How to Turn Poinsettia Leaves Red

Native to Mexico, poinsettias have been a holiday tradition for years. Their brilliant red leaves can brighten up even the dreariest winter day and can instantly bring about feelings of holiday cheer. Surprisingly, the red parts that most people assume are the flowers of these festive plants are really modified leaves. The flowers of the poinsettia are actually the small yellow clusters in the center of the red leaves.

Although poinsettias are best known for their red coloring, getting the leaves of the plant to turn red can be a bit of a struggle for many people. The plants rely on a precise schedule of alternating periods of light and dark to begin to change color. Here are some tips on how to get a poinsettia to turn red.

Controlling Light and Darkness

Poinsettias require carefully controlled periods of complete darkness in order to begin to turn red. The darkness triggers the release of a hormone in the plant that then acts on the leaves and changes their color.

To begin this process you need to simulate short days and long nights for the plant. To do this, you need to put the plant somewhere that is completely dark for 12-14 hours a night. It is important that not even a glimmer of light reaches the plant during the dark periods, so be sure to choose an area that is out of the way in your home that no light reaches such as in an unused closet or inside a large box. The ideal temperature for the plant is about 60 degrees F.

During the day, after the period of darkness, take the plant out and place it in indirect, bright light.

Repeat the process every day and night. As you do the leaves on the plant will begin to turn red. Continue the light/dark schedule until the leaves have turned as red as you would like them. It typically takes between 60-90 days for plants to reach their full red color.

Watering

Poinsettias require regular watering. However, be careful not to over water them. Wait to give them more water until the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.

After the Holidays

After the holiday season is over and the poinsettia has finished flowering, trim back your plant to about 4-6 inches tall. Avoid getting any of the white sap on your fingers if possible since it can cause skin irritation. Cutting the plant back will encourage new growth so that it will be full and bushy again next year.

By following these simple tips you can encourage your poinsettia plants to turn bright, cheerful, brilliant red so you can proudly display them this holiday season.