Pink Poinsettia – Flower of Cheers and Joys | Tips to Grow and Care
As a gardener with years of experience, I’ve grown to love many plants, but there’s something truly special about the pink poinsettia. This beautiful plant, scientifically known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, has become a common shrub in my winter garden and holiday decor.
German Botanist Karl Ludwig Wilenow gave it the name due to the color of its leaves. Originally from tropical and subtropical areas, it brings a touch of warmth and elegance to homes during the cooler months.
Flowers and Colors of Pink Poinsettia
What many people don’t realize is that the stunning pink “flowers” we admire are actually modified leaves called bracts. The true flowers are tiny and found at the center of these colorful bracts. As a grower, I’m always in awe of their color-changing process. The journey from green leaves to the soft, blushing pink is truly a sight to behold.
Pink poinsettias come in various shades, from pale blush to deep rose. Some of my favorites include the variegated varieties, which have a marbled or speckled appearance, adding an extra layer of visual interest. The contrast between the pink bracts and the deep green leaves creates a striking display that never fails to catch the eye.
How to Enjoy it for a Long Time?
To keep your pink poinsettia looking its best, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years:
- Temperature is key: Keep your plant in a room between 15-22 degrees Celsius. They don’t like extreme temperatures.
- Light matters: Place your poinsettia in a spot with bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can fade those beautiful pink bracts.
- Watering wisdom: I water my poinsettias when the soil surface feels dry. Overwatering is a common mistake, so be careful!
- Humidity helps: These tropical beauties appreciate a bit of humidity. I often mist mine or place them on a pebble tray with water.
- Repotting ritual: I repot my poinsettias in May, giving them fresh soil and a slightly larger pot if needed.
- Reblooming magic: To get those pink bracts back next winter, I start reducing light exposure in October, giving the plant 14 hours of complete darkness daily.
Tips Before Buying Pink Poinsettia
When looking to add a new poinsettia to your collection, here’s what I consider:
- Check the true flowers: Look for plants with small, tight green buds in the center. These will last longer than those already showing yellow pollen.
- Inspect the leaves: Healthy plants have dark green leaves all the way down the stem. Yellowing leaves might indicate poor care.
- Size matters: Consider where you’ll place the plant. They can grow up to 60 cm in height, so make sure you have space.
- Protect during transport: When bringing your new plant home, make sure it’s well-wrapped. Even brief exposure to cold can damage a poinsettia.
- Choose wisely: Pick plants with fully colored bracts. Some varieties like ‘Enduring Pink’ or ‘Pink Jubilee’ are known for their long-lasting color.
Pink Poinsettia Plant Care
Caring for a pink poinsettia is a rewarding experience. These plants, with their stunning pink bracts and lush green leaves, require attention but aren’t overly demanding. The key is to create an environment that mimics their native tropical and subtropical habitat.
Water
When it comes to watering, I’ve learned that balance is crucial. I always check the soil before watering – if the surface feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. However, I’m careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
I water thoroughly until I see water draining from the bottom of the pot, then I empty the saucer. Between waterings, I let the soil dry out slightly. In my experience, it’s better to underwater slightly than to overwater a poinsettia.
Light and Temperature
These shrub trees can thrive in bright, indirect light. I place mine near a window where they can receive plenty of natural light, but I’m careful to protect them from harsh, direct sunlight which can fade their beautiful pink bracts.
Temperature is crucial for these subtropical beauties. I maintain a consistent temperature between 15-22 degrees Celsius (60-72°F). They don’t tolerate cold drafts or excessive heat, so I keep them away from radiators, fireplaces, and drafty windows.
Fertilizers
During the growing season (spring and summer), I fertilize them every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. I use one that’s specifically formulated for flowering plants. However, I stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare the plant for its blooming cycle.
Transplanting and Re-potting
I’ve found that May is the ideal time to repot poinsettias. I choose a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one, ensuring it has good drainage holes. I use a well-draining potting mix, often adding some perlite to improve aeration.
When repotting, I’m gentle with the roots, as poinsettias can be sensitive to root disturbance. After repotting, I water thoroughly and place the plant in a shaded area for a few days to help it recover from the stress of transplanting.
How to Care Pink Poinsettia after Christmas?
Many people discard their poinsettias after the holidays, but with proper care, these plants can be enjoyed year-round. After Christmas, I gradually reduce watering, allowing the plant to enter a period of dormancy. I prune the plant back to about 15-20 cm in height around March.
As spring arrives, I resume regular watering and fertilizing. To encourage the development of those beautiful pink bracts for the next winter, I start a light control regimen in October. This involves giving the plant 14 hours of complete darkness each night for about 6-8 weeks.
Throughout the year, I keep an eye out for pests like whiteflies or spider mites, treating any issues promptly with insecticidal soap.
Why Pink Poinsettia is important Spiritually?
Due to a range of colors from white to pink and to red, it is considered as a symbol of pure love and sincerity It symbolize success, cheers, and love.
I’m Dr Qaiser Maqsood (PhD), a dedicated researcher and expert in Biological Sciences, Gardening, Bio-Diversity, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences. I’m much concerned about Environmental Pollution, Climate Change, Plantation, Gardening, and Global Warming. My passion is to explore innovative solutions in all these fields.
Be aware that we have ONLY ONE EARTH. Protect it!!