Washington Gardener Magazine is the award-wining publication for Mid-Atlantic gardeners be local gardeners.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Poinsettia Plant Profile
Poinsettia (Euphorbia
pulcherrima) are perennial flowering shrubs that can grow to 10 feet tall
in their native Mexico. Poinsettias were introduced into the United States in
1825 by Joel Poinsett.
They are part of the Euphorbia family. Many plants in
this family ooze a milky sap. Despite their reputation, poinsettias are not
poisonous. A study at Ohio State University showed that a 50-pound child who
ate 500 bracts might have a slight tummy ache.
To choose the freshest poinsettia, look at the very
center of the bracts or leaves for a cluster of very small green “buds” with a
small amount of yellow, this is the actual flower. It is a direct indication of
the age of the plant. The tighter the buds with small amounts of yellow showing
can mean a longer shelf life at home.
After you purchase your plant, make sure it is wrapped
properly and take it directly home, because exposure to low temperatures even
for a few minutes can damage the bracts and leaves.
You can make your poinsettia last longer through the
holiday season by placing them in an area that gets bright, indirect sun. This
area should also be free of drafts or direct heat sources.
Water the plant by removing the foil or decorative pot
cover. Place the plant in the sink and give the soil a good soaking. After the
plant has stopped leaking water, place the plant back into its foil pot cover
or decorative pot.
In recent years, poinsettias are being bred in many color
ranges, patterns, and leaf shapes. There are over 100 varieties of poinsettias
available. Most sales are still of the classic red kinds; followed in
popularity by white and then pink.
Florists and garden centers are also applying paints to
the bracts to come up with fun color combinations (like blue and purple) as
well as glittering them. Another fun practice is to train poinsettias into tree
forms and topiaries
If you keep it past the holiday season, apply a
houseplant fertilizer once a month. Do not fertilize when it is in bloom. After
the New Year, cut it back to the green leaves, then new growth will sprout and
then you can condition it to have in display for the next holiday season.
Poinsettias: You Can Grow That!
The video was produced
by Washington Gardener Magazine.
Audio, Video, Photos, and Text by Kathy Jentz
Editing by Melinda Thompson
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