Product Description:
Native to Mexico and central America, poinsettias are in the Euphorbia family and are a popular holiday plant because of their colorful bracts (leaves). There is also a species that is used as a cut flower. They are most commonly used for decorating during the winter holidays, but are also attractive as green plants throughout the year. Poinsettias change color in response to shorter winter days. Poinsettia flowers are actually made up of the bracts, which look like petals, and the tiny yellow flowers in the center, called cyathia. Poinsettias are not harmful to animal or human health. But they should not be eaten.
Light:
We recommend placing yours by a well-lit window, so that it can receive the proper amount of sunlight. East-facing windows are best so that they can catch the morning’s glow and bask in the afternoon’s shade.
water:
You should water your poinsettia whenever you feel the soil is dry or you see that some of the leaves are wilting. The key is to let the water drain out the bottom, and make sure that your poinsettia is not sitting in water.
Temperature:
Indoor temperatures of 65-70 degrees F is ideal. Avoid placing poinsettias where temperature fluctuates or may be drying, such as near cold drafts, heat ducts, fireplaces, fans, space heaters, etc. Poinsettias will suffer damage if they are exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees F.
Humidity:
Lack of humidity during dry seasons, particularly during winter, is an ongoing problem for most houseplants, including poinsettias. If your home tends to be dry, consider investing in a small space humidifier to increase humidity levels in the area surrounding your poinsettia.
Soil:
A well-draining peat-based potting soil for best success.
Fertilizer:
Do not fertilizer Mexican flameleafs during their blooming period. When keeping the plant throughout the year, you can begin fertilizing in the spring at half-strength when there’s no growth, but not until then.
Propagation:
While propagating poinsettias from seed is possible, since most cultivars are hybrids, the resulting seedlings will be unpredictable in terms of their genetics and resulting appearance, making propagation by stem cuttings the preferred method.
Stem cuttings can be taken from a plant purchased during the winter. However, it’s best to wait until the next summer when the plant is producing new growth to take cuttings for propagation.
