Euphorbia

   DESCRIPTION: E. pulchernma, from southern Mexico, is the beloved poinsettia of our Christmas holidays. It has succulent, tender new growth which matures to a woody, shrublike structure, and large, colorful bracts when the days are short in fall and early winter. E. splendens, the only other species widely cultivated by indoor gardeners, is the popular "crown of thorns." Its stems are covered by stout, thickly set gray spines; the small leaves are sparse and short-lived; the 1/2 to 1-in. floral bracts range in color from yellow to salmon-pink, rosy red, and scarlet.

   To prolong the life of a flowering poinsettia, protect it from chilling or drying drafts. Provide enough water to keep the soil evenly moist at all times. Give at least two or three hours of sunlight each day, and a temperature range of 65-72 °F. A moist atmosphere (30% humidity or more) helps to prolong the life of the colorful bracts. When these (red, pink, or white parts which resemble large flower petals) finally begin to fall, set the plant in a light place where the temperature will not fall below 55°F., and keep the soil barely moist. Repot in new soil in the spring, and, when the weather is warm outdoors, sink the pot to its rim where it will have morning sun and protection from strong winds.

   During June, July, or August, take cuttings of the new growth and root them in moist sand and peat moss, or in vermiculite. When roots have formed, pot the young plants in a mixture of equal parts of loam, sand, and peat moss. When fall approaches, and nights begin to be cool, bring the pots to an enclosed porch or indoors. Sudden high or low temperatures, dryness in the air and soil, and lack of sunlight may cause the lower leaves of poinsettias to yellow and fall, leaving unsightly bare stems.

   The plant from which cuttings were taken can be kept year after year. When propagation is complete, cut back the stems to about 12 inches from the soil. Pinch out the growing tips of new growth until the middle of July to encourage more flowering terminals. A large and showy poin-settia will result, even though it has served as a parent plant for others.

   When poinsettias are brought indoors in autumn, if any artificial light strikes them during the normal dark period of each twenty-four hours, they may fail to bloom for the Christmas holidays.

    CULTURE for poinsettias is outlined above. This outline is for the crown of thorns, E. splendens, and its many varieties: Light, sunny to semi-sunny. Temperature, average house. Humidity, average house. Soil, equal parts sand, loam, and peat moss; allow to be quite dry between waterings. Propagate by cuttings, first allowing the cut portions to dry in the open air, then inserting them in moist sand.