My employer wants us to plant some poinsettias in a pure peat mix. I have found this mix does not drain well and I do not like to use it for points. Is this an acceptable media for poinsettias?

You can use a media with 100% peat but there are some things that need to be taken into consideration. A media with 100% peat does not drain as well and has a very high water holding capacity. Poinsettias are very sensitive to root rotting diseases and the diseases are exaggerated when the media is kept too wet or does not drain well. Fungus gnats can also thrive in media that is too wet. The adults themselves are not an issue but the larva can have a hay day in the wet media and feed on the roots and even stem tissue. Poinsettias prefer to go through a good wet dry cycle once established. With 100% peat media you will be watering much less than what you are accustomed too so you will have to make sure to adjust your fertilization schedule accordingly. You will also notice changes in pH and EC so these levels should be frequently monitored and maintained in the proper range.

There are some growers using 100% peat so it isn't our intent to discourage you from giving it a try - just be aware that your cultural practices will have to be adjusted with the change in media. Hope this helps......