Christmas star: poinsettia production pointers

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Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are subtropical plants that originated in Mexico and Guatemala. Today they represent the most traditional symbols of the Christmas season and are grown primarily as a potted plant.
pH
It is important to maintain an optimal substrate pH range from 5.5 to 6.5 for poinsettia production. If the substrate pH drifts lower than 5.5, plants will become stunted and bract color development is delayed.
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are subtropical plants that originated in Mexico and Guatemala. Today they represent the most traditional symbols of the Christmas season and are grown primarily as a potted plant.
pH
It is important to maintain an optimal substrate pH range from 5.5 to 6.5 for poinsettia production. If the substrate pH drifts lower than 5.5, plants will become stunted and bract color development is delayed.
Substrate pH
below 5.4 to 5.6
may inhibit magnesium (Mg) uptake,
resulting in lower or older leaves becoming Mg-deficient and exhibiting interveinal yellowing
Substrate pH values
above 6.5
inhibit iron availability and cause
interveinal yellowing to develop on the upper leaves and stunted plant growth
Substrate pH
below 5.4 to 5.6
may inhibit magnesium
(Mg) uptake, resulting
in lower or older leaves becoming
Mg-deficient and exhibiting interveinal yellowing
Substrate pH values
above 6.5
inhibit iron availability
and cause interveinal
yellowing to develop on the upper leaves and stunted plant growth
Substrate pH
below 5.4 to 5.6
may inhibit magnesium (Mg) uptake,resulting in lower or older leaves becoming
Mg-deficient and exhibiting interveinal yellowing
Substrate pH values
above 6.5
inhibit iron availability and cause interveinal yellowing to develop on the upper leaves and stunted plant growth

HI98168

Professional Soil pH Meter
The HI98168 is a rugged, waterproof, portable pH meter that allows for the direct measure of soil pH. This meter is supplied with a specialized pH electrode that has a rugged conical tip for insertion in soil.
Besides being supplied with a unique pH electrode made for soil analysis, the HI98168 has the Hanna’s unique CAL Check™ feature that alerts the user to potential problems during the calibration process. This is a very important since it is likely that the probe will be coated with soil. This coating can easily lead to errors in pH measurement. By comparing previous calibration data to the current calibration, the meter will inform the user, with display prompts, when the probe needs to be cleaned, replaced, or if the pH buffer might be contaminated.
After calibration, the overall probe condition is displayed on screen as a percentage. The probe condition is affected by both the offset and slope characteristics of the pH electrode, both of which can be found in the GLP data including with the readings stored in the meter or transferred to a PC.
  • Quick Connect DIN Connector
  • USB Connection for Data Transfer
  • Dedicated Help Button
  • ±0.002 pH Accuracy
  • Comes with all the necessary solutions and batteries- everything you need to get started measuring right away
  • Specialized electrode for spot checking the pH of soil and soil slurries.
Hanna Tip:

When measuring EC in soil & soilless medium, take measurements right next to the plants as well as further away. Moisture, nutrients, and pH can vary greatly across a planted area. This means a little more work, but you will appreciate being able to get results that better represent your planting area.
Conductivity EC

HI98331

Direct Soil EC Tester
Soil Test™
The Soil Test™ Direct Soil EC Tester – HI98331 is a rugged and reliable pocket-sized tester that offers quick and accurate readings. The Soil Test™ Direct Soil EC Tester – HI98331 features a stainless steel penetration probe for direct measurement of conductivity in soils. With a compact size, single button operation, and automatic calibration, Soil Test is an excellent choice for taking direct conductivity measurements in soil.
Nutrients
Poinsettias require medium to high fertility levels between 150 and 300 ppm N, with the rate adjusted to take into account plant vigor. Individual plant nutrient elements such as potassium, calcium, sulfur, or molybdenum (Mo) may become deficient.
Molybdenum deficiency can readily occur during poinsettia production. The most common symptomology observed is a thin, marginal yellow halo-like band that occurs on recently matured leaves (middle of plant) ranging from the leaf tip to base. Leaf distortion, rolling, and leaf edge burn or death may also be observed. To prevent Mo deficiency, growers must consider providing supplemental applications of Mo.
Nutrients
Poinsettias require medium to high fertility levels between 150 and 300 ppm N, with the rate adjusted to take into account plant vigor. Individual plant nutrient elements such as potassium, calcium, sulfur, or molybdenum (Mo) may become deficient.
Molybdenum deficiency can readily occur during poinsettia production. The most common symptomology observed is a thin, marginal yellow halo-like band that occurs on recently matured leaves (middle of plant) ranging from the leaf tip to base. Leaf distortion, rolling, and leaf edge burn or death may also be observed. To prevent Mo deficiency, growers must consider providing supplemental applications of Mo.

