poinsettia pruning south africa

Poinsettias are absolutely everywhere during the holidays, and for good reason! So, let’s take a stroll through this garden together and maybe – just maybe – we’ll forget to sweat the small stuff and come out smiling at the end of our journey. For most parts of the country, the best time to prune is during the latter part of July. Always wear appropriate protective equipment when pruning. Poinsettia, or euphorbia pulcherrima are a traditional Christmas gift in both the Northern Hemisphere , where they flower during winter and in Australia. The pruning methods for peaches and nectarines are very much the same. Trim the old branches and flowering shoots back to 4 to 6 inches with pruning shears when the poinsettia begins to grow side shoots in late February or early March. E. pulcherrima ‘Plenissima’ (Ecke’s flaming sphere) is also known as ram’s horn poinsettia. Poinsettias that are grown outdoors will often reach 8-10 feet tall, and can become quite leggy, so about every 2 months regular pruning is a must. Be careful that the stem does not begin to shrivel. In May, repot the poinsettia into a larger vessel, and place the plant in a … April: Starting April 1, gradually decrease water, allowing the soil to get dry between waterings. This is a sign the plant is too stressed and is dying. If you want to keep the plant compact, you can pinch the tips of … Poinsettias also bloom in cream, lemon, peach, pink colors and with white and gold-splashed leaves. Nothing says Christmas more than a beautiful poinsettia plant. Poinsettias are what are known as obligate short-day plants. By pruning your poinsettias in this way, a stockier plant will result, covered with large floral bracts for the holidays. If you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, you can begin planting poinsettia outdoors. They're beautiful, festive, and easy to take care of. Here is more detail about pruning peach trees. The poinsettia variety that … These varieties will grow from 2-3m (6-10′), but with regular pruning they can be kept around 1-2m (3-6′) high. Pruning for Shape If you want to keep the small bush look, trim the plant down to about 6” above the main stem. If the poinsettia starts to drop its leaves, it may be due to the fact that it has been over-watered for a longer period of time and that the roots have started to rot. A: Poinsettia pruning time is over for this year, if you want flowers. If you're in a winter rainfall region, wait until the beginning of … Poinsettias are a lovely gift for Mothers day, Christmas or used as a table centrepiece or decoration around the house. Temperature: The ideal temperature for poinsettias is between 65° and 75° F. They are susceptible to leaf drop and will become scraggly looking if exposed to cold drafts or extreme temperature changes. Poinsettias grow best in full sun through to about half shade. You can root the shoots you cut off and get more poinsettias. Fertilize poinsettias six weeks after they have finished flowering and then monthly until December. A fast-growing shrub with brilliant red bracts in winter at the ends of bare stems. Poinsettia was named after the former US ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel R. Poinsett who introduced the Poinsettia to the United States. Gardening in South Africa will also guide you on how to plant vegetables, herbs and other yummy things to enhance a healthy diet. July is the best month to do all your pruning because this is the time when plants are most dormant. During the festive season, potted poinsettias are here, there and everywhere. During the holidays, while in full bloom, they typically enjoy semi-cool, humid locations in bright, indirect light with plenty of moisture. They like rich, well-drained soil and need protection from frost and strong winds. pruning poinsettia trees. If you leave your poinsettia in the garden, and it’s hit by an unexpected frost, cut it to 12 to 18 inches above the ground early the following spring, or prune it back until you reach live wood. If you want a larger bushy poinsettia, remove the tops of each main shoot. Available as single or double, in red, pink and cream. Pinching the tips of new growth will produce a much bushier plant with many more, but much smaller flower bracts. Of the species listed, Euphorbia mauritanica makes an attractive garden plant if looked after in the garden.The rest, as well as several others of the unique South African species such as E. obesa, make attractive potted plants provided they get enough sunlight and not too much water. We have compiled the most handy hints and tips to maintaining your garden during the month of April and preparing your yard for the chilly winter. Pruning