Re: Managing Poinsettias (Was favourites That Shouldn't Be
- To: Mediterannean Plants List
- Subject: Re: Managing Poinsettias (Was favourites That Shouldn't Be
- From: T* &* M* R*
- Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2000 10:32:27 +1300
Katherine Waser wrote:
> Last Christmas I got some poinsettias and decided to try to keep them going
> through the year in pots. They are a bit leggy but have been doing okay and
> now the leaves (bracts??) are just beginning to turn red. I'm not sure if
> it's the cold weather or day length that does this--must find out because I
> don't want to let them freeze by mistake.
Katherine
Its actually the shortening days which do the trick, so you can safely
bring them under cover if the new coloured bracts have started to
appear. Until the colouring starts they must be in an area unlit at
night or they will just remain green indefinitely. I have had the odd
Poinsettia which I have kept going several years. The trick to keeping a
good shape is to cut them back quite hard when the bracts fade and keep
them almost dry for a couple of weeks at least before watering them
regularly again to encourage new growth. Done like this they will tend
to branch and carry several heads.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata (near Wellington, capital city of New Zealand)
