Poinsettia Care and Handling

MANILA, Philippines - Modern Poinsettias are genetically improved to last longer and to give better customer satisfaction but there are quite a few points that the customer need to understand to enjoy their Poinsettias:

• Poinsettias are sensitive plants and must be protected during transport. Directing the air-conditioning vent or open car window directly on the bracts or leaves may dry out the plant on transit. Be sure to water the plant as soon as it reaches your home.  For long transport, be sure to place Poinsettia in a protective box.

• Poinsettias are full-sun plants. Placing the plant under low light intensity will result in shedding of lower leaves in a matter of 2 to 3 days. If it is at all possible, additional lighting should be installed for the benefit of the plants. Pinlights and cool spotlights may be used over the plant or from under for a more dramatic effect. This will ensure that the Poinsettia will still have leaves by Christmas.

• Plant users need to get over their “Plastic Plant Mentality”. Poinsettias are perishables and are not meant to stay forever indoors. Poinsettia is a plant that you buy and throw away after it is used. You may probably try to revive and plant by re-locating it in a garden but it is most unlikely that you will flower them for the second time in the same season.

• Poinsettias are naturally Easter blooming plants. For Christmas display, growers cover the plants with black cloth to lengthen night (short day) to force it to flower in time for Christmas. Field-grown plants will flower around Easter if there are no stray lights. A lamp post 10 meters away is enough to prevent Poinsettias from blooming.

• Poinsettia placed in an air-conditioned place is in danger of desiccation which may result in defoliation. As soon as the lower leaves flag, give the plant water. The worst thing that can be done to a Poinsettia in bloom is to give it fertilizers. The fertilizers may damage the root system resulting in leafburns and defoliation. There should be enough nutrients in the pot to sustain the Poinsettias through Christmas. Additional fertilization is risky.

• Always buy Poinsettia with the cyathia (true flowers) still attached to the center of the bracts. Reject old plants that have dropped all the cyathia.