 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Houseplants
plant careHouseplant CareTropical Gardening
CommentsAmaryllis
Tropical PlantAmaryllisTropical Plants
BromeliadPoinsettiaHibiscusBirds of ParadiseCordylineHeliconiaSpathiphyllumCompost
Compost MakingHomemade
fertilizer & insect reppellantHomemade|
|
| Poinsettia |
 |
| ||||||
| Euphorbia "Poinsettia" Euphorbia pulcherrima ) E. pulcherrima (poinsettia) Poinsettias, whose bright red petallike bracts appear in late fall, have long been esteemed as Christmas plants. The true flowers are tiny greenish yellow nubs in the centers of the bracts, which may be white or pink as well as red. Most florists' plants are 1 to 2 feet tall, but 3- to 4-foot plants are not uncommon. The bracts--some as much as a foot across--may stay colorful for three months or more. HOW TO GROW. Poinsettias do best in at least four hours of direct sunlight a day in a draft-free location. Night temperatures of 50° to 65° and day temperatures of 68° or higher are ideal. Soil should be allowed to dry slightly between thorough waterings. Cut back plants in late spring after flowering and repot in fresh potting soil. Cuttings from the tips of new growth can be rooted in summer. Fertilize every two weeks in spring and summer; do not fertilize the rest of the year. Flowers will develop only on plants that have had an alternation of a light period and at least 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each day for approximately 40 days. To ensure flowers for Christmas, place plants in a closet or in a dark corner of a basement or storage room, from late afternoon till morning from the latter part of September through October. Watch for spider mites. ){kind=small} One of the most common plants given at Christmas is a Poinsettia, but how do you get it back to its former glory. Because soon after Christmas it will loose its red or white flower/leaf head and drop all its leaves. Once all the leaves are down, cut back the stems to leave stumps about 4in / 10 cm long. the compost should b be left to dry out and left barely moist. The pot should be placed in a mild but shady spot. In May water and re pot the plant removing some of the old compost .Keep watering and then the shouts will soon appear. Feed regularly and remove some of the weaker shouts to leave 4 to 5 strong new stems, these will carry your next flowers. From the end of September careful light control is essential. Cover the plant with a BLACK polythene bag from early evening and remove the bag the next day, so that the plant is kept in complete darkness for 14 hours a day. Continue this for eight weeks. Then treat normally. Your poinsettia will then be in bloom for next Christmas, but don't forget it will be a lot bigger. Good luck. ){kind=small} Picture,legend & care Picture & flower of christmas eve |
| Puerto Princesa City | Palawan | 5300 |
){kind=small} ){kind=small} |
||
) to mail me |
||
 Sign Guestbook |
 View Guestbook |
|
. |
| Visitors: 02744 |