poinsettia is not like any other pruning because poinsettia is a Euphorbia (the Latin name is Euphorbia pulcherrima) and has a white sap (also called latex) which oozes from the cut. I have read your information on poinsettia's I have hunted thru the internet for information but all info seems to be for the potted christmas plant. This should promote new growth. Take care when pruning as the milky sap that is released by this plant is poisonous if consumed. Tip pruning can be done in January to help promote bushy growth and form. January to March: Keep watering the poinsettia whenever the surface is dry. If that’s your experience, it’s time you learned about growing poinsettia plants outside. Asked May 19, 2017, 11:57 AM EDT. Choose the brightest window you can, but don’t allow the plant to touch cold glass. In warmer regions, such as the Lowveld and coastal KwaZulu-Natal, pruning can, if … Then start the care cycle over again. This is a photoperiodic response that leads to the flowering problems people have. Winter is the best time for pruning as most plants are dormant and there is less chance of infection on the cut ends. Notoriously difficult to get to flower for a second season, poinsettias are high-maintenance plants that have a series of specific requirements if they are to survive past the holiday. Apr 24, 2014 - Autumn is here and the temperature is slowly coming down from those summer highs. Many Americans only see poinsettia plants when they are wrapped in tinsel on the holiday table. Poinsettias are somewhat drought tolerant and will grow best in soil that drains well and dries on top between waterings. Pruning encourages the plant to become full and bushy and helps the plant have more flowers. The balcony container gardener can prune this plant back and give it some special care to have their poinsettias flourish year after year in a container. Keep your poinsettia in a warm, well-ventilated room following the holidays and water it anytime the soil feels dry after the leaves begin to drop. The plants initiated the flowering process around the middle of October. Plant Poinsettias. Light: Poinsettias need at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight a day. The original Poinsettias … At home, an ideal spot would have temperatures in the 70s during the day and the 60s at night, with light from south-facing windows and no exterior doors or drafty heating ducts nearby. It is interesting to note though that all that beautiful fiery red seen in December is, in fact, a man-made fabrication; July/August is actually the time when poinsettias are blooming naturally and their bracts become their signature red. Follow the poinsettia care tips outlined so far, and you may find that your houseplant survives from winter into spring—or even longer. Towards the end of the summer, if the plant stems have grown 4-5 inches, pinch off the growing tips one more time. With a little luck and effort, you’ll have flowers by … Poinsettia's botanical name, Euphorbia pulcherrima, means "the most beautiful Euphorbia". Spring Pruning When spring arrives, prune the flowering stems back 4 to 6 inches. The lifespan of a poinsettia is often no longer than through the holiday season and into March. It bears enormous curled petals, which create a ball of a flower that is very showy for up to six months in frost-free areas. Poinsettia care begins with proper light, water, and temperature conditions. They are grown especially for the Christmas market in Australia under controlled conditions. Poinsettia plants should be watered thoroughly, taking care not to drown them by ensuring adequate drainage is available. They have a dense, bushy habit, unlike the species which tends to become too leggy. DO Prune Your Poinsettia If You Plan to Reflower It Next Year. If such a case arises, do not water your poinsettia for a while. This might be toxic to some individuals and could cause … This plant has colorful bracts, or modified leaves, that serve their purpose as attracting pollinators. Pruning a peach tree opens up the tree and allows sunlight to shine on the fruit. This is important for healthy fruit production. May 19, 2017, 11:57 AM EDT are grown especially for the Christmas market in Australia bushy... Latter part of July most beautiful Euphorbia '' growing poinsettia plants should be watered thoroughly, taking care not drown... July is the time when plants are most dormant prune is during the holidays, and temperature conditions 2017 11:57! They have finished flowering and then monthly until December you want a larger bushy poinsettia, or modified,. Poinsettia whenever the surface is dry red, pink and cream begin shrivel... 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