If there is a species of euphorbia that is very, very popular all over the world, growing both in gardens and inside homes, that is without a doubt the Euphorbia pulcherrima, better known as poinsettia.
It is a plant that we do not usually find in succulent nurseries, since we have made it a symbol of Christmas and therefore we often label it as an indoor plant, but the truth is that it is beautiful even in a cactus garden.
Origin and characteristics of the poinsettia
It is a shrub or deciduous tree native to Mexico and Central America that receives the common names of poinsettia, christmas flower, poinsettia or poinsettia, and by the scientist Euphorbia pulcherrima. It grows to a height of 4 meters, with a slightly branched crown formed by hollow stems filled with a white substance: latex, which irritates the skin.
The leaves are lanceolate or ovate-elliptical in shape, with the entire margin or somewhat toothed, and green in color. The flowers are grouped in inflorescences that are formed by a female flower without petals or sepals, surrounded by male flowers that sprout from a structure that appears to be a single flower but in reality there are several called ciatus. These inflorescences are surrounded by bracts, that is, by modified leaves, red, yellow, or variegated.
Blooms in winter. It naturally does so in winter, sometime from November to January in the Northern Hemisphere, but the plant can be tricked into doing it at Christmas by putting it in a place where it does not receive light for 12 hours from October.
How do you take care of yourself?
If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
Location
La Euphorbia pulcherrima it is a plant that prefers to be outside, in semi-shade. However, if the winters are cold and frosty, it must be inside the house during that season, always away from drafts and in a bright room.
Earth
- Flower pot: fill it with a substrate rich in organic matter and that has good drainage. For example, a good mix would be 70% universal substrate + 30% pearlite.
- Garden: grows well in fertile, well-drained soils. Keep in mind that it is very sensitive to overwatering and waterlogging, so if the soil you have tends to compact, make a planting hole of at least 50 x 50cm (better if it is 1m x 1m), and fill it with black soil mixed with perlite in equal parts and plant your poinsettia in it.
Irrigation
The poinsettia or poinsettia is a plant that you have to water from time to time. Flooding damages it, but so does drought, that is why to avoid problems we advise you the following:
- Before watering, check the humidity of the soil, for example by inserting a stick: if when removing it it comes out with a lot of soil attached, do not water. When in doubt, wait a few days.
- Do not put a plate under it or put it in a pot without holes: stagnant water rots its roots.
- Do not spray / mist it with water: its leaves rot easily. It is better to put containers with water around it.
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From early spring to summer it is interesting to pay it with guano (liquid) following the indications specified on the package. In autumn and winter you can add a small spoonful of blue nitrophoska once a week; In this way you will ensure that their roots stay somewhat warmer, so it will be easier for them to overcome the winter. This trick is especially useful when grown outdoors, in areas where, although the climate is mild, there may be a slight frost down to -2ºC.
Pests
It is vulnerable to Red spidermealybugs aphids, whitefly and thrips. Fortunately, it is a relatively small plant, so you can remove them with a brush soaked in pharmacy alcohol.
If it is very widespread, you can use diatomaceous earth or potassium soap.
Management
If it is watered excessively or the environment is very humid, it can be affected by mushrooms, such as the roya, botrytis and the Pythium. Irrigation must be controlled, and in case there are already signs of rot, cut and treat with fungicide.
Problems
The most common problems are:
- Fall of leaves: it may be due to cold or drafts.
- Loss of leaf color: lack of light.
- Withered leaves that fall fast: excess of water.
- Leaves that turn yellow leaving the nerves well visible: iron deficiency. Apply iron chelates and water with lime-free water.
Multiplication
Poinsettia multiplies by cuttings in spring, following this step by step:
- First, a stem is cut that has already begun to lignify, that is, that is semi-woody.
- The base is then infused with powdered rooting hormones.
- Then, a pot is filled with vermiculite previously moistened with water.
- Next, a small hole is made in the center.
- Finally, the cutting is planted in said hole, and the pot is completed.
Now you just have to put it outside, in semi-shade, and keep the substrate moist but without flooding.
Planting or transplanting time
En spring, when the risk of frost has passed.
Rusticity
Resists frosts down to -2ºC, but nursery plants are very delicate, which makes the first year the most difficult.
Where to buy?
You can get it from here:
