Poinsettia red how to care for at home. How to make a plant bloom? Choosing the right pot and soil

Poinsettia is one of the most beautiful and unusual indoor flowers. Surprisingly, it belongs to the Euphorbia family. Euphorbia the Most Beautiful and Poinsettia the Most Beautiful - its names in botany. The luxury and magnificence of this flower is provided by brightly colored bracts, most often red. They appear before flowering and last only a few months. Her flowers are inconspicuous and have a modest beige hue.

Varieties of poinsettia

In nature, spurge reaches 4 meters and grows in dry and warm places, where moisture enters only periodically. It is extremely difficult to create similar conditions in an apartment. All over the world, the flower is driven out to the flowering stage in greenhouses, and then sold before the holidays. Gifts don't have to wait until Christmas. With the right cultivation you all year round favorite flowers (poinsettia) will delight. Care and adherence to the regime is the key to success for every grower. It is enough to do simple manipulations after the fall of the stipules to ensure the appearance of lush inflorescences on next year.

On the shelves of flower shops usually come poinsettia with red, pink, peach, white or burgundy leaves. There are yellow, spotted and cream potted poinsettias. Care can also affect the length of the pedicels. Depending on this, the flowers will be kept in a rounded hat or act as separate shoots. Euphorbia with red stipules densely covering the crown is the most common.

History of the poinsettia

The plant came to Europe from Mexico. The ancient Aztecs, according to legend, extracted a red pigment from its leaves to dye fabrics. The amazing properties of the poinsettia do not end there. Recently, scientists have confirmed the speculation that the juice of the plant can alleviate the symptoms of a fever. Discovered by an American physician, in the 19th century, the poinsettia first came to botanical gardens USA and then to Europe. Later, due to its bright color, spurge turned into a potted poinsettia flower, the care of which was put on a commercial basis.

The plant is widely used to decorate houses, in Europe and America it is customary to exhibit it at Christmas, since it is during this period that the leaves are most bright and often appear. small flowers. One of the names directly testifies to this. The poinsettia is a Christmas star that requires constant care and is not often grown at home. Gradually, the tradition of giving it for Christmas spreads around the world. In all flower shops Europe and the USA at Christmas you can meet these flowers. The poinsettia, which was abandoned due to the development of the pharmaceutical industry, is now considered an ornamental plant. Euphorbia juice is bitter, and it is not very pleasant to take it inside.

Poinsettia. Home care

The flower is demanding on the light regime. Poinsettia loves care, soft diffused light, so it is best to protect it from direct sunlight. During the flowering period, a special regime is observed, guaranteeing a large number of buds. In winter, the plant needs 12-15 degrees, the rest of the time - from 18 to 25. Watering is carried out as the soil dries. Plenty of water is needed, but frequent watering not recommended. In case of cracking of the soil and drying of the leaves, it is advisable to take emergency measures by thoroughly spilling the pot with the plant. Spray the leaves should be during flowering. Abundant moisture is needed for the whole flower. Put it in a pan with water, fill the soil with expanded clay to prevent rapid drying. Feed the plant once every two weeks with fertilizer at normal concentration. If there is little light at home, get an ultraviolet lamp, it will be useful for only a few months, but the effect is worth it.

During the dormant period, avoid waterlogging. Even if you feel like doing something, remember that poinsettia suffers from it. Post-flowering care should be kept to a minimum. After flowering, the spurge is pruned, then the plant should be kept at a temperature of 12-14 degrees for 2-3 months. Before transplanting, the plant again requires pruning. The earth is prepared in the following proportions:

sand - 1 part;
peat - one part;
leaf humus - two parts;
clay-soddy soil - three parts.

The pot needs to be drained. The flower should be taken out big ball earth. Therefore, it is recommended to take a larger pot. The transplanted plant should be in a warm place and needs abundant watering. After the appearance of new shoots, it is necessary to leave only the strongest ones. The rest can be used as propagation cuttings if they have at least five internodes.

The plant is pinched, trying to form a spherical lush crown. Remove excess and overgrown shoots or cut off more radically. By giving the plant a neat appearance, you provide access to light to all its stems. The flower will be more magnificent, and the cuttings will rot less likely.

Poinsettia flower cuttings. Care and reproduction

Poinsettia reproduces during spring and early summer. An apical cutting with several internodes is taken. The milk juice flowing out when cutting is carefully removed with a napkin. You can put the cutting in cold water for a while so that the juice stops flowing. The cut on the trunk of the plant is sprinkled with chopped charcoal. The milky juice must be removed, as it blocks the vessels, causing the stalk to rot.

You can plant the sprout in moist soil, although the roots will grow in a jar of water. The ideal soil composition is sand and peat in equal amounts. The temperature at which the sprout will take root should be in the range of 24-28 degrees Celsius. The space around the cuttings should be moist, they need constant spraying. It is advisable to use a micro-greenhouse or cover the sprout with a film, not forgetting about ventilation. The first roots should appear in a month. After that, you can safely plant the plant in a regular pot. young plant needs pruning, which significantly improves branching. Use a growth stimulator to guarantee the germination of cuttings and accelerate the formation of layering.

