Poinsettia, Christmas Flower (White) – Plant

Description

Poinsettia, Christmas Flower (White)

Poinsettias are the most beautiful and decorative plant ever, they are also a commercially important plant, you see them everywhere, and they have become as much a part of the traditional Christmas as the turkey and the tree! Supplied as a bushy colourful plant as pictured, simply position and enjoy! Native to Mexico, poinsettias are in the Euphorbia family and are a popular holiday plant because of their colorful bracts (leaves). Poinsettia, Christmas Flower Plant is also a species that is used as a cut flower.

Poinsettias change color in response to shorter winter days. The colorful bracts attract insects to the flowers and will drop after pollination.

Harmful or Not

Poinsettias are not harmful to animal or human health.

• Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
• Wash tools well after use as the sap can make tools sticky.

The species is a tall, rangy shrub that grows to a height of 10 ft. They emerge from smooth green erect stems. Flowers are borne at the stem tips in winter.

Caring for a Poinsettia

The trick: Provide enough filtered sun, warmth, and water, and your poinsettia thrive. If you’re especially motivated and follow a regimen of specific care, your plant might rebloom next holiday flowering season.

• Light: Place your poinsettias in an area where they’ll receive a minimum of six hours of bright (but not direct) sunlight each day.
• Water: Poinsettias like moist, but not wet, soil. To know how often to water poinsettias, watch for dry soil. Add room temperature water to the plant, allowing the water to drain through the pot.
• Temperature: These plants prefer temperatures from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and from 60 to 65 degrees at night. The lower night temperatures help the poinsettias keep their brilliant color.

• Soil: While poinsettias are typically purchased already potted from a garden center or nursery, if you’re planting (or replanting) a poinsettia, choose a well-draining peat-based potting soil for best success.

• Fertilizer: When keeping the plant throughout the year, you can begin fertilizing in the spring at half-strength when there’s no growth, but not until then.