. They are relatively low-maintenance, though they may need occasional pruning to keep them looking neat. Additionally, when planting poinsettias, it is important to select those that match the soil conditions in the landscape.
Should poinsettia be repotted annually?
No, poinsettias do not need to be repotted annually. Poinsettias are slow-growing plants that can stay in the same pot for up to a year and a half. However, you should check the plant’s roots regularly to make sure they are receiving enough oxygen and water. If roots become too dense, you can repot the poinsettia into a slightly larger pot. To further encourage a healthy poinsettia that blooms for the holidays, keep the potting soil moist and give it plenty of sunlight.
Are there any unusual poinsettia varieties avialable?
Yes, there are many unusual poinsettia varieties available. Poinsettias now come in a variety of colors and sizes, including white, pink, purple, orange and marbled varieties. Some of the most unusual varieties include ice punch poinsettia, marble poinsettia, marble gold poinsettia, bonfire poinsettia, strawberry poinsettia and glitter poinsettia. These plants are often more vibrant and eye-catching than traditional red varieties.
Can poinsettia be grown from stem section?
Yes, poinsettia can be grown from stem section. To do so, carefully begin by selecting a stem that is healthy, vibrant and free from damage. Cut the stem below a leaf node using sterilized scissors. Place the stem in a jar of lukewarm water until a callous appears on the end of the cut (this should take one to two weeks). When the callous has formed, transfer the stem to a pot of moistened soil and position the pot in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist, but not saturated, and fertilize the plant every two weeks. The poinsettia should become well-established and begin to bloom in a few months' time.