How to make a plant bloom?

Some growers complain that the poinsettia does not bloom. Secret in proper care. Since the plant loves diffused light, access to direct sunlight must be limited. In March-April, the plant is pruned to create new branches and increase density. Due to pruning, during the flowering period, the number of buds will increase. It is also recommended to shade the plant before flowering, and then remove the shade. This secret allows you to get more inflorescences at the same time. This rule also applies to artificial lighting. Expose the flower for 8 hours in the room, and hide it in a closet or pantry for the rest of the time. When the amount of sunlight increases, the plant will respond with a lush color. We should not forget about the care of leaves and soil, loosening and feeding the plant.

plant care calendar

February-March - complete rest, low temperatures, moderate moisture.
May - we transplant the poinsettia plant. Standard care - you need heat, moisture and watering. A special light regime is not required. If a transplant is not needed, the shoots are pruned.
July - plucking extra shoots. Remove at least 1.5 cm from each shoot.
August-September - active vegetation, requiring intense lighting. The pot can be rearranged to the sunny side.
Early October - preparation for flowering. Keep the plant in the dark for 14-16 hours for two weeks. The plant can be covered with a cardboard box.
December - flowering begins, when buds appear, transfer the plant to the light.
January - after the end of flowering of the poinsettia and the fall of the bracts, the shoots are cut off, leaving no more than 10-15 cm.

Pests and diseases

Poinsettias deal the most damage mealybugs. Pests manifest themselves, leaving white coating on the leaves. Greens and shoots dry up and die. If you notice them, you need to cover the soil with a film, wash each leaf, stipule and stem of the plant with warm water. When reappearance the procedure should be repeated.

Another danger is waterlogging. From cold moisture, the plant may begin to rot. Draft and random cold air currents are also dangerous. Large temperature fluctuations can cause leaf drop. The dry and hot air of the apartment leads to drying of the leaves and premature shedding of the inflorescences. To avoid this, just spraying is required. The rays of the sun can leave brown burns on the plant.

Thrips lead to the folding of the leaves, followed by drying. Gray rot and spider mites are dangerous for poinsettias. When gray spots appear on the shoots, they should be cut off, watering reduced, the air temperature increased and the plant treated with antifungal drugs.

Buying a poinsettia

A beautifully blooming poinsettia can be given for a variety of occasions. True, most owners simply throw it away. wonderful plant after the end of flowering. Few people know how to care for this flower, and even more so, how to keep it longer after purchase. However, home care poinsettia tolerates almost better than forcing in greenhouses. It is in your power to provide her with an individual approach.

After purchasing, try to keep a constant temperature for the flower. At night it should be at least 16, and during the day about 20 degrees Celsius. Water the pot generously and keep the leaves moist without letting them come into contact with the glass. From the cold, they deteriorate and fall off. If the plant has survived, transplant it in the spring, so you can get a beautiful flower for your home.

In appearance, capricious, poinsettia takes care and maintenance in accordance with all the rules very gratefully. Even if it is not easy for you to follow it, do not throw away the plant. If the rules are not followed, it will not die, since there is enough heat in our homes, and watering does not take much time. The lack of an acceptable light regime will shorten the flowering period and reduce the number of inflorescences, however, emerald green will delight you all the time.

Poinsettia and Feng Shui

Poinsettia with its original bright leaves symbolizes individuality and the beginning of something new, extraordinary. The flower gives the joy of communication, promotes the choice of profession and changes for the better. She also became a symbol of the Christmas miracle and the holiday in the house. On the set table, she is surrounded by candles and decorative figurines. A flower with a well-formed crown looks great in a flowerpot. Feeling the warmth of your hands, the poinsettia, which requires a certain amount of time to care for, compensates for this with its beneficial aesthetic effect. It is noticed that the business after its blossoming goes better. Having bought a flower, you will see how little poinsettia requires: care, the warmth of your hands and very little space in your home.

Foreword

The historical roots of this plant originate in Mexico and Central America. The poinsettia flower or, as it is also called, the most beautiful euphorbia is really the most beautiful representative of the flora. But caring for a plant is not easy.

This is beautiful plant as an adult in room conditions reaches about half a meter in height. But in their native lands, this green shrub can grow up to 4 meters. However, it is valued not for its size, but for the original elliptical shape of green leaves with denticles along the edges and bright red bracts. Red color is found in all sorts of varieties most often, but thanks to selection, scientists managed to get more unusual shades - pink, snow-white, yellowish and even two-color bracts are increasingly found in specialized stores.

By the way, the flower is not a random name. The plant was named in honor of Joel Poinsett, who was a botanist at heart, but in reality the first American minister of Mexico. However, the more common name of the poinsettia is associated with the flowering period - because of the characteristic shape of the buds, it is also called the Bethlehem or Christmas star.

Such associations are also caused by the fact that the buds usually bloom at Christmas. Do not confuse the poinsettia flower with the Christmas tree () - these are completely different indoor plants. These indoor flowers are both annual and perennial - if you follow proper care, then an unpredictable poinsettia from annual flower may become a perennial. In order for home flowers to please you every year bright colors and flowering, you need to stop routine care and go to - the poinsettia signals its beginning with fallen leaves.

