Glasnik Zaštite Bilja, Vol. 39 No. 6, 2016.
Review article
Cultivation of the spurge poinsettia – Christmas star
Sunčica Dombaj
Abstract
The production of the best-known decorative spurge (Latin: Euphorbia pulcherrima) is meticulously planned for the timely Advent appearance of its ornamental coloured leaves that subtend a flower – bracts. A business production under protected conditions utilizes non-inoculated and intact rooted cuttings that are supplied by cuttings producers from mid-May and finally planted in pots.
A successful production necessitates a fully equipped, protected area with an integrated system of ventilation, shading, heating and blinds. It is important to ensure a favourable regime of watering and fertilization, a special substrate and enough space for potted plants.
To produce a quality, solid and compact potted plant, a specific technological procedure of nipping and the use of growth regulators should be applied.
There are several methods of growing poinsettia which differ in length and produce pots of distinctive appearance (vigor and height). The most popular method used in Croatia is growing plants of 15 cm in height, achieved by planting poinsettia in pots from the middle through the end of July. Other distinguished forms of poinsettia include trees and shrubs (of 20-30 cm in height), as well as plants of miniature (up to 7 cm) and medium (up to 10 cm) size.
Poinsettia nurseries perform selection to achieve the ever more intense colour of bracts. In addition to the traditional red, pink and shades of white, bracts can come in the colour of lemon, cinnamon, salmon, coated or streaked. Bracts – leaves that subtend a flower can also give a spherical appearance to the inflorescence.
Keywords
poinsettia; protected conditions; cultivation
Hrčak ID:
172200
URI
Publication date:
20.12.2016.
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