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Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Temperature: Average warmth – minimum 55 – 60 F during the flowering season.
Light: Maximum light during winter – protect from hot summer sun if plant is to be kept for next Christmas.
Water: Water thoroughly – wait until compost is moderately dry before watering again. Water immediately if leaves begin to wilt. Water more liberally in summer.
Air Humidity: Mist leaves frequently during the flowering season.
Care After Flowering: Plant should be discarded, but if you like a challenge it can be kept and will bloom again next Christmas. The lighting will have to be very carefully controlled in autumn.
How to Make a Poinsettia Bloom Again Next Christmas: When the leaves have fallen cut back the stems to leave stumps 4 in high. The compost should be kept almost dry and the pot placed in a mild, shady position. In early May water and repot the plant, removing some of the old compost. Continue watering and shoots will soon appear. Feed regularly and remove some of the new growth to leave 4-5 strong new stems. The prunings can be used as cuttings. From the end of September careful light control is essential. Cover with a black polythene bag from early evening and remove next morning so that the plant is kept in total darkness for 14 hours. Continue daily for 8 weeks, then treat normally. Your Poinsettia will again be in bloom at Christmas time, but it will be taller than the plant you bought.
Propagation: Take stem cuttings in early summer. Use a rooting hormone. |