The stimulation of branching is thought to be associated with the elevated ethylene level in the plant at the time of pinching. Therefore, getting ethylene into the tissue just prior to the pinch and again just after the pinch insures the necessary pressure to optimize branching. Florel should be applied to poinsettias during the time of day when chance of plant stress is minimal. Avoid applying during the late morning to early afternoon period as high light and temperature can be stressful. Apply late in the afternoon or on a cloudy day.
Ethylene is a plant stress exaggerator.
Only apply Florel to poinsettias that are actively growing. Do not apply to plants experiencing stress of any kind. Instead, determine the source of the stress, correct it, and then apply when plants have resumed active growth. Some common stresses to avoid during the summer with poinsettia include low moisture, high temperature, high light, improper nutrition, poorly developed roots, and so on. If Florel is applied to plants experiencing stress the ethylene often leads to an exaggeration of the normal symptoms of the stress.