Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is one of the most favored Christmas flowers. As a tropical American species of euphorbia, it is most popular as a potted plant. It is suitable for garden culture in frost-free regions and is considered a shrub, growing to ten feet or sometimes twice that height under proper conditions.
Protect the poinsettia from draft, keeping it in temperature of less than 70-F. (21.11-C.) in the daytime and not lower than 60-F. (15.56-C) at night. A sunny window, preferably protected by a storm sash to prevent cold drafts, is a good place to keep potted poinsettias as they require a lot of sun. Water every day from above the tepid or slightly warm water. Never let the soil dry out, yet do not keep it soggy.
Excess moisture is sure to shorten the period of the plants attractive display of red, white or pink flowerlike bracts.
Even if kept under perfect conditions, the plants will drop their leaves later in the winter until only the red bracts remain at the top.
This is the natural behavior of the poinsettia, for it requires a resting period after it has bloomed. When the lowest leaves begin to drop, gradually withhold water, and finally let the soil dry out completely. When only the naked stems remain, store the pot in a warm, dry place until early May without applying any water.
Care spring on into summer> In May, shake the old soil out of the pots and repot in fresh soil. The soil should consist of garden loam, sand and leaf mold, to which a small quantity of dried manure may be added.
Cut down the stems to within two or three eyes or buds from the base. Water and sink the pot outdoors in a sunny spot level with the soil surface. Soon after the plants are set outdoors, new shoots grow from the eyes.
During the summer the plants grow into large, well-branched specimens. Plants must receive full light and sunshine throughout the day and lots of moisture.
In the fall, when the temperature drops to 45 to 50-F. (7.22 to 10-C.) at night, take the pots up and give them a sunny place indoors where temperature does not fall below 65-F (18.33-C.). Plenty of sunshine is imperative, and with judicious watering the plants will again be a blaze of color at Christmas.
Poinsettias are propagated by cuttings taken in March. The tops which are removed before the plants are repotted are suitable for cuttings. Divide them into four to six-inch lengths and place in warm water for about 15 minutes.
This stops the white sap from flowing freely. Dip the lower end into powdered charcoal and insert the lower third into sharp sand for rooting. A temperature of 65-F. (18.33-C.) must be maintained during the rooting process. Keep them in a sunny location.
When roots have formed, set them in small pots, water and keep shaded for a week or two. As top growth increases, repot into larger containers.
From now on they are handled in the same manner as the mother plant.
Care To Plant 