You should also stop during this period and fertilize the plant. Until May, these indoor plants "sleep", which is often mistaken for symptoms of the disease due to inexperience. It is better that they are at this moment in a cool and dark place.

In autumn, you need to pick up a small box that does not let in light. In it, your flowers should be about 14 hours a day. By spring, after a temporary hibernation, as soon as the poinsettia flower begins to grow, it will need to be transplanted into a new soil. And keep in mind that the juice that this plant secretes when cut is poisonous! When working with this plant, you need to be careful with your eyes, and be prepared for the fact that an allergic reaction may occur due to careless contact. To care for this flower does not turn into torture, be sure to wear gloves.

These indoor flowers, bewitching from a distance, are very fond of comfort, as well as special care. At first, place the pots on the windowsills, but in such a way that the direct rays of the sun and drafts bypass the poinsettia. For optimal growth of this flower, it is desirable to provide a constant temperature regime around 19–24 ºC. If the flower is dormant, then it is advisable to lower the temperature to 14 ºC. Care at this time is very moderate watering. The first dressings are applied in the spring and continue to supply the plant with nutrients in the summer and autumn twice a month.

The poinsettia needs pruning of the stem - it is produced at about 15-17 centimeters in height in early April. In order for the flower to grow green mass, at the end of spring they begin to feed it with fertilizers, water it intensively and put it in a lighted place. Do not worry, such care is completely justified - soon the flower will have new shoots. Potash and complex fertilizers will only benefit your flower during this period. By the way, you can transplant a plant in the spring, after it has had a good rest. When transplanting, do not forget about drainage.

Caring for this indoor flower requires a timely response to possible diseases and the appearance of pests. Poinsettia can harm scale insects, as well as whiteflies and spider mites. You have to fight by wiping the leaves with soapy water. If you have started the situation, then in the store you can buy drugs that help to cope with pests. Flowers are also unstable to the appearance of gray mold and powdery mildew.

With high humidity, gray rot spreads rapidly, and the poinsettia is covered with characteristic brown spots. Plant care in case of fungal diseases includes the use of fungicides. If the leaves of your flower turned yellow, then perhaps the roots of the poinsettia began to rot. Stop watering, put the flower in warm place and in the future, very carefully irrigate the soil in the pot. Perhaps root rot is caused by insufficiently well-organized drainage. In this case, make several holes in the bottom to drain excess liquid. Be sure to place a saucer under the pot so that water does not drain onto the windowsill.

Improper care is detrimental to the leaves of the plant - they are the first to react to a small or too large amount of water, dim light, and a sharp temperature drop. Therefore, if you want to have a healthy perennial, then observe both light and temperature conditions. It remains to add a wish - let the poinsettia bring joy to you and your loved ones!

Poinsettia - indoor plant, growing in a small bush up to 40 cm high. In winter, it is decorated with bright red "flowers", which are actually bracts. In artificially bred varieties, they are white, pale pink and even two-tone. For successful cultivation poinsettias at home, you need to learn some tricks: they usually buy it during the period new year holidays, after which, with improper care, she dies. Compliance and creation optimal conditions will allow flowers to appear next year.

Photo and description of types and varieties of poinsettia

Other names for the poinsettia are "Christmas Star" and "Star of Bethlehem" because its flowering time is during the Christmas period. It is very popular in winter: the bright red bloom looks unusual in the cold and creates a festive feeling. Breeders have bred hybrids with different colors of stipules, having original look.

In amateur floriculture are in demand:

This is not the whole list of variety varieties. Among them there are plants with bright yellow, apricot and blue bracts. You can get to know them from the photo.

How to care for a smart poinsettia after buying it in a store

The flower does not tolerate drafts and low temperatures. Therefore, when purchasing it in winter, it is necessary to ensure transportation in warmth. A tender plant should not come into contact with frosty air. If the pot needs to be carried along the street, then it must be protected with a plastic bag.

Optimal temperature and lighting

The air temperature in the room, providing comfortable conditions for growth, depends on the stage of development:

During the dormant period (from the moment the leaves are shed until April), the flower needs cool air: 12–15 ° C.
A suitable indicator for the vegetative period is 18–25 ° C.
During flowering, the air temperature should become colder - about 16 ° C. Unfortunately, this rule is not always possible to fulfill, because an elegant poinsettia is placed in warm apartment to a conspicuous place. This will not cause death, but will shorten the duration of flowering.

It is important to protect the bush from drafts.

Poinsettia feels good on windows with good lighting. But, like most indoor flowers, it does not tolerate direct sunlight. If they get on the leaves, this will provoke the appearance of brown spots and death.

Watering and humidity

Irrigation mode depends on the time of year:

If the room is not hot, then they are guided by the state of the top layer of soil: moisturizing is necessary when it dries.
In hot summer days the plant is watered more abundantly: every day or every two days with a small amount of water.
After flowering and during dormancy, watering should be minimal.

For irrigation use water at room temperature, which is defended for at least a day. It should be ensured that it does not stagnate in the pan: this causes the appearance of rot on the roots.

