Poinsettia, commonly known as the Christmas flower, is a striking evergreen shrub native to Mexico. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is admired for its vibrant red bracts that resemble flowers. The plant has an upright stem with milky sap, and its leaves are alternately arranged, oval to elliptical in shape. Lower leaves are green, while the upper ones often turn red, creating a beautiful contrast.
Poinsettias thrive in sunny, warm environments and require well-drained, loose, and fertile soil when grown in pots. Propagation is typically done through cuttings. In spring or autumn, take 10–15 cm cuttings with 3–4 buds, remove the lower leaves, and leave 1–2 at the top. Make clean cuts, dust them with ash to stop the milky sap, and plant them in washed river sand about 4–5 cm deep. Keep them in a shaded area, mist regularly, and roots usually form within 20 days.
This plant needs annual repotting in spring. It prefers bright light but isn’t overly picky about soil, as long as drainage is good. Overwatering can cause soft, drooping leaves, while under-watering may lead to leaf scorch. During summer rains, ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging. Fertilize with organic liquid fertilizer during the growing season; lack of nutrients can result in thin stems and yellow leaves.
As a short-day plant, poinsettias need about 8–10 hours of darkness daily starting mid-August to encourage blooming by National Day. Pruning is essential to maintain a compact shape, especially for indoor display. Select 3–5 strong branches early in the budding stage and remove the rest. Prune before and after autumn to control height. If the branches become too long, you can bend them using techniques like tying with silk or wire once the plant is slightly wilted to prevent breakage.
Poinsettias are sensitive to cold. Before and after frost, keep them in a greenhouse with temperatures between 15–25°C, ensuring adequate light and good ventilation. Low temperatures can cause curling and dropping of leaves.
In gardens, poinsettias are popular from November to March, offering a vivid red and green combination that enhances indoor spaces, event decorations, and floral arrangements. They can be planted in southern flower beds or near windows.
Popular varieties include:
- **EckesWhite**: White bracts.
- **Rosea**: Pink bracts.
- **Lutea**: Pale yellow bracts.
- **Annette Hegg**: Deep red bracts.
- **Eckespointc-1 (Triploid)**: Bright red, leaf-shaped bracts.
- **Plenissima**: Double-lobed red bracts.
- **Henrietta Ecke**: Double flaps, upright bracts.
- **Flaming Sphere**: Spherical, double-petaled bracts.
- **Variegata**: Gray-green leaves with red bracts.
- **Ms. Paul Ecke**: Broad leaves, blood-red bracts.
Newer varieties such as **Festival Red**, **Petoy Red**, **Success Red**, **Orange Red Lilo**, **Pearl**, and **Pichacho** offer diverse colors and forms, including dwarf sizes and unique patterns without hormone treatments. These plants continue to captivate gardeners and florists worldwide with their beauty and versatility.
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