How to keep poinsettia from growing tall

Nowadays, most poinsettias in homes are propagated from cuttings, even if they are purchased from flower shops (sometimes what the boss says is a lie and cannot be trusted). It is best to control the growth of newly purchased plants. Don't wait until they grow wildly before trying to save them. Don’t underestimate this small pot of poinsettia. It will grow wildly and become taller than a person.

Method 1 to prevent poinsettia from growing tall: water control

You should start controlling water when the plant is still a seedling, and only water it at 80% of the normal amount every day to inhibit the growth momentum of the stem. However, during the growing season, especially at noon, the amount of water evaporation is large, so you should spray water on the leaves frequently. If you persist in doing this until flowering, the plant will become short and strong.

Method 2 to prevent poinsettia from growing tall: Chemical treatment

If water control fails, you can use chemicals to assist. There are growth retardants on the market that can inhibit the growth of plants. During the peak growing season of poinsettia, spray it every 10 to 15 days until it blooms. Do not spray during flowering. Continue using it in the spring of next year until the plant is basically formed.

Method 3 to prevent poinsettia from growing tall: pinching

This is the simplest method of dwarfing. Generally, pinching can be done once in June or July. Cut off the top branches and leaves about 10 cm from the ground, and keep 3 to 4 nodes at the base. After the beginning of autumn in early August, the second pinching can be done, preferably two weeks after the beginning of autumn. When pinching the branches this time, retain 2 to 3 nodes on the side branches to promote the differentiation of flower branches.

The second pinching is during the flowering period. After pinching, only a few leaves will grow and flower buds will form at the top of the branches, thus suppressing the height of the plant. Therefore, the earlier the second pinching is done, the longer the flower branches will be, and vice versa.