Physical Properties of Three Container Media and their Effect on Poinsettia Growth1

Three fundamental different media 3 pine bark (≤ 6mm): 1 sphagnum peat moss:l concrete grade sand; 2 loamy soil: 1 peat moss: 1 perlíte; and a peat-lite mix, (Metro Mix 350) were characterized by available water-holding capacity, bulk density and particle size distribution. All 3 media provided adequate water-holding capacities for container production of ‘Eckespoint C-1 Red’ and ‘Annette Hegg Diva’ poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima Klotzsch ex. Willd.). Total porosity declined and bulk density increased in all media 9 weeks after potting due to shrinkage but there were no additional changes after an additional 4 weeks. Airspace and water buffering capacities did not change during the 13-week period indicating the loss in total porosity resulted in a loss of easily available water. Water release had linear and nonlinear components with respect to moisture tension. Poinsettia root systems appeared to be extensive throughout the growing media; root distributions varied with cultivar and medium.