Ponsiettes

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 12:55

Hi to all you knowledgeable gardeners out there.



I have 2 lovely ponsiettes that I was thinking would look lovely in my garden in Cyprus. Has anybody had any success in growing them out there?



Also how do I care for them until I next come out at the end of March and is it ok to bring them with me? Any advice will be gratefully received.



The Butlers wife

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:05

Poinsettia is a native of Mexico, so it is likely that because of our reduced light levels in this country your plant will get some yellowing and leaf fall. To keep the plant in good condition do not let temperatures fall below 13°C (55°F). Place in a well lit location. Water thoroughly but wait until the compost is quite dry before watering again. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure in poinsettia.



To make the plant bloom again for next Christmas, in early spring, cut back the stems to 10cm (4in). Keep the compost almost dry, place in a cool shady position. In early May, water and re-pot the plant, shoots will then soon appear. Remove some of the new shoots to leave 4-5 stems (use the prunings as cuttings).

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:05

As the plant requires careful light control to make the plant bloom again, in September cover the plant with a black polythene bag from early evening until the next morning so the plant is in total darkness for 14 hours. Continue daily for eight weeks, then treat as normal and hopefully the plant should flower for next Christmas time.

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:06

Butlers wife- The best I could do.

P

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:24

oooh The -Wicks , i don't know about that , it all sounded pretty impressive to me ,

Keep warm , Simbas

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:25

Simba- copy & paste is a wonderful thing.

P

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:25

The-Wicks



Phew! Thank heavens you replied!



I was dreading asking what a Ponsiette was!



rob

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:34

Bless you , at least your honest

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:40

hi all and thank you i was wondering what to do with mine. they are still looking good and i was afraid to put them out. thanks for the tips xxx mind you think i should cover myself in a black bag every september for the winter xxx

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 13:41

hi butler

don't let customs catch you as all plants need special permissions!

you have to go to the ministry and get a licence with them listed on it, pay a few ytl and then they can come in.

which i found out last year!

sorry to spoil your great idea.

i just planted one in my garden which was a christmas gift from a tc friend.

her sister in law has a massive one in her garden, it is pretty sheltered though.

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 14:20

Hi The wicks,



Thank you so much for your advice, I think this applies to England re the covering September for eight weeks. I am sure I have seen them growing in quite large bushes in peoples gardens in Cyprus. Also they grow wild in Madeira along the roadsides. Since posting a friend has offered to buy a couple for me in Cyprus so no need to break the law, fire starter. Thank you all for bothering to reply.



The butlers wife

mags1


Joined: 01/09/2008
Posts: 69

Message Posted:
06/01/2009 23:52

Hi All,

for the first time ever I had red leaves this year on last years Poinsetta.



I put it in a cupboard for a couple of days at a time from Sept onward .



Regards,

Mags