HOW TO GROW POINSETTIAS

How to grow poinsettias

Native to Mexico and Guatemala, the poinsettia - Euphorbia pulcherrima, is a popular ornamental houseplant grown for the seasonal Christmas period. Also known as the Christmas star, it is noted for its dark-green foliage and rosettes of large, red bracts. The poinsettia has been associated with Christmas since the 17th century when Franciscan friars decorated their altars with the colourful stems.

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The poinsettias natural habitat are deciduous tropical forests, which put it at odds to the cold freezing temperatures experienced at Christmas time in northern Europe. Extreme temperatures, cold draughts and irregular watering are all known to cause leaf drop in poinsettias which is why they have a reputation for being difficult to care for.

Poinsettias require a stable minimum temperature of approximately 13-15°C. Even short periods of lower temperatures can cause environmental shock which can cause the plant to react by dropping its leaves. This exposure should be kept to a minimum, so making sure that they are well protected and covered when purchasing. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for plants to be chilled in transit from the growers prior to purchase.

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When choosing your plant, favour specimens which have tightly closed flower buds and avoid those where the yellow pollen is visible on the flower clusters. This is because the red bracts will begin to naturally drop off once the plant has finished flowering

Once home place in a warm, bright position, but one which is out of direct sun. Avoid draughts, radiators and moving them between hot and cold temperatures too quickly.

Careful watering is particularly important as poinsettias are prone to root damage from waterlogged conditions. Of course the foliage will also wilt if kept to dry, so only water when the surface of the compost has begun to dry out.

Feed with a good quality houseplant fertiliser and mist regularly with tepid water to help extend the flowering period.

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