How to Root Poinsettia Cuttings

By The Mother Earth News Editors
Published on January 1, 1979
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ILLUSTRATION: MOTHER EARTH NEWS STAFF
This old British cartoon gives basic advice on caring for and rooting poinsettia cuttings.

The Mr. Digwell cartoon — as you may or may not know — was originally created for readers of the London Daily Mirror which explains why its advice is often couched in peculiarly British terms. Despite the occasionally strange language, however, we think you’ll find Mr. D’s gardening tips interesting and useful on this side of the pond, too. This tip is about caring for poinsettias.

Poinsettia Cuttings

After the poinsettia is done flowering — the flowers in the center of the red leaves — remove the dead heads. Keep the plants just moist.

In April cut back stems to 6-inches. Water well, stand in a light, warm place. Shoots will show soon.

When shoots are, say, 4-inches long take cuttings just below a leaf joint.

Rooting Poinsettia Cuttings

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