Plant of the Month - December

Plant of the Month - December

Published: 29th November 2019

Poinsettias have been a favourite houseplant across America over the festive season since the 1820s due to their Christmasy display of red and green bracts. Europeans have since adopted the plants as part of their annual tradition, and as the popularity of this plant increases, so too do the varieties of specimen available. While the classical pillar-box red varieties remain the most popular, vibrant fuchsias, blush pinks, creams and striking variegated specimen are now widely available.

Fun fact –  Poinsettia’s Latin name is Euphorbia pulcherrima, but they are more commonly known as the Christmas star plant!

Although we recognise these herbaceous plants as part of our winter-time traditions, Poinsettias are in fact native to Mexico and Central America where they thrive in the warm, arid climate, growing up to  8ft in height. However, the varieties cultivated as house plants in the UK  are considerably smaller, varying in size from dwarf varieties reaching 10cm tall, to multi-headed plants growing to a possible 60cm high.

Throughout the year Poinsettias will cycle through different stages, so it’s important to give the plant the right care at the right time.
From November to February the plant blooms with miniature yellow and red flowers found at the very top of the plant,  followed by a dormant period in which the plant will drop its leaves before the regrowth season from April – September.

Location & Temperature
This tender house plant is prone to dropping its leaves if temperatures drop below 15-18°C so it’s important to avoid placing a poinsettia in a drafty location such as by a window or doorway.

On the other hand, poinsettias do not do well with extreme heat, so do not place a poinsettia next to a radiator or by a fireplace. The best location should have bright, indirect sunlight.

Watering & Feeding
Typically poinsettias will only need watering once the compost has begun to feel dry. Try letting the plant soak up the water it needs by placing its pot in a saucer of tepid water for 10-20 mins. Make sure to drain any excess water before placing back into it’s cache pot.

Misting the plant with water daily whilst the plant is in flower will help to extend the flowering period.

Poinsettias will flourish if fed with a high potassium fertiliser such as a tomato feed, no more than once a month.

Top Tip 
Move poinsettias into an area of the house that receives no artificial light at night during the autumn season, as the short nights trigger poinsettias to produce their colourful bracts.

Pruning and Potting Up
In April cut the poinsettia back to about 10cm tall, otherwise no other pruning or training is required. 
   When handling the plant be careful to avoid the milky sap which is an irritant.

If the plant requires potting on to a bigger size, then use a light compost with good drainage such as a house plant compost or a multipurpose mixed with third of grit in May.

May is also a great time to take softwood cuttings to propagate the plant.

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