How to grow poinsettia

soil

The most important thing for potted poinsettia is that the soil is clean and has no odor. Secondly, it should have good drainage, contain a small amount of soluble salts, and contain the necessary elements for the growth of poinsettia. If you dig soil directly from the community garden, make sure there are no impurities. The soil usually used is mainly peat soil, mixed with perlite, vermiculite, expanded clay and sawdust. Before planting, the soil should be flattened and exposed to the sun for 30 minutes.

Fertilization

Poinsettia likes fertilizer and should be fertilized once every 7 to 10 days during the growing season. You can choose a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer. From August until flowering, apply nitrogen and phosphorus liquid fertilizer every 7 to 10 days. Apply more phosphorus fertilizer when flowering is approaching to ensure large and bright flowers. However, do not apply too much fertilizer each time, and do not apply raw fertilizer. Usually fertilize in the evening and water the next morning. In winter, when light levels are lower, fertilize more frequently and at half the concentration.

Watering

Poinsettia is sensitive to water. Uneven watering, or watering that is too dry or too wet will cause adverse reactions. If you water too much, the leaves will droop or even rot; if you don't water enough, the leaves will curl. Therefore, when watering poinsettia, you need to water it when the soil is dry and the ground is wet. In the early stage of growth (for planted seedlings), the plants are not big, so water them less often. In summer, when the temperature is high and the plants grow vigorously, water them more often. Water them once in the morning and evening every day, and spray water on the ground according to weather conditions. Water once every 1-2 days in spring and autumn

illumination

Poinsettia is a short-day plant. Flower buds will only begin to differentiate when the light exposure is less than 12 hours a day. In order to bloom normally, the flower bud differentiation requires more than 15 hours of darkness. During this period (October to March of the following year), light exposure should be avoided. Other than that, normal maintenance and appropriate shade during summer noons are sufficient.

Precautions

The key to growing poinsettia is watering. As long as there is no sudden bad weather, the outdoor environment can fully meet the growth needs of poinsettia. However, improper watering will affect the growth and development of the plant. Make sure the soil in the pot is moist but not dry.

Poinsettia is a light-loving flower that can grow healthily under strong light, but it cannot tolerate the scorching sun at noon in summer. Appropriate shading will not hinder its growth.