How to Propagate Poinsettia: Propagation Methods and Precautions

Since the poinsettia's flowering period falls around New Year's Day and the Spring Festival, it is often used by people to decorate the festive atmosphere, and the fiery red of the poinsettia is also very suitable for lively holidays. Friends who like poinsettias not only grow a pot themselves, but also choose to propagate them on their own, so how exactly should poinsettias be propagated?

Christmas Flower

The propagation method for poinsettia mainly uses cuttings, usually in clay pots or water troughs. Poinsettia likes loose, well-drained mixed soil. Cuttings are best taken in spring; you can use softwood shoots or branches from the dormant period, but branches that are too tender are difficult to root. Cut each section into 10 cm as a cutting, let it dry for 2 to 3 days after cutting, or dip the cut end in soot and wait until the milky sap at the cut is completely dry, then insert it into plain sandy soil at a depth of one third of the cutting length, with a plant spacing of about 5 cm. Water after inserting, place in a ventilated semi-shaded spot, and keep the temperature generally at around 12-20°C. Roots usually form within a month, and when the new shoot grows to 10 cm it can be planted in a small pot.

Poinsettia can also be propagated by layering, generally using the air layering method. First select a woody branch, generally a healthy, plump branch from the previous year, and make a ring cut on a smooth part; the width of the ring cut should be similar to the thickness of the branch at the ring cut, generally 3-4 cm is suitable; remove the phloem of the branch at the ring cut, the upper cut should be smooth, then gently scrape the cambium with a sharp knife. After finishing, wrap the cut with wet sphagnum moss or other loose, breathable material. Generally use a piece of polyethylene film 20-25 cm square, which has good carbon dioxide and oxygen permeability, yet very low water vapor transmission, and can withstand longer periods of weather change. Tie both the upper and lower ends tightly with tying rope (especially the lower end); if tied loosely, the medium dries easily, thus affecting rooting at the cut.

Poinsettia Growing Methods and Precautions

Poinsettia, also called Christmas flower, is a common ornamental plant that can be made into a potted plant and grown at home. When growing poinsettia normally, you should choose loose, well-drained sandy soil. This plant has certain requirements for sunlight, temperature and humidity. In a moment I will write out the poinsettia growing methods to tell everyone, and at the same time take everyone to understand what precautions there are when growing poinsettia.

1. Temperature and Humidity

When growing poinsettia normally, both temperature and humidity need attention. This plant is suitable for growing in an environment of 18 to 25°C, and the minimum winter temperature must not be lower than 10°C. During this period it also has certain requirements for humidity, and it is fairly sensitive to moisture. During the growing period, sufficient environmental humidity must be ensured, otherwise its leaves will turn yellow or fall off.

2. Light and Water

Poinsettia is a short-day plant. When it grows vigorously it needs sufficient sunlight, which will make its leaves more lush, but the daily sunlight exposure is best kept at around nine hours. Poinsettia also has certain water requirements during cultivation. In its peak growing season it should be watered once every two days, and when watering, do not let accumulated water reach its bracts, otherwise it will cause the leaves to rot.

When growing poinsettia normally, be sure to pay attention to the prevention and control of pests and diseases. Stem rot, gray mold and leaf spot are all common diseases of this plant. After they occur, spray fungicides in time, and at the same time increase indoor ventilation, reduce humidity, and promptly remove diseased plants. In addition, during poinsettia cultivation, whiteflies are also prone to occur; once they appear, simply spraying insecticide in time can make the pest disappear.

How to Grow Poinsettia: Poinsettia Growing Methods and Precautions

How do you grow poinsettia? Poinsettia, also called Christmas red and ivory red, is a plant of the genus Euphorbia in the family Euphorbiaceae, and is a color-changing foliage flower. If everyone thinks the poinsettia's flower is at the very top, then that is wrong, because the leaves growing at the top layer are red or white and are often mistaken for flowers; the poinsettia's flowers generally grow in the middle part among the leaf cluster.

How to Grow Poinsettia

The poinsettia flowering period is from December to February, and the poinsettia's flowers are mostly red. Therefore it looks especially festive.

Poinsettia has many uses; it can be made into food and can also be used to make wine. Not only that, poinsettia also plays its unique role in medicine. Poinsettia can be used as a medicinal plant to promote blood circulation and resolve phlegm, and to set bones and reduce swelling. While silently letting everyone enjoy its beauty, poinsettia also brings everyone more benefits. The picture below shows a dish made from poinsettia.

How to Grow Poinsettia

The growing methods for poinsettia are actually not difficult. Generally, when planting poinsettia, we must be familiar with its growth habits. Poinsettia likes to grow in a humid, ventilated environment, and has little resistance to low temperatures. Therefore, when planting, we must give it a suitable temperature, avoid overly strong sunlight, and also pay attention to insufficient light.

Poinsettia does not have high soil requirements; basically it can also grow well in fertile sandy soil. In hot summer, we need to replenish water, and when watering, keep it moderately dry and wet. If there is water accumulation in the pot, we should deal with it promptly to avoid causing the poinsettia's roots to rot.

Some Data on Poinsettia Cuttings

How to Grow Poinsettia

Above is a chart showing some data 16 days after poinsettia cuttings. Poinsettia propagation is mainly by cuttings, mainly including hardwood cuttings and softwood cuttings. During the cutting period, we should especially pay attention to some matters that are unfavorable to growth. After inserting, pay attention to shading and moisture retention to prevent leaves from curling. Roots begin to form after half a month, and after 1 month they can be transplanted into pots.