Poinsettia, commonly known as the Christmas flower, is a striking evergreen shrub that adds vibrant color to any space during the holiday season. Also referred to as ivory red, red years, or orangutans, this plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is native to Mexico. It is now widely cultivated around the world, including in both northern and southern regions of China.
Morphologically, poinsettias have erect stems that exude a milky sap. The leaves are alternate, ovate-elliptic in shape, with lower leaves typically green and upper leaves often turning red. The inflorescence appears at the top of the plant, featuring colorful bracts that resemble flowers.
Poinsettias thrive in sunny and warm climates. When grown in pots, they require well-drained, loose, and fertile sandy loam soil. Propagation is usually done through cuttings, which should be taken in spring or autumn. Cuttings of 10–15 cm length (with 3–4 buds) are ideal. After removing the lower leaves and trimming the cut ends, the cuttings are treated with ash to stop the sap flow before being inserted into disinfected river sand about 4–5 cm deep. They should be kept in the shade and misted regularly until roots form, usually within 20 days.
In terms of cultivation, poinsettias need regular repotting in spring. They prefer bright light but are not overly fussy about soil type, as long as drainage is good. Overwatering can cause soft, drooping leaves, while dry soil may lead to leaf burn. During the rainy season, excess water should be drained promptly. Fertilization with organic liquid fertilizer during the growing season helps maintain healthy growth; lack of nutrients can result in thin branches and yellowing leaves.
As a short-day plant, poinsettias require specific light conditions to bloom. To ensure flowering by National Day, shading is necessary from mid-August, with only 8–10 hours of daylight per day for about 40 days. Pruning is essential to control height and promote compact growth. Heavy shearing is used to keep the plant low and attractive for indoor display. Selecting strong, uniform shoots early on and removing weaker ones improves overall appearance. Bending techniques can also be used to shape the plant, involving controlled watering to soften the stems before gently tying them down.
Poinsettias are sensitive to cold. Before the first frost, they should be moved indoors, where temperatures should be maintained between 15–25°C, with plenty of light and good ventilation. If the temperature drops too low, leaves may curl and fall off.
In gardens, poinsettias provide beautiful red foliage from November to March, offering a striking contrast with green leaves. They are ideal for hall displays, event arrangements, or floral compositions. In warmer regions, they can be planted in flower beds or near windows.
Popular varieties include EckesWhite with white bracts, Rosea with pink bracts, Lutea with pale yellow bracts, and Crimson Poinsettia (Annette Hegg) with dark red bracts. Other notable types include Triploid Poinsettia with bright red, leaf-shaped bracts, and Double-petered Poinsettia with double-lobed red bracts.
Newer varieties like Festival Red (dwarf with large red bracts), Petoy Red (broad dark red bracts), Success Red (leaf-shaped red bracts), Orange Red Lilo (orange-red bracts), Pearl (yellow-white bracts), and Pichacho (dwarf with deep red bracts) continue to expand the range of options for gardeners and decorators alike.
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