How to Get a Poinsettia to Turn Red: Expert Tips
How to Get a Poinsettia to Turn Red?
To get a poinsettia to turn red, it is important to provide the plant with total darkness for 14 hours each day, starting about eight weeks before you want to display it.
Along with this, the plant needs bright light during the day and routine care.
It is crucial to avoid any sources of light, even a nightlight, as it can disrupt the process.
The bracts, which are the colorful parts of the plant, will start to turn red in about four weeks.
Poinsettias also require a humid environment during this time, but be cautious not to spray the foliage directly.
If you have followed these guidelines, the bracts should all be red in approximately eight weeks.
The red color will last for several weeks, typically until after Christmas.
Afterward, the leaves will begin to drop off, and the stems should be cut back to four to six inches.
It is recommended to keep the soil fairly dry and the plant warm until new growth occurs.
For the next year, the process should be started again in October.
Key Points:
- Provide 14 hours of total darkness each day for 8 weeks before displaying the poinsettia
- Ensure bright light during the day and routine care for the poinsettia
- Avoid any sources of light, including nightlights, to avoid disrupting the process
- Bracts will start to turn red in about 4 weeks
- Maintain a humid environment without directly spraying the foliage
- Bracts should all be red in approximately 8 weeks, and the color will last until after Christmas
Did You Know?
1. The vibrant red color of poinsettia leaves occurs naturally only during the plant’s blooming phase, lasting for approximately six to eight weeks.
2. Poinsettias are named after Joel Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant to the U.S. in 1825.
3. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous. However, they can cause mild irritation if ingested, so it’s best to keep them away from curious pets and children.
4. Poinsettias are not actually flowers, but rather specialized leaves called bracts. The true flowers of the plant are the small, yellow clusters found in the center.
5. To ensure that a poinsettia turns red in time for the holiday season, it requires at least 12-14 hours of complete darkness daily for about eight weeks before desired blooming. Even a small amount of light exposure during this period can disrupt the color-changing process.
Total Darkness For 14 Hours Each Day
To get a poinsettia to turn red, one of the most crucial steps is providing it with total darkness for 14 hours each day, starting about eight weeks before you want to display the plant. This process is essential for triggering the plant’s natural color change. Poinsettias are sensitive to the amount of light they receive, and it is during the darkness that the plant goes through the necessary physiological changes to develop the vibrant red bracts.
During this period of darkness, it is important to ensure that no light disrupts the poinsettia’s environment. Even the smallest amount of light, such as that from a nightlight, can interfere with the process and prevent the plant from turning red. It is recommended to place the poinsettia in a completely dark room or use a blackout curtain to block out any external light sources.
Bright Light And Routine Care
While total darkness is necessary for the color transformation, Poinsettias also require bright light during the day. Maintaining a balance between darkness and light is crucial for the plant’s overall health and development. To achieve this, it is recommend placing the poinsettia in a location where it receives ample natural light during the day, preferably near a window facing east or west.
Alongside proper lighting, routine care is essential for the poinsettia’s well-being. It is important to ensure that the plant is kept at a comfortable room temperature, generally around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Water the poinsettia when the top inch of soil feels dry, making sure to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Additionally, regularly inspect the plant for pests and diseases and promptly address any issues that may arise.
To summarize, here are the key points to keep in mind for caring for poinsettias:
- Provide bright light during the day for optimal growth and color transformation.
- Maintain a balance between darkness and light for the plant’s overall health.
- Keep the plant at a comfortable room temperature of around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water the poinsettia when the top inch of soil feels dry and avoid overwatering.
- Regularly inspect the plant for pests and diseases and take necessary actions to address them.
“Finding a balance between darkness and light is crucial for the poinsettia’s overall health and development.”
Avoid Any Light Disruption
It is important to create a dark environment for the poinsettia during the required 14-hour darkness period. Even a small amount of artificial light during this time can disrupt the natural process and hinder the color change. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep the poinsettia away from areas with nightlights, street lamps, or any other sources of light that may seep into the room.
- Create a dark environment for the poinsettia during the 14-hour darkness period
- Avoid exposing the plant to artificial light during this time
- Keep the poinsettia away from nightlights, street lamps, and other light sources.
Bracts Start Turning Color In 4 Weeks
After approximately four weeks of providing the necessary darkness and bright light, you will start to notice the bracts of the poinsettia turning color. The bracts are the vibrant, colorful parts of the plant that give it its festive appeal. It is a thrilling moment to witness the poinsettia’s transformation from green to red, indicating that the plant is responding well to the care and environmental conditions provided.
Humid Environment (But Avoid Direct Foliage Spray)
During the color-changing period, poinsettias benefit from a humid environment. However, it is important to avoid directly spraying the foliage as this can invite diseases and promote fungal growth. Instead, place a tray of water near the poinsettia or use a humidifier to increase moisture levels in the air. This will help create the proper climate for the plant to thrive and develop its beautiful red bracts.