Flowering specimens are sprayed every 3-4 days with a spray bottle.

Top dressing

Recommendations on how to care for a poinsettia at home include the mandatory application of top dressing. This is necessary so that it receives the substances and elements necessary for growth and flowering. Feeding time is from May to autumn. It is better to give preference to mineral complexes. During the flowering period, the use of a fertilizer with a high potassium content will benefit.

Poinsettia transplant

Christmas flower needs annual transplants. They are carried out in May, when the plant comes out of dormancy and begins to grow new leaves. Suitable slightly alkaline soil. suitable soil mixture can be prepared by:

leaf ground - 2 parts;
clay-turf - 3 parts;
peat -1 part;
coarse sand - part 2.

The soil must be disinfected.

When transplanting a poinsettia, you need to pick up a pot that will be 2-3 cm larger than the previous one. A layer of drainage is laid on its bottom. The plant is transplanted carefully, without harming the root system. You should try not to touch the earthen ball, removing only dead roots.

Flower propagation methods Christmas star

Reproduction of poinsettia at home is carried out by cuttings. They are received during spring pruning flower. The optimal length is 7–10 cm. In order for the plant to multiply successfully and grow faster, there should be several (4–6) live buds on the handle.

In the wild, poinsettia reproduces with the help of seeds, but it is irrational to use this method in indoor floriculture.

Then the blanks are soaked for half an hour in water so that poisonous juice comes out of them. The cut can be treated with a root system growth stimulator. Then the cuttings are planted in containers filled with fertile soil or a mixture of sand, dried manure and humus.

The container is placed in a warm place with a temperature of 25–28 ° C, covered with a film and regularly moisten the soil by spraying with a spray gun every 3 days. Periodically, an impromptu greenhouse needs to be ventilated. A month later, the container is moved to a cooler room and the film is removed. After 3-4 months, the plants can be planted in individual pots.

Cuttings make it easy to get young specimens. With proper care, they will bloom the next year.

Trimming a flower at home

Pruning forms a voluminous bush correct form and gives cuttings for propagation. It should be done 2 times a year: during the dormant period (March-early April) and in the fall for shaping. The shoots are simply cut obliquely, leaving 15 cm above the soil level. Being cut off, the poinsettia grows more actively.

Watch the video for instructions on how to properly shorten poinsettia shoots.

Preparing for flowering

Ways to make the "Christmas Star" bloom:

After transplanting, the pot is placed in a bright place.
When new leaves and shoots begin to appear, it is important to feed the flower.
Of the new shoots, 3-4 of the strongest should be left.
In September laid flower buds. The process takes 2 months. During this period, daylight hours should not exceed 10 hours. You can rearrange the pot for the remaining 14 hours in a dark place or cover with a tight cap. Reduce watering at the same time.

When the bracts begin to bloom, normal care should be returned.

Features of the content after flowering

When flowering ends, the bush prepares for the dormant phase. To help him, you need to reduce watering and stop fertilizing.

In March or early April, the plant begins to shed its leaves. It is recommended to move the pot to a dark place with cool air and cut the shoots. The dormant time will last a month and a half, after which the Christmas Star will wake up after rest and grow.

Problems when growing at home

When growing, you may encounter various problems:

Yellowing of leaves. Common cause phenomena - improper watering, leading to drought or waterlogging. It can also be the trace of an activity spider mite.
The poinsettias are dropping leaves. It causes high humidity at low air temperature or, conversely, dryness. It is important to remember that dropping leaves after flowering is normal.
Lack of flowering. It is necessary to find a mistake in caring for him, especially paying attention to the conditions of the resting phase.

If this representative of the flora is in a comfortable environment, she will definitely please with bright colors.

Diseases and pests

At home, the flower can be exposed to diseases. The most common of them:

Gray rot. Symptoms - blackening of the plant, falling foliage. You can solve the problem by transplanting and treating the roots with "Fundazol".
Fusarium - complete death of shoots. It is treated by treatment with antifungal agents.
Powdery rot manifests itself as a white bloom. Special drugs, for example, Topaz, are fighting with it.

Also, pests can settle on the flower:

whitefly;
spider mite;
thrips;
worm
shields, false shields, etc.

The poinsettia flower belongs to the Euphorbia family and has poisonous juice, which is very harmful to the organs of vision and causes gastrointestinal upset. Therefore, if there are children and pets in the house who will certainly show interest in a bright plant, you need to take care of their safety: put the pot out of reach. When working with poinsettia, hands are protected with gloves.
At home - in Mexico - there is a legend that it used to be a modest green plant, but blossomed at the cradle of Jesus.
The ancient Aztecs called the flower "Cuetlaxochitl". They made dyes, cosmetics and medicines from it.
Since the 17th century Catholic Church used it in Christmas celebrations as a symbol star of bethlehem.
In the wild, it is a shrub growing up to 4 m in height.

Knowing how to ensure the poinsettias are suitable home care and how to prune it, you can get a beautiful plant. It will delight the eye during the cold months and create a truly Christmas atmosphere.

