Star of Bethlehem - a Christmas flower

The star of Bethlehem is one of the names of poinsetia, or the milkweed of the most beautiful, or euphorbia pulcherrima. The plant belongs to the family of euphorbia. The homeland is the tropical regions of Mexico and Central America.

In the usual conditions, the poinset grows into a bush about 3 m high, evergreen. Branches are hollow, thick, lignified from below. If the branches and leaves become damaged, the lacteal juice is released, which has an irritating effect upon contact with the skin.

For Europeans, the Star of Bethlehem is a traditionally Christmas flower, as it blooms during these festivities. It is customary to give it, going to visit relatives and acquaintances.

Poinsetia can form multi-tiered stars, which range from creamy white to dark crimson. Bright stars against the background of green leaves attract the views of almost everyone.

The leaves of this plant are notched, with a yellow or pinkish pattern, growing on reddish long petioles. Flowers are small, green, spherical, collected in inflorescences. The bracts surrounding the flowers are brightly colored, stay for several months (up to 5). It is the bracts that many people mistake for flowers.

When growing poinsetia in a room, the pot with the plant needs to be placed in a light (not in the sun) and warm place. Excessive watering does not get carried away. Do not supercool the substrate. Drafts are contraindicated. If these simple conditions are not observed, the plant may become ill and additional efforts will have to be made to bring it into a healthy state.

To plant floral buds of poinsetia, a short light day is needed . To achieve annual flowering, the plant needs to be stimulated: from September to mid-November, light is provided to it for only 10 hours. In the remaining time it is kept in the dark, for example, covered with an opaque dark packet. During this period, watered rarely, but do not allow the drying of the soil.

After flowering, the Bethlehem star experiences a 2-month rest period. The temperature during this period is maintained at 14 ⁰ C, watered rarely, lighting is provided with bright, scattered, no fertilizing.

In March, before transplantation, shoots of punch are cut to 1/3 of the length. Leave only five strong kidneys. After trimming, pour with warm water. When the leaves appear, you need to transplant the plant into a slightly larger pot with drainage. The substrate is weakly acidic. It is desirable in the soil to add a little powder of Kornevin, the process of root formation will improve.

As the growth is necessary to maintain the compactness of the crown, leaving no more than 6 strong shoots, superfluous to remove. At the beginning of vegetation, fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers is necessary. In September, spraying with calcium preparations is desirable. Before flowering, the temperature is needed at 20 ^° C.

Propagation can be made with cut cuttings, which after cutting must be placed in warm water to stop the allocation of juice. After they need to be planted in small pots. As soon as growth begins, the top should be pinched.

Breeders produced a variety of varieties - both tall and potted. Among the low varieties are ampel forms, trees with a beautiful crown, bushy. These plants are often used in floral arrangements. The Bethlehem star is very decorative. The photos show her beauty and unusualness.