Is a poinsettia easy to grow as a potted plant? A full analysis of its colors and growing methods
Time flies, and most of the year has passed. Once November arrives, Christmas is not far away. What flower is most suitable for home decoration? Of course, it is the blood-red "poinsettia" (Euphorbia pulcherrima). It is native to Mexico, and its blood-red appearance makes people feel especially warm and hopeful. It has also been one of the best-selling plants during the Christmas season in recent years.
As Christmas approaches, poinsettia potted plants can be seen everywhere in flower markets. When buying, it is best to choose plants that are compact and short and sturdy, with dark green leaves and bracts that are beginning to show color. This means the plant is at a fully mature stage, which can ensure a longer ornamental period and better flower quality. How should it be cared for after buying it and taking it home? The optimal temperature environment for poinsettia is around 15-28°C. In winter, the indoor temperature needs to be maintained above 15°C to ensure its normal growth and flowering. For daily care, it is recommended to place it in a bright location, but avoid direct exposure to strong sunlight.
As for watering after bringing it home, it is recommended to check the soil moisture. If it is relatively dry, you can water it thoroughly right away. If the soil is wet, then wait until the soil dries before watering. For watering across the four seasons, it is recommended to increase the frequency of watering in summer. In autumn, regarding the amount of watering, pay more attention to the condition of the potting soil, and by no means let it alternate between dry and wet. In winter, watering should be reduced.
Regarding soil and repotting, pay more attention to whether the soil has become compacted. If water absorption decreases, it should be repotted. Under other normal conditions, repotting can be done in spring, because by then the red bract display period has just ended, making it the most suitable time for repotting. It is recommended to use a pot with a diameter of about 15 cm. For the soil, choose a loose, well-drained, organic-rich soil, such as a growing mix made of sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and garden soil, which can ensure good air permeability and water retention.
In addition, the easiest thing to overlook when growing flowers and plants is fertilizing. Poinsettia likes fertilizer. During the vigorous growth period, it can be fertilized once every half month, or use "Huiyou" 17-5-19 poinsettia special fertilizer. This helps it grow luxuriantly.