HI83325-02

Nutrient Analysis
Photometer
HI83325 is a compact, multiparameter photometer for use in the environmental lab or in the field. The meter is one of the most advanced photometers available with a innovative optical design that utilizes a reference detector and focusing lens to eliminate errors from changes in the light source and imperfections in the glass cuvette. This meter has 9 different programmed methods measuring 8 key plant nutrient water quality parameters:
  • Ammonia
  • Nitrate
  • Phosphate
  • Potassium
  • Sulfate
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
To save valuable laboratory benchtop space, the HI83325 doubles as a professional pH meter with its digital pH/temperature electrode input. Now one meter can be used for both photometric and pH measurements.
Light
Poinsettias are sensitive to day length and even low light from artificial sources, such as streetlights, can delay flowering.
Where external light sources are a problem or to initiate flowering at an earlier date than would naturally occur, black-out curtains should be used to sustain the dark period or skotoperiod.

HI97500

Portable Lux Meter
HI97500 is a portable lux meter designed for simplicity of use in taking rapid light measurements.
Selection of cultivars to meet the market demand and precise monitoring and controlling day length, light, temperature and nutrition are necessary to produce a marketable and profitable crop on schedule.
Temperataure

HI148

Temperature Datalogger
Quick to setup, simple to use, the HI148 is a datalogger that is ideal for monitoring and recording temperature in applications such as food processing, transportation, museums, and horticulture.
Choose between 4 models and store up to 16000 records!
  • Thin and Rugged Design
  • Multiple Sensor Options
  • Programmable LCD Display
  • PC Connectivity
  • Customizable Program Settings
  • Programmable high and low alarm limits with visual LED indicators
  • Data Retrieval and Analysis
With proper irrigation the quality and quantity of flower can be significantly enhanced.
Fertilizers have been applied through a wide range of irrigation systems for many years and are the most commonly injected chemicals. Many of the older methods required significant worker contact and trial-and-error techniques.
Drip and micro-irrigation, prevalent in greenhouses and hydroponic environments, have a characteristic not shared by other irrigation methods; fertigation is not an option but is actually necessary. Fertigation provides the only truly efficient way to apply fertilizers physically to the crop root zone.

HI5000

mini fertigation system

HI5000

Typical
Installation
Diagram
WORKS WITH
CIRCULATOR
PUMPS AS
SMALL AS.75
HORSEPOWER
Mixing tank, level controller, fertilizer tanks, circulator pump and related plumbing not included
Circulation pump:
Recomend 0.75 HP end – suction centrifugal pump     (pump size and power   specification are dependent on greenhouse requirements). Pump MUST be large enough to power injector. (MIN 0.75 HP)
The HI5000 Mini Fertigator precisely monitors and controls fertilizer concentrations and pH for small to mid-sized specialized hydroponics and greenhouse applications. The HI5000 is designed to be used with a mixing tank whereby fertilizer recipes can be mixed exactly to the needs of your crop. The system can be equipped to perfectly control the amount of fertilized water distributed to your plants, lowering costs and saving resources.
  • Customize your fertilizer mixtures with up to 4 stock tanks can be utilized for multiple crops and customized blending.
  • Perfect for Hydroponics & Indoor Gardening.
  • Precision nutrient & acid control to professional grower and advanced home grower alike.