Already from the name, one can judge the beauty of this plant - its leaves resemble a five-pointed star. The Christmas Star belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is distinguished by dark green leaves with blossoms in the middle of them, they can be red, pink, white or blue. What are the features of home flowers Christmas star or poinsettia, and how to care for them at home we will tell in our article.

In contact with

The flowers of the Christmas Star are small and yellow, but during the flowering period, it is the leaves that acquire an incredible color and take all the attention. But after the flowering period passes, the Christmas star throws off all this charm, and so every year, until the next New Year. The flowering period is from the beginning of December to the month of March, after which the plant needs to provide a dormant period.

Christmas star: signs

Many people, due to their suspiciousness, are accustomed to seeing certain symbols, signs from above in this or that natural phenomenon. So it is with the Christmas star flower - in its asset, it has several interesting signs:

If there are constant quarrels and scandals in the family, the house, negative energy is hidden, someone harbors evil on your house - the Christmas star will begin to die even during the period of intensive growth and flowering. If you take care of the plant according to the rules, but it still dies, look for a problem within the family.
They say that this plant chooses its own place of residence - if it likes the window sill of a particular room, all household members begin to show interest in it. For example, animals can gnaw it or constantly sniff it, which means that it belongs here.
If damage or a black evil eye is directed at you or someone from the household, the Christmas star begins in urgently turn yellow and shed leaves. Therefore, it is worth inviting a priest to bless the house.
If you put this plant in the room of the newlyweds, it will strengthen their marriage, make it stronger and happier.

To believe in all these signs or not is a personal matter for everyone. It is important that the plant itself is very, very beautiful and will bring warmth and comfort to your home.

If you bought a houseplant covered in abundant color, the question naturally arises of how to care for it. Caring for a Christmas flower with red leaves is as follows:

Place the plant on the sunny side of the house- southern or eastern. The main thing is to shade it somewhat from direct sunlight.
Always keep the room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees, while it is worth remembering - the plant does not tolerate the slightest draft and cold air.
An important condition for the normal growth and development of a plant is high air humidity- do not put a Christmas star near the batteries central heating or near radiators.

Dry air currents will lead to the wilting of the flower and the yellowness of the leaves, so that this does not happen, it is recommended to regularly spray the plant from a spray bottle, or place a bowl of water nearby.

Watering is regular, which does not allow the earthen coma to dry out. But at the same time, you should not pour it excessively - the plant does not tolerate stagnant water and excessive dampness. For irrigation, settled water is used, soft and without the admixture of bleach.
If after 3-4 weeks after the purchase the plant continues to bloom, it is optimal to feed it with complex fertilizers for flowering plants. So you will enhance and prolong flowering, making the colors of the plant even brighter.

After the plant has faded, the Christmas star may shed its leaves. There comes a period of rest, and during this period of time the flower needs to provide the most comfortable conditions:

plant needed put in dark, preferably a cool room, where the air temperature is observed in the range from 12 to 15 degrees.
Costs prune a bush- it will be sufficient to cut the plant so that shoots no more than 8-10 cm high remain.
Water the plant as infrequently as possible., and even if the earth in the flowerpot dries up completely - you should not be scared, because this will only benefit the plant.

At rest, the plant needs to stay one and a half to two months, after which the active phase of vegetation begins. This period passes at the Christmas Star from May to September, and it is with the advent of heat that the active growth and development of the plant begins.

The rules for caring for a Christmas star during the growing season are as follows:

If the plant does not have enough space in the old flowerpot- it should be transplanted into a new, more spacious one, choosing a nutritious and loose soil composition. It will be good to mix in equal proportions hardwood and sand, peat and turf.
During the growing season, it is worth putting the flowerpot on a shaded window sill, but with enough diffused light. Also, do not forget that the plant does not like drafts and direct sunlight - they are detrimental to it.
The temperature should be between 22 and 25 degrees, watering - with warm water, into which complex fertilizers for flowering plants should be added at intervals of 2-3 weeks.
Also gradual formation of a bush is necessary- as soon as the plant actively begins to grow, it is worth choosing the 5-6 strongest shoots, and simply cut all the rest. Cut off cuttings - can be used for propagation, and on the remaining ones - to form a crown to make a beautiful bush.

How to Prepare a Christmas Star for Bloom

To prepare the flower for abundant flowering- he needs to create the most natural conditions. As noted experienced growers- starting from the earliest autumn, for 2.5-3 months, cover the plant at night with dark and opaque polyethylene, for at least 13-14 hours.

If the climate in the region is mild, you can take the flowerpot to an unheated greenhouse or garden, where a natural change in light and temperatures will take place. Gradually, in early December, buds will appear on the plant, after which flowers will be knocked out. After that - the plant is placed on the windowsill, illuminated by diffused light and so that the leaves and flowers do not come into contact with the cold glass.

Plant propagation

The Christmas star is propagated by cuttings, for which, during the growing season, cuttings are cut about 9–11 cm long, which are placed in water with the addition of growth stimulants or planted in a loose and nutritious earth mixture. The temperature is maintained at 19-22 degrees and after the cuttings take root, the temperature should not be lower than 16.

