How do I get my Poinsettia to turn red again for Christmas?

Our Advice:

To reproduce the red bracts, your plant needs nights of longer than 12 hours for 8-10 weeks. The easiest way to achieve this is by putting a black bin bag over the plant from 6 o'clock each evening until 8 o'clock in the morning. Keep it moist and feed with half strength tomato feed every 2 weeks while it is being covered.

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Steve Bradley

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Poinsettias: Overview

Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant native to Mexico, where they are known as "La Flor de la Nochebuena" or the Flower of the Holy Night. They are often associated with Christmas due to their bright red and green colours and are commonly used in holiday decorations and as gifts.

Poinsettias: Characteristics

Poinsettias are members of the Euphorbia family and can grow up to 10 feet tall in their natural habitat. However, the cultivated varieties typically sold during the holiday season are smaller and more compact, usually reaching a height of 1 to 2 feet. Poinsettias have large, showy leaves, or bracts, that can be red, pink, white, or variegated, depending on the cultivar. The actual flowers of the plant are small and yellow and are located in the center of the bracts.

Poinsettias: Cultivation

Poinsettias are relatively easy to grow and care for, but they require specific conditions to produce the colourful bracts. They prefer well-draining soil and a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day. Poinsettias should be watered thoroughly but allowed to dry out between waterings. They are sensitive to cold temperatures and should be kept at a temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Poinsettias can be grown indoors or outdoors in warmer climates, but they should be protected from frost.

Poinsettias: Uses

Poinsettias are primarily used as decorative plants during the holiday season. They are commonly used in wreaths, centerpieces, and as gifts. Poinsettias are also used in commercial floral arrangements and as cut flowers. In addition to their ornamental uses, some parts of the poinsettia plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, and other ailments.

Poinsettias: Conclusion

Poinsettias are a colourful and popular holiday plant that can brighten up any home or office during the festive season. With their bright bracts and ease of cultivation, they are a popular choice for holiday decorations and gifts. Whether used as a potted plant or as a cut flower, poinsettias are a festive and cheerful addition to any holiday celebration.

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