How to Grow Poinsettia? Complete Guide to Growing Methods and Precautions

1. Soil

To grow poinsettia, choose loose soil with good drainage. The substrate can be perlite, peat, vermiculite and river sand. It must be free of pests and pathogens, and can be properly sterilised.

2. Watering

Watering poinsettia requires good control of the amount; too much or too little water will cause problems. When the temperature is high, it grows quickly, so it needs plenty of water; you can water 1-2 times a day, and you can also spray some water around it to increase air humidity. At other times, water once every 1-2 days. If you water too much, the leaves will drop or the roots will rot; if you water too little, the leaves will wither from lack of water.

3. Light

It is a short-day plant, so sunlight must be kept within 12 hours. Only with the right amount of sunlight will it grow quickly and its flower buds differentiate. During flower bud development, sunlight must be reduced before the involucre matures, otherwise development will stop.

4. Temperature

The temperature suitable for its growth is 18-25°C. The minimum temperature must not fall below 16°C, otherwise its growth will slow down; if it falls below 13°C, growth will stop. The maximum temperature must not exceed 29°C, as high temperatures are also very unfavourable for its growth.

5. Precautions

1. Diseases: It can develop leaf spot disease. Apply appropriate chemical sprays, strengthen indoor ventilation, and always sterilise pruning tools to avoid increasing sources of infection.

2. Pests: It can be affected by whiteflies, which can be eliminated with chemicals. It is best to place yellow sticky traps with machine oil indoors, then lure them out and deal with them.