Christmas star are blossom plants with shiny red bracts ( flowers).Fertilizing poinsettiasis a lot like wrapping a package ; there are numerous ways to do the same thing that all get the caper done . There are many unlike factors that involve fertilisation , such as the amount of different nutrient in the plant food , the pace at which it is applied , the amount of leach and the case of stain the poinsettia is farm in .

Basics

vernacular fertilizers use a three - figure system to detail the percentages present of three different nutrients : nitrogen , phosphate and potassium . harmonize to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst , a few common fertiliser for poinsettias are15 - 0 - 15 , 15 - 16 - 17 and 20 - 10 - 20 . Poinsettias should be fertilized on a regular basis up until about two week before they are to be sold . Reducing the fertiliser at this prison term give up the flora to live longer post - harvest and forbid soluble saltiness in the soil from injuring the bracts .

Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency in poinsettias can lead to leaf - edge sunburn , weak stems and bract necrosis . A Ca deficiency can be overpower by using a high - calcium fertiliser mixed with a high-pitched - nitrate fertilizer or by adding Ca appurtenance to the live fertilizer regimen . Calcium inadequacy is not solely because of a deficiency of atomic number 20 in the soil , but also by inadequate water rate of flow to the roots .

Phosphorous Nutrition

allot to the University of Massachusetts , a lack of daystar in the growing medium can leave in humble bract and an overall reduction in the size of the plant . phosphoric deficiency can be triggered by prolonged exercise of a low phosphorous plant food or by arise in a medium that is small in phosphorous . This can be corrected by adding phosphoric supplements or a high - phosphorous plant food to the medium . On the other deal , excess phosphoric can lead to exuberant ontogenesis , which will undermine the plant overall . Excess phosphorous can also take to bract necrosis and can pollute groundwater .

Molybdenum Deficiency

A deficiency in Mo can conduce to necrosis and interveinal chlorosis on recently mature leaves and mediate - older leaves . To foreclose molybdenum deficiency , observe the proper pH level in the farm medium – it should be between 5.8 and 6.2 . Using a liquid coating of 1ppm molybdenum can greatly serve in preventing molybdenum deficiency , accord to the University of Massachusetts .

Organic Fertilizer

Poinsettias can be fertilized with compost , whether it is homemade or purchased . Natural fertilizer can boost all - around nutrient level in the soil and aid prevent most deficiencies in poinsettias . The downside to using homemade compost is the relative inability to increase a exclusive nourishing level , such as a atomic number 19 inadequacy .

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