Poinsettia- will the red leaves come back?

[bramblina]

I still have last year's you see, and it's doing well, quite full of nice looking green leaves and I just wondered if it's worth keeping it- will it look like it did when it was brand new? They just always seem to be a one-off plant which is a bit of a shame!

TIA

[OstrichSized]

I looked this up last year and the answer is that it would get the red leaves if it has long periods of darkness daily. I kept mine in the kitchen so had the lights on in the evenings and mornings and the red leaves never came.

I can't remember how much it needs but it's a lot. Like over 12 hours.

[bramblina]

Can I leave it in total darkness for days- shall I put it in the cupboard? It's obviously dark from evening till morning- does this count?

[CuttedUpPear]

On Gardeners Question time they always give you the advice to put in a cupboard for the darkness, then they just tell you throw it away and buy a new one as it's less hassle.

HTH.

[ComeIntoTheGardenMaud]

It can be done but it's quite a palaver, explained here.

[TheSmallPrint]

I also still have my one from last year, it would be nice if I could get it red again. I will probably just buy a new one though.