August 1996
Leaves are oval and lobed with pointed tip and are green with prominent lighter veins. New stems are red. Leaflike red bracts surround small yellow flowers.
Red, Pink, White, Bi-Colored
Discard after flowering. Can be held over and flowering induced next year by providing 12 hours of darkness nightly from October - December.
December to May
Small container, large planter.
Low, medium, or high. Tolerates most light levels well, but prefers high light.
Normal to frequent. Water thoroughly, keep soil moist. Can let soil dry to the touch to a soil depth of 1/2".
Medium. 61 - 70 (degrees F) days, 56 - 65 nights.
Average house , 30% or more
Every 2 weeks during growing season
1 to 2 parts sphagnum peat moss, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part sterilized loam, and 1 part clean coarse sand or Perlite.
Cuttings in April
Select sturdy, shapely plant with healthy foliage and bright, clear colored flowers. Check leaf axils for insects. Avoid plants with disease or insect damage.
Very challenging. Attractive while in bloom. Difficult to cultivate year round and rebloom. Usually discarded after blooms fade.
Leaf toxicity reported: Proper plant
I.D. important. House plants are not to
be eaten by people or pets.
Whitefly: Dip plant in soapy water or
apply an insecticide. Isolate.
Fertilizer burn: Do not overfertilize.
Leach pot with water 3 times.
Gray mold: Move plant to warmer, dryer
location.
The poinsettia only blooms during short days (long nights). Although considered a traditional Christmas plant, white and pink poinsettias are being seen at Easter. Often used in mass displays in large interior planters.