On the video about caring for poinsettia from the lips of a specialist:

At home, in Mexico, the poinsettia plant (Euphorbia pulcherrima, "Christmas star") reaches a height of 3 m and during flowering is considered the main color of tropical gardens. Moreover, the flower is known as a Christmas decoration. After flowering, it is thrown away, but in the meantime it is worth saving and growing it further, provided that there is no aphid infestation. The grassy shoots of the poinsettia gradually become stiff, and a beautiful, bushy plant soon develops. Real poinsettia flowers are very inconspicuous, but very decorative bracts are creamy white, salmon, bright red and pink. On sale are potted plants, ampelous species and decorative standard trees.

Family: Euphorbiaceae (Euphoriaceae).
Homeland: Tropical regions of Mexico, Central America.

When describing the poinsettia, one should not forget to say that it got its name thanks to the famous American politician Joel Poinsett: the Minister of War was fond of botany and, seeing given flower, was struck by its beauty. In addition, this unusual plant popularly called not only Christmas star, but also Bethlehem.

Adaptation of indoor poinsettia flower to home conditions

Experienced gardeners warn that you need to be very careful when buying a flower: the fact is that many unscrupulous sellers try to get rid of diseased specimens or those that have undergone transportation in uncomfortable conditions. This is fraught with the fact that the process of adaptation and further care demanding poinsettia will not be easy. That is why try to pay attention to such details as the soil of the plant - it should not be too wet - and unblown buds - it is their condition that will indicate that the acquired flower is healthy and young.

You should also take note of the fact that the Christmas star life cycle can be divided into periods winter bloom, dormant state and growth process. Connoisseurs do not recommend buying this or that copy in December-February, so as not to bring home the most beautiful indoor flower Euphorbia - poinsettia - with a frozen root system.

As soon as the newly acquired copy is in the apartment, the owner should place it in a well-lit place - for example, on the windowsill - but on one condition: there should not be drafts where the Star of Bethlehem will stand.

In addition, immediately after such a plant appears in the house, it is necessary to ensure that the temperature in the room remains at least within 17-20 ° C. Such special conditions are best maintained over the next 3 weeks. After this period of time, the poinsettia, which has already become a home flower, can be transplanted into the ground, which should first be diluted with sand and vermiculite. By the way, experts also advise to carry out a drainage procedure: a layer of small pebbles or ceramic shards must be placed on the bottom of the tank. Note: following these simple rules, a novice gardener will be able to admire the colorful flowering of the Christmas star for much longer - about 3-4 more months.

Despite the beauty of the plant, be careful: milky juice can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. Gardeners say with knowledge that poison is the most dangerous for human eyes.

There are cases when, upon contact with the poinsettia flower, which deserved the name of the Christmas star, people showed an allergic reaction. Sometimes it was possible to observe side effect like severe nausea and indigestion. That is why, in order to protect yourself from such troubles, it is better to wear gloves before starting the process of pruning or transplanting a plant.

Why does poinsettia wither and drop leaves despite proper watering

When purchasing this flower, you need to consider some of its features.

Location: all year round bright diffused, not direct sunlight. For the summer, you can take the poinsettia to a sheltered place outdoors.
Temperature: loves warmth all year round. When growing after flowering, keep for some time at 12-15 ° C.
Substrate: flower soil.
Watering: is very important because it can influence why the leaves fall and the poinsettia wilts. Proper watering should be abundant from May to November, before flowering. Faded plants should be watered sparingly from February to May.

Now in more detail about each of the points: firstly, the location, which is extremely important when caring for the Christmas star - the wayward poinsettia - at home. You should immediately take into account the fact that this specimen prefers bright, secluded - that is, without drafts - places.

In addition, from June to September, the plant can and should even be left on fresh air. If this is not possible, you should try not to forget to ventilate the room where the poinsettia is located. It is always necessary to control the amount of oxygen supplied to the flower: for this, one should not forget to loosen the soil.

Very often, novice gardeners do not understand why the poinsettia suddenly sheds leaves: the fact is that this may be due to a lack of lighting - especially in winter time. To avoid such phenomena, it is better to take care of additional source light - for example, in the form of table lamps.

However, we should not forget that the fundamentally opposite must be done in the fall: the plant requires as little sun or other rays as possible.

How to care for poinsettia at home during flowering and how to water a flower

Maintaining the required temperature - should not be below 18 ° C - this is perhaps one of the invariable conditions for how to properly care for the poinsettia flower in the house. An exception can be considered only those cases when the plant blooms - that is, in winter: in this situation, the mark on the thermometer cannot fall below 14 ° C. But in the so-called dormant period, the thermometer should be at least 12 ° C. Be sure to take yourself note: sudden changes in temperature are very harmful and dangerous for this overseas flower.

As for the level of humidity: First of all, experts note that in June-August, you need to water a houseplant quite often - you should focus on when the soil begins to dry out. Watering in winter poinsettia is significantly reduced - we are talking that the soil in the pot should only be slightly damp. It should be remembered that during flowering the Christmas star needs to be sprayed: for this, settled water at room temperature is used. Don't forget what exactly low humidity in most cases it turns out to be the reason why the plant loses its foliage. Moreover, the lack of water and high temperatures become ideal conditions for the reproduction of such a terrible enemy of this flower as the spider mite.

