How to Keep Your Poinsettia Plant Red for a Long Time

With their vibrant red leaves, these plants are more than just a festive holiday decoration – they can be a gardening project where you can experiment with their leaves (bracts)!

Poinsettias, widely recognized for their vibrant red bracts, undergo a fascinating color transformation that aligns with the festive Christmas season. This shift in hue is primarily due to two factors: photoperiodism and the presence of specific pigments known as <a href=«https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=» https: target="_blank" rel=«noopener»>anthocyanins.

Poinsettias are classified as “short-day plants,” which means they initiate their color change when the days become shorter. As we move into fall and winter, the decreasing daylight and extended night periods serve as a natural cue for these plants.

This seasonal timing explains why poinsettias are famously red during the winter holidays.

These pigments, common in various red, purple, and blue plants, are produced more abundantly under specific light conditions. In poinsettias, when exposed to shorter days and longer nights, the surge in anthocyanin production results in their iconic red bracts.

Moreover, a plant pigment called phytochrome plays a significant role in this color transition. It functions as a light sensor, detecting changes in the duration of light exposure.

When the poinsettia perceives longer periods of darkness, phytochrome triggers a chain of biochemical reactions. These reactions lead to increased anthocyanin production, ultimately causing the bracts to turn red.

To achieve the iconic red bracts of poinsettias, a specific routine of light and darkness is essential. 

Pro Tip: You can also experiment with extending this period slightly. An additional week or two of