Cultivation methods and precautions for Poinsettia
Main content introduction: Cultivation methods and precautions for Poinsettia, as well as small knowledge of plant care tips for maintaining Poinsettia. Next, the editor will provide you with detailed answers.
Poinsettia is also known as the Christmas flower, named for its bright red color that enhances the Christmas atmosphere. Poinsettia is a particularly beautiful and festive flowering plant, and many people want to cultivate it. Let's learn about the cultivation methods and precautions for Poinsettia.
1. Nutrition*
Poinsettia prefers loose, well-draining soil. You can use a mixture of 3 parts garden soil, 3 parts humus, 3 parts decomposed leaf mold, and 1 part decomposed cake fertilizer, with a small amount of炉渣 mixed in.
2. Watering
Spring and autumn are the peak growth periods for Poinsettia. It is important not to let the potting soil become too dry during these stages, preferably keeping it slightly moist but not waterlogged. In the hot summer, water evaporates quickly, so when watering, it should be done when the soil feels dry to the touch and slightly moist, but not too frequently. If the soil is too damp, the plant may develop root rot and yellow leaves. If yellow leaves appear, move the pot to a well-ventilated area and regularly loosen the soil to increase aeration and prevent root rot.
3. Fertilizing
Poinsettia enjoys fertilizer. In the absence of nutrients, the plant may become weak and the growth of branches and leaves will decrease. Therefore, it is necessary to fertilize regularly during the growing period. You can apply a thin layer of fertilizer once or twice a month, such as a small amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer in the pot, which can promote vigorous growth. In autumn, to encourage earlier flowering, you can supplement with more phosphorus and potassium, such as using a 1:1000 solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate to spray on the leaves, which can promote the plant to differentiate flower buds and bloom.
4. Pruning and pinching
In the spring, when Poinsettia is growing vigorously, pinch the tips to encourage more branching and increase the number of flowers. Regular pruning and shaping are also necessary to remove withered and diseased branches and leaves, increasing ventilation and light penetration. Avoid extensive pruning in autumn, and wait until the blooming period is over before pruning the spent flowers and supplementing nutrients.
5. Temperature and lighting
Poinsettia enjoys warmth and is sensitive to cold. Therefore, it can be moved indoors in late September each year, and it is important to ensure good ventilation. Poinsettia is a plant that loves sunlight and has a strong phototropism, so it should receive ample sunlight throughout the year. To advance or delay flowering, you can control the lighting, generally providing 8 to 9 hours of sunlight per day, which can result in flowering within 40 days.
6. Disease and pest control
Poinsettia is commonly affected by whitefly, which can be controlled by spraying or drenching with insecticides. Using the phototropism of whiteflies, placing yellow sticky traps coated with oil in greenhouses can attract and kill them. It is important to note that whiteflies generally feed on the underside of young leaves and light-colored leaves are more susceptible to their damage.
Some people believe that Poinsettia is toxic, with the white sap in the stems and leaves stimulating the skin, possibly causing redness, swelling, and allergic reactions. If the stems and leaves are ingested, it can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, and even the risk of death from poisoning. However, it has been proven that Poinsettia is non-toxic, so everyone can purchase it without concern.
The above introduction to the cultivation methods and precautions for Poinsettia, and the full content of the care tips for maintaining Poinsettia, are hoped to be helpful to you. At the same time, we also hope that everyone will come to see more green plant and flower experience and common sense!