A Detailed Guide to the Cultivation Methods of the Poinsettia

Soil

For potted poinsettias, clean soil is the first priority, and it must not have an off-odor. Second, drainage must be good, it should contain a small amount of soluble salt, and it should contain the necessary elements to support poinsettia growth. If you dig soil directly from a neighborhood garden, make sure it has no impurities. The soil usually chosen is mainly peat soil, mixed with perlite, vermiculite, ceramsite and wood shavings; before planting, spread the soil flat and expose it to the sun for 30 minutes.

Fertilizing

The poinsettia likes fertilizer; during the growing season, fertilize once every 7-10 days, and a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer can be used. From August until flowering, apply a nitrogen-phosphorus liquid fertilizer once every 7-10 days, and increase the phosphorus fertilizer as flowering approaches, which ensures large and vivid flowers. However, each fertilization must not be excessive, and raw fertilizer must never be applied. Usually fertilize in the evening and water the next morning; in winter, when light is lower, halve the frequency and concentration of fertilization.

Watering

The poinsettia is fairly sensitive to water; uneven watering, whether on the dry side or the wet side, will cause adverse reactions. Too much water makes the leaves droop and can even rot the roots; too little water makes the leaves curl. So when watering a poinsettia, water only when the soil is dry and let it dry between waterings; in the early growth stage (newly planted seedlings), the plant is small, so water a little less; in summer, when temperatures are high and the plant grows vigorously, water more, watering once in the morning and once in the evening each day, and depending on the weather, spray water onto the ground. In spring and autumn, watering once every 1-2 days is enough.

Light

The poinsettia is a short-day plant; flower buds only begin to differentiate when the light period is within 12 hours per day. To flower normally, it requires more than 15 hours of darkness during flower bud differentiation, and during this period (October to March of the following year), light exposure should be prevented even more. Apart from that, with normal care, appropriate shading at summer noon is all that is needed.

Points to Note

The key to growing a poinsettia lies in watering; as long as the weather does not suddenly turn severe, the outdoor environment can fully meet the poinsettia's growth needs. But improper watering will affect the plant's growth and development, so keep the potting soil moist but not dry.

The poinsettia is a light-loving flower and can grow robustly under strong light, but it can hardly endure the scorching sun at summer noon; appropriate shading will not hinder its growth.