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Euphorbia pulcherrima
'' Common Names: Poinsettia |
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The poinsettia's species name, pulcherrima, means "most beautiful." And that it is, with its huge floral display and rich green foliage! Perhaps it's the appeal of the holiday colors that has endeared poinsettia to us so much that it is now second only to the Christmas tree as the most popular holiday plant. This Euphorbia is named after Dr. J.R. Poinsett, and was introduced to gardeners in the early 19th century. Always popular, the holiday poinsettia trade is today a multi-million dollar business with plants sold everywhere from supermarkets to nurseries to convenience stores. The species is a tall, rangy shrub that grows to a height of 10 feet. It has large, dark green, oval leaves that are "toothed" on the sides and pointed at the tips. They emerge from smooth green erect stems. Flowers are borne at the stem tips in winter. The actual flowers are quite small (they are the yellow structures at the center of the brilliantly colored "bracts"). The bracts are actually modified leaves - in the species there usually are 8 to 10 bracts that are 4 to 7 inches long. The poinsettias that we buy at Christmas are invariably selected cultivars that have larger (7 - 12 inches) and more numerous bracts. The Mikkelsen cultivars were introduced in the early sixties - these were better adapted to container culture, had larger "flowers", and were easier to dwarf. Commercial growers typically strive to limit the height of the plants to prevent top heavy specimens. This can be accomplished through several techniques, but most commonly the plants are sprayed with a chemical agent. They are commonly forced into bloom at a height of 1 to 2 feet. Make no mistake though, planted in your backyard, this year's table decoration can reach roof height in a season. Poinsettias are now available in a wide range of colors. Location Poinsettia is native to the tropical areas of Central America and Mexico. They are now grown and enjoyed nearly world-wide wherever Christmas is celebrated. Culture When grown outside, keep mulched to discourage root knot. Cut back poinsettia old growth in the late winter just before new growth begins. This will encourage more branching. You can pinch back terminal shoots several times during the spring and early summer to get more flowers later on. Never prune after about August 15, as by then poinsettia has formed the nuclei of the buds that will become the flowers. Light: Full sun but will tolerate some shade. Flowers are reduced in size and number and the plant become very scraggly if grown in too shady a site. Moisture: Average water. When grown in a container let dry out before watering - too much moisture will cause leaves to drop. Hardiness: USDA Zone 9 - 11. Frost will kill back this tropical plant. Propagation: Take cuttings in summer. Use rooting hormone on 8 inch tip cuttings. An easier way is to take long (about 18 inch) cuttings of woody stem, stick in ground and keep moist (not wet) for several weeks. Usage The poinsettia is king of the holiday table decorations. Use groups of potted specimens to bring color and warmth to entryways and dark corners. Use them to hide the base of the Christmas tree. If you live in a frost-free climate you can continue to enjoy your Christmas poinsettias if you plant them in the yard. They make imposing specimens on the lawn and work well in mixed shrub groupings and hedges. Avoid planting near nightime light sources as this will disrupt the blooming cycle. Features The poinsettia is inexpensive and easy to care for. Varieties are now available in colors ranging from the traditional scarlet to white to pink to coral. The poinsettia can blend with virtually any decor or color scheme to set a holiday mood. Poinsettia Forms and Styles Poinsettias are sold in many sizes, shapes and forms. This variety helps growers market their plants and provides a range of opportunities for new and innovative products. The following is a brief description of the most commonly grown items: Mini Poinsettias: This highly specialized form of poinsettia production is rather new in the market. Plants range in size from 3-5 inches tall and are grown under extremely intensive conditions. While very popular in Europe, mini poinsettias have yet to catch-on in the U.S. 4-Inch: Poinsettias grown in 4-inch pots are very popular. These plants are typically produced 1 per pot and will reach a height of 10 -12 inches. This size poinsettia is ideal for desk tops or as a gift item. Pinched Plants: Typically grown in 5, 5.5, 6, or 8 inch pots, these plants are pinched to increase the number of lateral branches per plant. Each plant generally averages 4 - breaks per plant. Pinched poinsettias are the most popular form in the market. Straight Ups: Also grown in 5, 5.5, 6 or 8 inch pots. These plants are not pinched, resulting in one very large infloresence with enlarged bracts. Often grown 3 - 4 plants per pot. Straight ups are a more traditional style of poinsettia. Baskets: Baskets are becoming more popular for early season decorations in malls and other retail areas. Pot sizes can range from 10 - 20 inches in diameter. Baskets generally require 3 - 5 plants per pot. Trees: A very unique style with a 2 - 3 foot trunk and 12 - 14 inch diameter flowering head. Trees require a lengthy growing season and have found limited success in the market. Extremely difficult to ship. Bushes: Bushes are usually left-over stock plants that are carried on to flower. Although they have been more popular than trees, poinsettia bushes are also difficult to ship. |
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With some careful planning, a little work, and a lot of luck poinsettias can be grown year round here in Zone 5 (http://myg.info/graphics/zones.jpg). To begin all you need is a Handheld or other calendar to mark the following dates on: 1. January - Keep the plants in bright light in a warm indoor room (68 - 70° F) and begin monthly fertilizing, soil should be kept slightly moist at all times. 2. February - Cut the plant back to within six inches of the soil. 3. March - Remove any dead leaves or stems. 4. May - transplant to larger pots using new soil. Pinch 2-3 inches of tip growth to encourage branching. 5. June - Move the potted plants outdoors to a semi-shaded location to get them use to natural light. 6. July - Prune for the last time to promote branching. Move the plants to a spot where they will receive bright sunlight and bury the pots in the soil, reduce watering. 7. August - Move the plants back into the semi-shade to prepare for bring them indoors. 8. September - Move the pots indoors to a sunny location and reduce fertilizing but not watering. On September 20th begin a routine of long nights/short days (13 hours of uninterrupted darkness and 11 hours of bright sunshine) to promote budding. Darkness must be complete, no street lights, night lights, or even passing car lights. Keep temperatures in the low 60's at night. 9. November - Around Thanksgiving discontinue day/night routine, reduce fertilizing, and put in a sunny location. 10. December - Enjoy the blooms! |
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Every holiday season newspapers run stories about whether or not Poinsettia is toxic and to what degree. Although many species in the genus Euphorbia are highly toxic, poinsettia is not among them. Having said that, ingestion of this plant probably will make you sick (it just won't kill you). Do not put poinsettia (or any other house plant) where infants and toddlers can reach them. Children should be taught from a very early age to NEVER eat, or place ANY houseplant in their mouths. • DON'T place plants near cold drafts or excessive heat. Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts or the top of a television. • DON'T expose plants to temperatures below 50° F. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months. • DON'T over water your plant, or allow it to sit in standing water. Always remove a plant from any decorative container before watering, and allow the water to drain completely. • DON'T expose your plant to chilling winds when transporting it. • DON'T fertilize your plant when it is in bloom. |
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