Despite this, knowing how to properly water poinsettia is simply necessary: the whole trick is to ensure that the soil of the planted specimen is necessarily well saturated, but water never collects in the pot pan. In addition, some experts point out that upper layer soil may be slightly dry.

In addition, special attention should be paid to the choice of soil for the Christmas star: it is better if it is slightly acidic - about a pH of about 6. In addition, it is desirable that it be a soil mixture - that is, a combination of leaf and sod land, with the addition of clay-turf and sand (in a ratio of 2: 1: 3: 1) .

How to properly care for poinsettia at home so that it blooms

In order for the Christmas star to bloom, you need to know how to properly care for the poinsettia. That is why pay attention to the following stages of this process:

Top dressing: fertilize weekly from June to November.
Transfer: from mid-May, when new shoots appear.
Pruning: after the real flowers fall off, cut the shoots to half.

It is necessary to understand each of the stages in turn: So how do you do a transplant? According to the masters of gardening themselves, this is not enough difficult process if you follow certain guidelines. For example, it is best to do this procedure in the spring - in April-May. In this case, the poinsettia transplant will be successful, since it will be carried out after the dormant period ends - consequently, the plant will be rested.

It is also necessary to take into account such a moment that it is best to use the very slightly acidic soil for such an “operation”. Moreover, do not neglect the procedure for draining the soil, which will contribute to the successful process of adaptation of the flower in the "new place".

It will also be necessary to pick up a pot a little larger than it was before.

How to transplant poinsettia when grown at home: transplant after purchase

Thinking about how to carefully transplant poinsettia at home, experts agreed that it is best to do this by transshipment - we are talking about technology when a flower is transferred along with a small earthen clod that rests on the roots. At the same time, the amount of soil in the new container should be increased.

Similar recommendations must be followed during the annual spring transplant of the Christmas star. It should also be remembered that these tips also apply to the moment when it is necessary to produce poinsettias only after purchase: having carried out the already mentioned “transshipment”, care should be taken to regularly water the plant and feed it with potassium-containing products. Moreover, it is very important that after the transfer procedure the instance is in a well-lit, warm place.

The next important condition for the successful growth and flowering of an overseas guest is fertilizer. nutrients. This procedure is carried out from March to September - with an interval of 2 weeks between top dressing.

For growing poinsettia at home, it is best to use mineral complexes and a solution of mullein in summer months, and during the flowering period - December-February - resort to the help of potassium-containing preparations. By the way, it is also recommended to use fertilizers that contain trace elements such as zinc or molybdenum. A curious fact is that some gardeners are afraid to fertilize in the winter when the Christmas star is blooming: they say they don’t want to jinx it.

Proper pruning of poinsettias

In addition to the above, the novice gardener should not forget to carry out correct pruning poinsettias. The fact is that this specimen grows quite quickly, therefore, after each flowering period, it is imperative to cut it short without fail - a very small stem (about 10 cm high) should remain. It should be noted that this "cosmetic process" is carried out twice a year - in April (before the onset of the dormant period) and immediately after transplantation.

These manipulations are necessary, because a gardener who wants to see a neat flower on his windowsill must make an effort to form beautiful crown. Moreover, by clearly understanding how to properly care for poinsettia at home, a person will be able to contribute to its further development and reproduction.

Experts give some advice on the procedure for breeding this flower:

First of all, it is best to use the method of propagation by apical cuttings in the summer.
Secondly, you can use trimming waste. In this case, the milky juice will stop oozing on the sections if the cuttings are dipped in tepid water.

Please note that it is not enough to take care of the poinsettia only: its reproduction also requires a special attitude on the part of the grower. By the way, in natural environment habitat given plant he uses seeds to increase his kind, but keeping it in the house, a person must resort to another method - breeding with the help of cuttings. This vegetative technology assumes that the separated parts of the Christmas star will be cut at the very beginning of June. In addition, they should not be more than 10 cm, and no more than 6 strong buds should be left on their surface when pruning.

When using cuttings to propagate the poinsettia flower, you will also have to take care of the poisonous juice: we are talking about the fact that it is necessary to immerse the cut off shoots in warm water for 5-7 minutes in order to get rid of the milky juice.

Only after that, it is possible to treat the sections with preparations that promote root formation, and safely plant the specimens in a moistened soil mixture, which should consist of humus, sand and, preferably, manure. Care should also be taken to room temperature during the growing period did not fall below 24º C.

How best to propagate poinsettia at home

When asked how best to propagate poinsettia, most experienced craftsmen answer - with the help of cuttings planted and aged under a film. Experts also recommend not to forget about the correct and its spraying.

After 30 days - this time will be enough for the plant to take root - you can loosen it a little - up to 16-20 ºC. Carefully following the moment the first leaves appear, the seedling should be aired more often under the film.

In addition, in order for the future Christmas star to form a beautiful branching, it is necessary to pinch after the formation of the sixth leaf. At home, the dilemma regarding how to propagate the poinsettia ends as follows: in the fall, the seedlings are moved to larger pots (their diameter is up to 20 cm) and nursed in this place for another 12 months.

