Michael Womack
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Saturday, November 27, 1999

Poinsettias: Holiday dos and don'ts

Delicate plants need care and proper watering for long life

 

Poinsettias are truly a Christmas treasure. The poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, is native to Mexico and is part of the family Euphorbiaceae, along with plants such as pencil cactus (E. tirucalli). The Aztecs cultivated it in an area near present-day Taxco before Christianity came to the Western Hemisphere and used it in nativity processions because of the brilliant red color and holiday blooming time.
   Poinsettia bloom in the Northern Hemisphere in the autumn because of a day-length response called photoperiodism. As days become shorter and nights become longer during the early fall, poinsettias initiate their flowers with full flower development in about 8 to 10 weeks. ANY INTERRUPTION of the night period will delay or prevent flowering.
   The red part of the plant is actually a specialized leaf called a bract that holds its color for extended periods. The actual flower is the small yellow center of the showy blossom, called cyathia.
   What to look for
   Finding a strong healthy plant is the first step in a successful poinsettia experience. When selecting a poinsettia, look for a plant with fresh, brightly colored bracts and small, tight cyathia. If all the yellow centers are falling off, the plant is already past its prime. Avoid plants with browning, drying or curling lower leaves; these are signs of previous water stress at either the grower or the retailer.
   Leaf drop will occur if plants are put under low light conditions or if they are too crowded for an extended period of time. If the lower leaves are yellowing or beginning to drop excessively, you should probably consider purchasing another plant.
   Plants also should have strong branches. Poinsettias are rather delicate, and stem breakage is common, especially in multi-branched, low-spreading plants. Fortunately, newer varieties such as the "Freedom" series have been developed that are have more upright branching and compact growth resulting in less stem breakage.
   Beware of extremely long, thin stems. Also watch out for branches that come out almost horizontal from the main stem, these tend to break easier. A good test is to pick up the plant by the pot and LIGHTLY shake the plant or GENTLY tap it on a table a few times. If branches are weak, they will break off at the main stem.
   A long, happy life
   Once you pick that perfect plant, you will want to encourage a long and happy life once you get it home. The key to poinsettia longevity is bright light, moderate temperatures and proper watering. Poinsettias will do best near a bright sunny window which receives at least six hours of light. Low light levels will cause cyathia to drop prematurely, bracts to fade and leaves to drop. Temperatures around 70 degrees are ideal; high temperatures will shorten the life of the plant. Also try to avoid placing the plant in a draft from open windows or heater vents.
   Watering is another concern for consumers. First of all, if the plant comes in a foil or plastic pot cover, you will want to make holes in the bottom for drainage and air circulation to the roots. Don't forget to place the pot in a saucer to prevent water spillage. As with its succulent relatives, it is best to let the soil moderately dry out before watering. Be careful not to let the plant dry out to the point that it wilts. The plant will recover somewhat, but the stress will usually result in leaf drop or curling, curling leaves, leaf burn and shortened plant life. After you water the plant thoroughly, remove the excess water. Letting a poinsettia set in water for more than 15-30 minutes or overwatering will promote root rot.
   Checking for water
   The best way to check for water is to feel the soil. If it is dry to the touch about an inch down, it needs water. Checking the weight of the pot will also give you an indication to dryness. Note the weight of the pot when it is fully watered; as the soil dries, the plant will become very light indicating a need to water.
   It is very important to remember that if the peat-based soil becomes extremely dry, it may take two or three waterings to completely rehydrate the soil. An alternative is to place the plant in a bucket or sink with water almost covering the pot for about 30 minutes. Use a pencil or your finger and check the soil in the center of the rootball to make sure that it is wet throughout the soil.
   Furthermore, avoid using fertilizer when watering during flowering. Studies at the University of Florida have shown that the addition of fertilizer will reduce the life of the bracts.
   Knowing how to pick a strong healthy poinsettia along with the growing requirements once you get home will go a long way to making the holiday cheer of poinsettias last well into the new year.
  
  
  

1999 Caller-Times Publishing Company, a Scripps Howard newspaper. All rights reserved.