Easy care in a warm part shaded position, the Poinsettia is a colourful foliage plant that commonly appearing at Christmas time.
If you thought that all Poinsettia plants had red flowers then think again. Breeders are bringing us more varieties each year, different color combinations to add even more interest to the Christmas plant.
Poinsettia, or euphorbia pulcherrima are a traditional Christmas gift in both the Northern Hemisphere , where they flower during winter and in Australia. They are grown especially for the Christmas market in Australia under controlled conditions.
The original Poinsettias were from Mexico, and they reached 2m plus in height. It was in the USA that breeders developed the compact varieties that we see for sale today.
Poinsettia Care
Often seen as a disposable plant, they are hardy and can be encouraged to flower again and even grown on through winter.
As the the colourful flower bracts begin to fade after Christmas you can cut the plant back to those boring old green leaves below.
In summer it is time to fertilise the plant and give it some time outdoors. Find a spot where it will get good indirect light, or morning sun only.
The plant will begin to send out new shoots, and when winter comes around it may also flower again.
You can keep your Poinsettia outside during summer, and you can pinch it back to promote new growth. Poinsettia can be cut back during winter.
When buying a Poinsettia look for the following qualities
As these are plant that we use indoors for the wonderful ornamental foliage over Christmas, you need to make sure that you choose a plant that will look great over the festive season. A number of pointers will help you select the right plant.
- Foliage right down the stem
- No yellowed foliage or dropped foliage
- Choose a symmetrical plant, well balanced and not leaning to one side
- Avoid plants that are drooping or wilting. (a good watering may not revive them)
This is the same for many plants, make sure you look carefully before you buy, if in doubt look elsewhere.
Varieties
Cultivars with close to white flower bracts are coming onto the market, as well as types with mottled red and cream foliage. Red, Pink and White are the main colours available.
They are available for sale from most nurseries and even supermarkets from October onwards.
Interesting facts.
This is a plant that has been grown in the USA since the early 1800s, however only the large plants at this time. First cultivated by the amateur botanist, Physician and Diplomat Mr Joel Poinsett who was the first US Minister to Mexico.
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