The main diseases and pests of poinsettia

Gardeners consider the red spider mite to be one of the most formidable enemies of the Christmas star, however, other insects pose a threat to the overseas flower:

thrips

whiteflies

mealy worm

For example, whiteflies harm the plant, leaving glue-like spots on its leaves, and the worm forms a whitish substance. It should be noted that it is the diseases and numerous pests of poinsettia that most often cause this specimen to wither and turn yellow.

That is why experts have developed many reliable folk and modern ways to deal with these misfortunes. So, you can get rid of aphids and scale insects with the help of regular - once a week - wiping the sheets with an ordinary soapy solution: it is necessary only after this procedure to arrange a "shower" indoor flower. But you need to fight the worms using mineral oils for processing the same sheets.

Among the main diseases of poinsettia experienced gardeners allocate gray rot, powdery mildew and fusarium - a fungal infection. It must be remembered that it is high humidity that contributes to the formation of foulbrood: in this case, a grayish mold appears on the plant, which can spread along the shoots, leaves and inflorescences. In such situations, it is better not to rely on "grandmother's methods" and immediately use "Fundazol" or "Celandine".

Why do poinsettia leaves fall, the flower dries up and turns yellow, what to do in these cases

A symptom of the development of Fusarium is the darkening of the shoots: this disease can be considered the reason why the poinsettia dries up. In its turn powdery mildew spreads on a Christmas star with a white coating, and then acquires brown-brown shades. Please note that you can destroy such fungal lesions with the help of Topaz and Skora.

Quite often, novice gardeners do not know why their flower turns yellow. Experts explain that poor plant care can serve as prerequisites for this. It's about that it is the maintenance of this specimen in rooms with low temperatures and excessive watering in many cases that cause diseases of the Star of Bethlehem. But not only this lies the answer to the question of why the poinsettia turns yellow and fades: insufficient air humidity in the room where the flower stands can also harm it.

Not having controlled this moment, the master gardener will easily create ideal conditions for the existence of the already mentioned spider mite. This insect quite often contributes to the disruption of the life of the plant - as a result, yellowing of the foliage.

If a beginner is faced with such a problem as unforeseen leaf fall, most likely, he also did not keep track of such important features of growing an overseas curiosity as moderate watering and a certain temperature regime. Dry air in the room is another factor in why homemade poinsettia leaves fall. However, you should pay attention to such a moment that after the Christmas holidays this plant also sheds its “robe”.

This process is natural and, in this case, it is not necessary to take any measures. If the negligent owner himself became the cause of what is happening, he must first establish the source of the disease, and then eliminate it.

That is why, when the leaves fall off the poinsettia, what can be done in this case is to make sure that it has enough of the lighting in which it grows, and there is no factor in sudden temperature changes.

How to make poinsettia bloom at home: tips and videos

Having missed something in caring for a plant or ignoring the recommendations of specialists, a novice gardener may find that his flower is not covered with lush color. Only observance of such mandatory conditions as the proper temperature regime and proper lighting will help correct the situation. That is why, in order to solve the question of how exactly to make the poinsettia bloom, you should check everything again possible factors of this phenomenon. Experienced gardeners have come up with some useful tips that will definitely help beginners:

Falling inflorescences- you should make sure that the root system has not rotted due to abundant watering.
Appear brown spots – it is necessary to adjust the humidity of the air.
Inflorescences turn pale- too much water gets on the foliage of the Christmas star.
sudden leaf fall- the plant lacks light and heat.
The leaves of a young poinsettia turn yellow- you need to check if it is in a draft.

Thus, following these recommendations, you can provide your flower with comfortable conditions for growth and development. Take a quick look at the video of how poinsettia can bloom at home: plants, no matter how they were bred through experiments, delight the eyes of those who took care of them.

Why homemade poinsettia does not bloom and how to make the plant bloom

Quite often, those who have purchased this overseas specimen for themselves wonder why homemade poinsettia does not bloom. Connoisseurs say that for the formation of flowers and coloring of the bracts, the poinsettia for two months, starting from September, should be illuminated (including by a lamp or the light of a street lamp) no more than 10-12 hours a day (depending on the variety). It is best to cover the plant with a bucket or cardboard box every night for 12-14 hours.

Poinsettia blooms can be repeated even if you take care of her proper rest during the so-called dormant period. After the Christmas star has lost all inflorescences, it is necessary to reduce watering for the next 40 days. Moreover, this process is carried out only when it becomes clear that the earth in the pot is completely dry. It is necessary not to forget and cut the stems of the plant - about a third - at the end of March. In addition, what else needs to be done in order for the poinsettia to bloom is not to forget to transplant it into a pot with a soil mixture of sod and leafy soil with the addition of compost, peat and sandstone.

It is also necessary to remember that from the end of September (for the next 8 weeks) the flower should receive a smaller amount of sunlight - only 10 hours a day. And after this period of time, it is necessary to completely remove the Christmas star in a dark place.

This is necessary so that the development of the kidneys is not delayed. Only following these recommendations is the solution to how you can make poinsettia bloom at home.

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