Biological Name:
Euphorbia cyathophora (Wild-Poinsettia)
Natural Habitat:
Wild-Poinsettia is a flowering plant that is native to North and South America. It can grow in meadows, fields, and along the edges of forests.
Description:
Wild-Poinsettia is a perennial herb that is native to North America. It has showy red or pink flowers and opposite oval-shaped leaves. It is often found in dry open areas and is used in traditional medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is wild poinsettia invasive?
A: Benefit. Use Ornamental: Accent, Garden. A good filler plant but can be invasive.
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Q: What is the life expectancy of a poinsettia plant?
A: How long can you keep a Poinsettia alive? That depends on how well you follow the tips above, but on average a well-cared for poinsettia should last about 4-6 weeks until the flowers start to fall off and you can keep the plant healthy and alive for many months after the holidays come to an end.
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Q: What happens if you plant a poinsettia outside?
A: Answer: Both the Christmas cactus and the poinsettia are not hardy outdoors and will freeze if planted outside. They should remain in their pots and not be planted outdoors in the garden if you live where it freezes in the winter.
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Q: How do you propagate a wild poinsettia?
A: Cut the stems back and allow new growth to develop. Keep the parent plants warm, consistently moist, and in a bright location to produce useful cuttings. Once the new stems have grown at least 4 inches, you can begin taking cuttings. The cuttings should be between 3 to 4 inches long with 2 to 3 mature leaves.
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Q: Do poinsettias turn red in the wild?
A: Both red- and white-colored bracts have been found in the wild. As soon as the days start to grow longer than the nights, the plants switch out of reproductive mode and the dazzling color fades. In captivity, this change is mimicked by plunging plants into complete darkness for a minimum of 12 hours per day.
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Q: Can a poinsettia plant turn into a tree?
A: Poinsettias can grow into small, scraggly trees in their native environment, reaching 10 to 15 feet tall, but you can control their size by pinching them back.
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Q: What is the number one pest problem with poinsettias?
A: Whiteflies continue to be the major insect pest problem for poinsettias. Additionally, growers need to account for whitefly biotypes that have developed over the past decade or have the potential to develop insecticide resistance (i.e., MED whitefly).
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Q: How do you take care of a wild poinsettia?
A: Habitat: Wild Poinsettia needs adequate moisture and can grow in shade to partial shade but will do best in sun. In the wild it inhabits open woods, floodplains, disturbed areas. Seeds are difficult to start. Some germinate without cold stratification, others seem to require 30 to 60 days of cold stratification.
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Q: How many years does a poinsettia live?
A: “Home gardeners generally keep their poinsettias one or two years. If they’re really dedicated, maybe a little longer
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Q: Can you keep a poinsettia alive all year?
A: Poinsettias can be kept year after year, and they will bloom each year if you give them proper care. When the leaves begin to yellow or when the plant is no longer desired as an ornamental, gradually withhold water. The leaves will pale and fall off.
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Q: Why do poinsettia leaves dry up and fall off?
A: Poinsettias will classically drop their leaves if they are exposed to sudden changes in temperature, drafts or overly cool or dry rooms. They also will lose leaves and wilt in response to an extreme need for water. When choosing a plant, pick a healthy, full one with no discoloration on the foliage.
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Q: When should you throw out poinsettias?
A: If given good care in the home, poinsettias should remain attractive for 2 to 3 months. Toss the poinsettia when you grow tired of it or it becomes unattractive.
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Q: What do you do with a poinsettia after the leaves fall off?
A: After about half of the poinsettia’s leaves have fallen off, you should gradually start to reduce watering frequency. Your goal is to allow the soil to dry out gradually in preparation for dormancy. The colorful bracts will be the last to fall off. When the soil is completely dry, the plant is now in a dormant state.
Q: Can poinsettias live outside in the winter?
A: Both the Christmas cactus and the poinsettia are not hardy outdoors and will freeze if planted outside. They should remain in their pots and not be planted outdoors in the garden if you live where it freezes in the winter. Repotting is a good idea for the poinsettia especially.
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Q: Where do poinsettias grow wild?
A: Poinsettias are native to Mexico. They are found in the wild in deciduous tropical forest at moderate elevations from southern Sinaloa down the entire Pacific coast of Mexico to Chiapas and Guatemala. They are also found in the interior of Mexico in the hot, seasonally dry forests of Gurerro and Oxaca.
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Q: Can a poinsettia grow into a tree?
A: Poinsettias can grow into small, scraggly trees in their native environment, reaching 10 to 15 feet tall, but you can control their size by pinching them back.
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Q: Will poinsettias grow in the garden?
A: Habitat & Growing Conditions The ideal growing temperature for poinsettias is between 15-20°C. They grow in loose soil with good drainage and they like it to be moist, but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot.
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Q: What do poinsettias look like in the wild?
A: In the wild, poinsettias can grow into a tall and rangy tree, up to eight feet tall, with blazing red leaves. It’s a dazzling plant, as its scientific name hints—Euphorbia pulcherrima, the most beautiful plant in the genus Euphorbia.
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Q: Do wild poinsettias turn red?
A: Both red- and white-colored bracts have been found in the wild. As soon as the days start to grow longer than the nights, the plants switch out of reproductive mode and the dazzling color fades. In captivity, this change is mimicked by plunging plants into complete darkness for a minimum of 12 hours per day.
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Q: How big do poinsettias grow in the wild?
A: Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are native to southern Mexico and Central America. These bushy, deciduous plants bloom in winter and can grow to 3 metres or more in their natural habitat.
