Poinsettia (punchetia) - care of the plant and its specificity

View Poinsettia (Latin Euphorbia pulcherrima) refers to the genus Molochia of the family Euphorbia. In nature, this flower grows on the humid mountain slopes of tropical Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and can reach three meters in height. In closed rooms, it rarely grows above 60 cm, in addition, its hybrid forms have been withdrawn, the height of which does not exceed 30 cm.

Poinsettia elliptical, wavy on the edges of leaves up to 15 cm long. The flowers of the plant are small, rather unattractive rosettes of yellowish color. Decorative nature is given to this species by brightly colored bracts. Their natural color is red, but now breeders have already bred varieties with pink, white, cream, yellow and even bicolour bracts.

In most European countries poinsettia is purchased for the Christmas holidays, and after the flowering is thrown out. However, it is quite possible to make and so that the same plant blossoms at you every year. So, after the blossoming of poinsettia (or poinsetia), care for which has a number of characteristics, needs a period of rest. To ensure the flower rest, it is necessary after cutting of its bracts to cut the stems, leaving the hemp no more than 10 cm. The pot with the plant is taken out into a cool dark place with an air temperature of not below + 15-16 degrees Celsius, the watering is gradually limited, allowing the soil to dry out.

At the beginning of May, the poinsettia is neatly transferred to a new pot, slightly larger than the previous one. The substrate for this plant should be neutral: turf ground, humus and sand with peat; At the bottom should be poured a layer of drainage. Watering gradually increase. Soon new shoots will appear on the poinsettia. You should leave only three or four of them - the strongest. Subsequently, they need to be shortened periodically, so that the plant is lush, and not stretched to the height. The first time shoots pinch in early July (one and a half to two centimeters). This should be done cautiously: like most molochas, poinsettia (punchetia), care for which requires attention, is a poisonous flower - its juice causes irritation on the skin. Since the emergence of new stems, the plant is fed every two weeks with a complex fertilizer. During the growing season, the flower needs bright lighting - it is better to put it on the window sill of the southern window.

Poinsettia (punchetia), care of which provides for periodic shortening of shoots, multiplies perfectly by means of cuttings cuttings. Beforehand, they should be allowed to stand for half an hour in warm water to remove the lacteal juice, and then cut off the tips again. Root cuttings can be in water, sand or peat-sand (1: 1) mixture; Roots will appear in two to three weeks. Propagation of poinsettia is better in early summer, and by autumn the roots can be planted in separate pots.

The most troublesome part of caring for this plant is its preparation for flowering (forcing). So, from the first days of October, it is necessary to provide bright lighting for poinsettia at least ten hours a day. The remaining fourteen hours, from 18.00 to 8.00, the plant should conduct in complete darkness. Many growers put poinsettia in the evening in a wall or kitchen cabinet, but in the event that the light breaks through in its cracks, stains are subsequently formed on the bracts of the plant. Therefore, it is most reliable to cover it from above with a cardboard box or a thick paper bag. Care for the poinsete during this period is quite troublesome, but if you follow exactly all the rules of forcing, in two months the plant will bloom. In Western Europe, it is often given to relatives and friends for Christmas. No doubt, such a luxurious gift will make an indelible impression on your loved ones.

Despite all its capriciousness, poinsettia (pianetism), the care of which requires patience, has been grown by many growers for several years. Instead of throwing out the plant at the end of winter, one can extend his life. In return, an exotic flower is a Christmas star, the care of which, although difficult, but quite feasible, will please you with its bright colors for many years.