As Christmas and New Year approach, bringing their unique festive atmosphere, it’s the perfect opportunity to decorate our spaces with beautiful Christmas flowers and plants. These decorations add a celebratory touch to both indoor and outdoor areas. Naturally, beyond the undisputed king of Christmas—the Christmas tree—there are many other plants and flowers closely associated with this time of year. With proper care, they can last and thrive throughout the rest of the year!
POINSETTIA OR STAR OF BETHLEHEM (Scientific name: Euphorbia pulcherrima – Euphorbia the Most Elegant)
- Origins: Native to Mexico, the poinsettia gradually became one of the classic Christmas plants about 200 years ago when Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, brought it to America during the Christmas season.
- Appearance: It is distinguished by its large, red bracts (which can also range in shades from pink to white) surrounding its small, yellow, spherical flowers.
- Growing Conditions: The poinsettia thrives in bright, warm locations (hence its common placement indoors during winter), but it should not be exposed to direct sunlight or drafts, as these can damage its leaves.
- Flowering Requirements: To bloom properly and develop its characteristic vibrant bract coloration during Christmas, the poinsettia requires less than 12 hours of light per day. Achieving this, particularly for plants from the previous year, involves placing the plant in a dark room for 12 hours a day for about six weeks or shielding it from light using a cardboard box.
Irrigation of Poinsettia (in a Pot)
Proper watering is essential to keep your poinsettia healthy and beautiful. Here are the basic guidelines:
- Frequency:
Water the poinsettia when the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) of the soil is dry, as overwatering is a more common issue than underwatering. Avoid letting water stagnate in the saucer under the pot, as this can cause root rot. - Seasonal Adjustment:
- Winter: Water less frequently due to reduced evaporation.
- Summer: Check the soil moisture more often, as higher evaporation increases water needs.
- Signs of Overwatering or Underwatering:
- Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, soft stems, and leaf drop.
- Underwatering: Wilting, dry leaf edges, or dry lower leaves.
By carefully monitoring soil moisture and adjusting your watering practices according to the season, you can maintain a healthy poinsettia year-round.
What is the most suitable irrigation system for professional poinsettia cultivation?
Professional poinsettia cultivation requires systematic irrigation management to produce high-quality plants. The water needs of poinsettias vary depending on the growing period, the type of substrate, greenhouse conditions, and root system development. Drip irrigation is the most commonly used method, as it provides targeted water delivery and minimizes excessive moisture.
Palaplast offers a wide range of products that can be used to set up a reliable and efficient drip irrigation system for poinsettia cultivation:
- Irrigation pipes AGROPAL HDPE 80 και LDPE
- Pressure Compensating Driplines, Driplines (Paladrip – Palaplast, Paladrip-XL – Palaplast, Paladrip-Slim – Palaplast)
- Dripline fittings
- Drippers
- Clamp saddles
- Filters
