Poinsettias

 

A poinsettia is a commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family. Indegenous to Mexico and central America. It is particularly well known for its red and green folliage. Poinsettias are shrubs or small trees with heights of 0.6--4 meters (2 -- 13.1 feet). Though after being stated to be highly toxic, the poinsettia is not dangerous to pets or children. though it can cause nausea, vomiting and diaharrea.

OUICK FACTS _:

• Poinsettias grow well in moist soil and tempratures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• They can be grown outdoors during summer.
• Poinsettias bloom when the days get shorter. 

Poinsettia care :

There is no need to discard your poinsettia come January --you can keep it healthy and vigorious the whole year with the right care. The trick is to Provide enough filtered sun, warmth, and water, and your poinsettia would thrive. If you're especially motivated and follow a pattern of specific care, your plant might rebloom next holiday season.

        Light_

                   Poinsettia grow the best when placed in bright, diffused sunlight, so place your plant near a sunny window where it will receive at least six to eight hours of diffused light per day. Although the plants can survive with fewer hours of light, they won't be as vigorous or as long-lived . Be aware that exposure to direct sunlight can burn leaves and bracts.

        Soil_

                 While poinsettias are typically purchased already potted from a garden center or nursery, if you're planting (or replanting) a poinsettia, choose a well-draining peat-based potting soil for best success.

       Water_

                    Water your poinsettia whenever the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Saturate the soil completely until water runs through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, but do not let the plant sit in water. If the pot was wrapped in decorative foil, be sure to poke a few holes through the bottom to allow excess water to drain away Overwatering is the quickest way to kill a poinsettia, and wilting leaves are usually a sign of overwatering.

        Temprature & humidity_

                                                      To keep your poinsettia in bloom as long as possible, maintain a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. A slight drop in temperature at night will not hurt the plant. However, cold drafts, allowing the leaves to touch a cold window, or more importantly, a lack of adequate light, can injure the leaves and cause premature yellowing and leaf drop. 

Lack of humidity  during dry seasons, particularly during winter, is an ongoing problem for most houseplants, including poinsettias. If your home tends to be dry, consider investing in a small space humidifier to increase humidity levels in the area surrounding your poinsettia.