From this ultimate guide on how to grow & care for poinsettia, learn growing season, potting mix, soil, propagation, sunlight, watering, fertilizers, etc. This will help you to take well care of your poinsettia plant.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Europeans described poinsettia for the first time in 1984. They are native to Mexico & Central America and are popular for red & green foliage. Due to the amazing colour of the foliage Christians use them for decoration during Christmas.
The first United States Minister to Mexico, Joel Roberts “Poinsett” introduced this plant to United States Of America in 1820’s. Therefore this beautiful plant was named after him. Poinsettias are shrub that can grow up to maximum 13 feet in height.
The leaves of traditional variety is green and red in colour while new varieties can have pale green, orange, pink, white, to mix coloured leaves.
Poinsettia Care Guide
Growing Season: Tropical to sub-tropical climate is ideal for Poinsettia. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Temperature: 180 Celsius to 24o degree Celsius is the ideal temperature range to grow poinsettia.
Soil & Potting Mix: Well drained, slightly acidic sandy loam soil rich in organic matter is best for them. Prepare potting mix with 30% garden soil+ 30% cocopeat + 10% river sand + 30% organic compost. Fill prepared potting mix in designer pots and leave 1 inch space at the top.
Sunlight: You can grow poinsettia outdoors as well as indoors. For best growth keep them under bright indirect sunlight for 6 to 8 hours daily.
How Often Water Poinsettia: Apply water only when top layer of soil becomes dry, avoid waterlogging in the pot. Soggy soil can damage poinsettia plant.
Fertilizers: Once after every two weeks, you can fertilize poinsettia with one handful of well decomposed cow dung manure + one teaspoon bone-meal. During flowering phase you can also add onion peel fertilizer.
Pinching & Pruning: Keep pinching top branches to make the plant bushier. Time to time pruning of old leaves and branches helps to keep plant healthy.
Pests & Diseases: Pests such as aphids, white flies, fungus gnats, whiteflies, thrips can cause harm to your plant. Also protect your poinsettia plant from diseases such as powdery mildew, etc. You can use neem oil spray to control pests.
Propagating Poinsettias
When To Propagate: August to September is the best time to propagate poinsettia.
Where To Propagate: Keep the propagation pot under indirect sunlight.
How To Propagate: Take 45 centimetres long semi-hardwood cuttings, keep minimal leaves, dip end in rooting powder & plant them in potting mix.
Images Of Poinsettia
These Images of poinsettia will inspire you to grow them in your garden. They all have been captured by various plant lovers across the globe.
FAQ’s On Poinsettia
Can poinsettia live in large glass container?
Yes you can grow poinsettia in glass container, but make sure to have drainage holes at the bottom.
Are poinsettia poisonous to cats?
Poinsettia could be moderately toxic to your cats or other pets. Ingesting poinsettia leaves can cause vomiting, or diarrhea. However, it is not fatal.
Are poinsettia perennial?
Yes, poinsettia are perennial plants, and you can keep them year after year, and if you take proper care then they will bloom every year.
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