James Doukas, Territory Manager for Ball FloraPlant and Selecta One shares timely information for growers handling poinsettia cuttings that have heated up in transport. Find best practices for receiving hot poinsettia cuttings, how to check temperatures, what to watch out for and recommended protocols to implement. Specific cooling strategies are outlined, as well.

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James Doukas, Ball FloraPlant & Selecta One

2. Receiving Hot
Poinsettia Cuttings
• Use a digital thermometer.
• Check temp both near the outside
of box and in the center closer to ice
pack.
• Warm temps (64F/18 C or higher)
both near center and outside
indicate that the cuttings may have
been warm for a while and cuttings
will need to be cooled overnight.
• If temps are near 50 F/10 C in the
center of the box and warmer near
the outside of the box, it is likely
that heating occurred late in the
delivery and damage is less likely.
• If practical, it is recommended to
store these in a cooler overnight, as
well.

3. Cooling poinsettia cuttings
• Set cooler temp to 50F/10C
• Pre cool the cooler prior to adding cuttings to
avoid over cooling
• Ideally remove cuttings from bag (especially if
warm) to disperse ethylene gas. If not practical,
at least open bags to exchange gases.
• Make sure cuttings are moist and add water if
needed.
• Cool a minimum of 4 hrs, best overnight.
• Cuttings should be firm and crisp when removed
from cooler and stuck

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