Customize your fertilizer mixtures

The HI5000 comes equipped with 2 independent nutrient injectors, each with a max capacity up to 200 l/h. Additional injectors can be added to accommodate multiple nutrients.

Control pH accurately

The HI5000 comes with a separate pH controller and designated pump specifically designed to handle the most aggressive acids.

Customizable and expandable

Select the controllers, number of pumps and types of probes you wish to use. The system can be designed to your needs and specification. The Hanna HI5000 continuously measures the actual EC and pH of the blending tank or trough system and precisely adjusts the concentration of fertilizer and acid or base.
The HI5000 can be equipped with the HI8000 Series Controller allowing you to automate your entire irrigation system. Control pumps, solenoids, for a completely hands free operation.
The HI5000 (when equipped with the HI8000 Controller) has the capability to utilize the AgriCare software which allows you the ability to monitor and control the system remotely.

HI10000

Advanced Fertigation Control System
The All-in-One Solution. The HI10000 Fertilizer Injection System precisely monitors and controls fertilizer concentrations and pH for specialized hydroponics, greenhouse, and field agricultural applications. The HI10000 is a complete irrigation control system with multiple zone capability.
  • Customize your fertilizer mixtures with the injection and mixing of up to 4 fertilizers and 1 acid with a custom option of up to 7 independent injectors.
  • Superior flexibility with multiple programs that allow the user to set various conductivity and pH values for a variety of plants.
  • Automated irrigation control of up to 32 zones with advanced conductivity and pH control over vast flow rates.

Combined Fertigation and Irrigation Control.

The Hanna Fertigation System continuously measures the actual EC and pH of the flow-through and precisely adjusts the concentration of fertilizer into the system.
Injecting multiple fertilizers to a specific conductivity results in an optimum nutrient application while advanced pH control improves nutrient absorption and plant health.
For peace of mind, the HI10000 is a bypass system which will not interfere with mainline flow and thus does not impede line flow or pressure. No pressure loss generated by the system means less watering time.
The unit will accurately inject fertilizer in varying flow rates ranging from 1 GPM to 350 GPM. Custom configuration is possible when higher flow rates are desired.
To keep plants safe, the HI10000 fertigation system features multiple alarms and redundant monitoring of conductivity and pH measurements.

Ideal for Complex or Multiple Fertilizer Mixes.

The HI10000 system allows the injection of 4 (up to 7) independent fertilizers and 1 acid. The acid system can safely inject any acid type and uses a state of the art algorithm that accurately maintains the pH setpoint over a wide range of flow rates.
To keep plants safe, the HI10000 fertigation system features multiple alarms and redundant monitoring of conductivity and pH measurements.
Each system needs to be checked periodically, and there is Quick&Easy solution to do it!
Save time on calibration, due to the QuickCal function which allows pH and EC calibration with only one solution and multiparameter probe provides quick and precise measurements shown simultaneously on multilevel screen.

HI9814

Temperature Meter
Designed to bring simplicity to nutrient testing, the HI9814 Portable GroLine Meter is designed specifically for Hydroponic growers. The specialized electrode combines 3 sensors in a single rugged probe featuring a polypropylene body, integrated temperature sensor, and cloth junction.
  • One combined, pre-amplified pH, EC, and TDS (ppm) probe for hassle-free measurements.
  • Quick CAL mode for a speedy, single-point calibration for pH and EC with one solution.
  • Designed for hydroponic, aquaponic, and greenhouse growers.
A single calibration solution for pH and conductivity makes calibration fast and ensures all of your measurements are accurate each time for better plant health and better yield.

HI5036-023

Successful Grower Tips:
  • Keep a log of your data
  • Keep results on drippers in line with irrigation system controller values
  • Calibrate portable pH & EC meters weekly
  • Calibrate pH & EC sensors on the fertigation unit monthly
  • Keep electrodes, fertigation system and fertilizer tanks clean to avoid deposits
Author:
Nives Vinceković Budor
mag.ing.chem.ing.
With Great Product Come Great Results

Service

Training

Rapair

Maintenance

Sources:
https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/poinsettia.pdf

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