did you know?

Poinsettias, native to Mexico, were prized by the Aztecs, who extracted a fever-reducing agent from its stems. In the 1820s, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico and the plant's namesake, Joel Roberts Poinsett, introduced them to the United States, installing them in his South Carolina greenhouse.

general maintenance:

Remove yellowed lower leaves and spent flower bracts to promote a tidy appearance.

pests/diseases:

Leaves may drop due to hot, dry air.

controls:

Keep poinsettias in a cool room and mist frequently to increase humidity.

how to sow/plant:

Place nursery-grown plant in a warm (65°F?70°F), draft-free area away from all heat sources and where it will receive 6?8 hours of indirect sun.

water and fertilize:

Let soil surface dry between watering.

garden hint:

Poinsettias are photoperiodic and respond to lengthening nights. To be in full color by Christmas, they must receive 14 hours absolute darkness each night from October 1 onward. To encourage rebloom, cut back plant to 6?8 inches when foliage turns murky green. Repot in a soilless mix about 2 months after cutting back, and fertilize biweekly, following label directions. Place in a darkened room or under a large box nightly, but because a moment of light can stop this process, consider composting plants and replacing them each holiday season.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Winter Interest

garden uses:

• Containers
• Indoors

other uses:

• Cut Flower