1. Poinsettia

2. Background Family:Euphorbiaceae Scientific NameEuphorbia pulcherrima Native to:Southern Mexico / Northern Guatemala Used by Aztecs as a symbol of purity. Used by 17 t century Franciscan Monks for Christmas decorations Introduced to U.S. in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett 1902 Albert Ecke started production as a cut flower and by 1920’s established as THE Christmas plant.

3. The Do's and Don'ts of Poinsettia Care DO place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. If direct sun can't be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain. DO provide room temperature around 16° C. Generally speaking, if you are comfortable, so is your poinsettia. DO water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. DO use a large, roomy shopping bag to protect your plant when transporting it. DO fertilize your plant AFTER THE BLOOMING SEASON with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

4. The Do's and Don'ts of Poinsettia Care DON'T place plants near cold drafts or excessive heat. Avoid placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts. DON'T expose plants to temperatures below 10° C(50° F). Poinsettias are sensitive to cold, so avoid placing them outside during the winter months. DON'T overwater your plant, or allow it to sit in standing water. Always remove a plant from any decorative container before watering, and allow the water to drain completely. DON'T expose your plant to chilling winds DON'T fertilize your plant when it is in bloom.

5. Re Potting Use Coarse Peat based compost. Mix in Perlite & Gravel Water well using a fungicide but allow to drain Mist well for several days

6. Fertilizing NPK 20-10-20 every week Beware calcium & magnesium deficiency Maintain PH 5.8-6.3 Stop Fertilizing when flowers develop (late November)

7. Pinching Pinch out growing tips July Floral initiation late September

8. Environment Nighttime 20 degrees C Daytime 24 degrees C Maintain at 20C for 3-4 weeks when brachts start to colour Lots of light between 6am and 5pm Little light between 5pm and 6am Decrease daylight hours to get plant to flower earlier

9. And if You’re Lucky