Greenhouse - Poinsettia Problems IV: Leaf Distortions

This is the fourth in a series on poinsettia problems taken from a posting from the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory.

Split Bracts

Split bracts occur when a poinsettia plant is exposed to a period of short days (malfunctioning day extension or night interruption lighting, stock plants exposed to short days) that lead to flower initiation followed by long days. Cool night temperatures in late September can cause flower initiation and a subsequent period of very hot nights can induce vegetative growth, leading to split bracts. Certain cultivars can be more susceptible to split bracts than others.

Information and photo from Poinsettia Production Problems and Disorders by Roberto G. Lopez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor & Floriculture Extension Specialist, Purdue University in the September 15 edition of the Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory Picture of the Week.