Poinsettias at AHS

Introduced from Mexico by J.R. Poinsett the first amabassador to Mexico Poinsettia flower is a small yellow flower grown at terminal end-the bract (modified leaf) provides the color Poinsettias are a short-day plant-meaning they require less then 12 hours of day length to produce flowers and color

Poinsettia Management Maintain cooler night time temperatures. Ideal day temp is 75; and ideal night temp is 64 thru mid-October-after that 70 F day and 62 night we’re simulating their native environment Fertilizer every third watering with a at 200 ppm Maintain an approximate 12 inch spacing to allow for growth and ventilation Water from below-branches are fragile!!!

Pest Control Strategies Maintain optimum environment-water, temp, fertilizer Whitefly/Thrips a systemic insecticide Biocontrols-predatory wasps Yellow sticky traps & Bean plants as indicator Fungicide drenches may be needed to prevent powdery mildew and pythium root rot