Potted Plants Poinsettias Topic #2173 Nick Wendling

The Poinsettia The flower is small and yellow The flower is located in the bracts Bracts are the leaves that give the poinsettia their color Poinsettias need short days to develop the flower, which is necessary for bract coloring.

The Poinsettia Poinsettias should be grown in full sunlight during long days to develop leaves and increase stem length. The plant develops the flower buds naturally during late Sept. and early Oct. The bracts get their color in Nov. and Dec.

The Poinsettia

Greenhouse Management Factors to Consider –Light –Temperature –Moisture –Ventilation –Climate

Light The greenhouse should be located to receive maximum available sunlight.

Temperature Day temperature 5 to 10 degrees higher than night temperature. Night temp should be 65 degrees with day temp being around degrees.

Moisture Plant growth is dependent on moisture Watering helps to carry dissolved nutrients to the plant. The amount needed is dependent on the outside conditions. (sunshine or clouds)

Ventilation Ventilation is the movement and exchange of air in the greenhouse. This ensures proper temperature throughout the greenhouse. Helps control relative humidity and plant diseases.

Planting and Spacing Poinsettias can be grown in any size pot. The size of the pot will determine the overall size the plant will grow to. In larger pot sizes, often more than one plant is planted. (3 plants in a 6in pot or bigger)

Pinching Removal of the terminal bud Four or five nodes should remain Increases the number of bracts per plant Causes the plant to be fuller

Soil Mixes Needs to be porous and well drained Soil should be free of insects and diseases Soil should be sterilized at 180 degrees for thirty minutes.

Fertility Poinsettias require a regular fertility program Use a complete fertilizer (contains Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) is a commonly used formulation

Growth Regulator Control the height of plant so it stays a marketable height. Enhance the color of the bracts so it is more desirable.

Insects Common insects are whiteflies, mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats Can be controlled by chemicals IPM methods can be used for control Keep the greenhouse clean to prevent insect in the first place

Disease Common diseases are root rot and powdery mildew. Can be controlled by use of fungicides Ensuring the soil is clean before planting is best way to prevent disease.