The festal Christmas flower plant(Euphorbia Pulcherrima)takes center microscope stage during the chilliest clock time of the yr , but it loves a ardent , tropic climate for growth . With its druthers for warm weather , it will grow outside year - round in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zona 9 to 11 . There it can grow up to 10 foot improbable . It can be rise in jackpot in nerveless mood , so that it can be moved indoors during stale weather .
The colorful variety that occurs in the poinsettia ’s upper leaves , known as bract , require short periods of daylight and protracted dark . you could look for a Christmas star to bloom outside in other spring because of the shorter Day during winter . For indoor poinsettias , you may impel the efflorescence to coincide with the holiday time of year . Depending on the variety show , a hefty indoor or out-of-door poinsettia plant life will exhibit bright traditional red , pink , burgundy , white , marbled or speckled bracts with recondite light-green leaves and foliage that grows the entire distance of the stem turn .
A native plant of Mexico , poinsettias were used for medicinal determination and for cerise dye by early American natives . The plant was presented to the first American ambassador to Mexico , Joel Roberts Poinsett , in the 1820 ’s . Poinsett , who was also a plant scientist , returned to his home in the South where he nurtured the plant with achiever . Today , the Paul Ecke Ranch in California grows over 70 % of all poinsettias sold in the U.S. The Ecke crime syndicate has worked for decades to proliferate the flora and are to recognition for the abundance of poinsettia we love during the holiday time of year .
How to Grow and Care for Poinsettias
Christmas star are difficult to initiate from seeded player or divisions . practice baby’s room transplants instead . To grow poinsettias outdoors , choose a well - drain location in full or fond sunshine with slightly acidic land . A wind - protective southern bulwark is the best location for this industrial plant . rationalize the plant every two month . Pinch the tips to advance a bushier manakin with smaller bracts , or cut the branches without pinching to encourage the production of much orotund bracts . utilize a urine soluble fertilizer every other calendar week in the natural spring when new growth appears , or feed once choose obtuse - release pellets .
With particular concern and care , you could successfully grow poinsettias in mountain anywhere . For potted poinsettia plant success , water regularly to keep the filth just moist . During the summertime , the plant life can be placed indoors or out . When moving it outdoors , place it in a partially shaded position and gradually move it to full sun after two week . The plant must be moved indoors when nighttime temperatures fall below 55 - 60 stage . Place the plant life indoors in bright , indirect brightness level . In the spring , cut the stems back 4 - 6 inches to stimulate new growth . Apply a houseplant plant food once a month unless the flowers are in blossom .
Pests and Problems
Overwatering is the main movement of death for the poinsettia plant . Over drying causes leaf red ink and plant stress as well , so take particular tending to maintain a slightly moist soil for both indoor and out-of-door plant . Mexican flameleaf are cold and draft sensitive . When buy a poinsettia plant , even enthral it home can try the works if it is stale alfresco . It is significant to be careful not to expose the flora to temperatures below 50 degree and to protect it if you have to take it outdoors .
Contrary to democratic belief , poinsettias are not poisonous to people , although some may be sore to the sap and have a mild skin chemical reaction . Pets , on the other hand , should be kept away from poinsettias as the plant is known to cause sickness and modest irritation , specially to puppy and kittens .
Varieties Worth Considering
Want to learn more information on poinsettias?
gossip the follow golf links :
How to Make a Poinsettia Bloom Any Time(YouTube television )
Poinsettia Facts(University of Illinois )
Poinsettia Care(Michigan State University )
P Allen Smith gives a terrific television overview of taking care of your poinsettiason YouTube .
