The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), also known as the poinsettia, has earned a place in the traditions associated with Christmas. For a lover of flowers, this plant is the most welcome and auspicious gift set a magnificent example to add to their collection.
It is a plant native to Mexico where it seems to be linked to ancient traditions, so far back in time to go back to pre-Columbian civilizations. One of these wants in the Mayan civilization, on occasion, young people would use to bring the gift of the flowers of the poinsettia to their girlfriends as a symbol of love. The actual flowers of the poinsettia are uninteresting, but the leaves change around them (called bracts) are brightly colored. There are many varieties of different shades, from deep red to salmon pink to creamy white. It exists even one from bracts unusual two-tone, but it is rather difficult to find on the market.
Playing: To propagate the poinsettia cuttings that can be used to withdraw in June from plants bigger and healthier. Each branch cut along at least 25 cm, will be planted in a pot of medium size with a mixture of light loam, well drained and moderately moist. Cuttings, placed in dim light, rooted in a few weeks will give us some flowers for Christmas that year.
Cure REQUIRES LIGHT, HEAT AND SOIL UMIDO.La Christmas Star brings "flowers" that last two months if the plant is kept in the house away from cold drafts. If you want to keep your poinsettia healthy you have to reserve a place in a bright warm room where the temperature does not drop below 18 ° C. The soil will always kept slightly moist during flowering, you may also dampen the leaves occasionally spraying water at room temperature. To prevent the poinsettias to give signs of distress should also be situated away from radiators: the excessive heat may cause deterioration of plants. After flowering, when the bracts and few leaves begin to fall, you prepare your plant a rest period. This practice is essential for healthy growth the following summer and to enjoy a second bloom in the next Christmas season. First greatly reduce watering and suspend all the mist. Bring the poinsettia in a room a bit 'cooler, but dry, can fit an unheated attic or a basement, provided they are pretty bright and they do not register large changes in temperature. Prune once the plant about a quarter of its height with garden shears, taking care to latex that flows cut by the parties: This poisonous sap is irritating to skin and especially eyes. The plant is now left to rest until spring, basting as needed to keep it from drying. In April repotted into a container a bit 'bigger using new soil and resume watering thoroughly. From May onwards brought even placing the plant outdoors in a shady and sheltered place where he can bulk up developing new branches. During this period, fertilized regularly, at least once a month, with the usual liquid fertilizers universal flowers. In late September hospitalized again at home to prepare the plant flowering. The poinsettia plants are short day, that are induced to flower only if they receive fewer hours of light for a period of at least eight weeks. You then need to ensure your plants at least 14-15 hours of complete darkness daily for about two months after which it will consist of the first colored bracts.