- Avoid directly spraying the foliage to prevent disease and fungal growth.
- Place a tray of water near the poinsettia or use a humidifier to increase humidity.
Bracts Should Be Red In 8 Weeks
After approximately eight weeks of following the guidelines and providing the necessary conditions, all the bracts of the poinsettia should have turned red. This is an exciting milestone, as it signifies that the plant is ready to be displayed and will bring a vibrant burst of color to your home or office. The poinsettia’s red bracts should be rich and velvety, creating a striking contrast against the plant’s dark green foliage.
Red Color Lasts For Several Weeks
Once the poinsettia’s bracts have turned red, they will maintain their vibrant hue for several weeks. The red coloration is particularly prominent during the holiday season and adds a festive touch to any space. With proper care and maintenance, the poinsettia’s enchanting red bracts can last well beyond the Christmas period, allowing you to enjoy their beauty and vibrant presence.
Cut Back Stems And Keep Soil Dry
After the poinsettia’s red bracts have started to fade and the holiday season comes to an end, it is time to prepare the plant for its dormant period. The leaves will begin to drop off, and the stems should be cut back to around four to six inches in height. It is important to keep the soil fairly dry during this time to prevent the plant from rotting. Hold off on fertilizing the poinsettia until new growth occurs.
Keep Plant Warm For New Growth
During the poinsettia’s dormant period, it is important to keep the plant warm to promote new growth. Aim for a temperature range of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, provide adequate indirect light and sparingly water the plant until new shoots begin to emerge. Once new growth appears, gradually increase watering and resume regular care for the poinsettia.
- Maintain a temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit
- Provide adequate indirect light
- Water the plant sparingly until new shoots appear
- Gradually increase watering and resume regular care for the poinsettia
Replant In Sunny Spot And Light Fertilization
In spring, replant your poinsettia in a sunny spot in your garden. Poinsettias thrive in locations with plenty of sunlight, preferably receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and amend it with organic matter to provide essential nutrients. Lightly fertilize the poinsettia during this time to support its growth and overall health.
- Replant poinsettia in spring
- Choose a sunny spot
- Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight
- Ensure well-draining soil
- Amend with organic matter
- Lightly fertilize to support growth and health.
Starting The Process Again In October
To ensure your poinsettias bloom with vibrant red bracts year after year, follow these steps:
- Start in October: Begin the process eight weeks before you plan to display the plant.
- 14 Hours of Darkness: Provide the poinsettia with 14 hours of total darkness each day.
- Maintain Bright Light: During the daytime, ensure the plant receives bright light.
- Routine Care: Take care of the poinsettia by avoiding any light disruption and maintaining a humid environment without directly spraying the foliage.
- Color Change: The bracts will start changing color approximately four weeks into the process.
- Fully Red Bracts: Within eight weeks, the bracts should be fully red.
- Long-lasting Red Color: With proper care, the red color can last for several weeks.
- Replanting: After enjoying your red poinsettia, you can replant it in a sunny spot in your garden.
- Yearly Process: To continue enjoying the beauty of red poinsettias, start the process again in October.
By following these guidelines and repeating the process annually, you can ensure the continuous blooming of beautiful, red poinsettias, creating a festive atmosphere year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make poinsettias turn red again?
To make poinsettias turn red again, it’s crucial to provide them with the right amount of sunlight. Limiting their exposure to eight to nine hours of sunshine a day, beginning in late September, is essential. This controlled sunlight helps stimulate the red pigmentation in the bracts, ensuring a vibrant display just in time for Christmas.
How long do poinsettias have to be in the dark to turn red?
Poinsettias undertake a captivating transformation, but only after being immersed in complete darkness for approximately 14 hours each day. This process commences around eight weeks prior to their intended showcase. By subjecting these enchanting plants to darkness for this extended period, their vibrant red hue emerges in all its splendor, creating a visual spectacle that captivates beholders.
When should I put my poinsettia in the dark?
The ideal time to put your poinsettia in the dark is from the end of September until early to mid-December. During this period, it is crucial to keep the plant in complete darkness between 5pm and 8am daily. By maintaining a temperature between 60 and 70 degrees F, you can ensure optimal conditions for the poinsettia to develop vibrant and colorful bracts. So, remember to follow this schedule to successfully re-flower your poinsettia and enjoy its beauty during the festive season.
How do you make poinsettias change color?
To initiate the color change in poinsettias, a crucial step is to provide them with twelve hours of uninterrupted darkness for a minimum of five consecutive days. This period of darkness triggers a chemical reaction within the plant that alters its pigmentation. Once the color transformation has occurred, poinsettias must then receive at least six hours of indirect sunlight each day to uphold their vibrant hue. This delicate balance between periods of darkness and light enables poinsettias to put on their yearly display of vibrant reds, pinks, or other delightful shades.