Poinsettia. How do I make it go red?

[MrsDoolittle]

I've had one growing larger and larger for two years now and it hasn't turned red since it was given to me at Christmas time.
Someone told me there was a trick to making them go red again.
Does anyone know? This one has got so big now that it would look fabulous.

[Blondeinlondon]

Any ideas anyone?
I have one too that's just staying green

[zippitippitoes]

You've done really well to keep it alive never mind healthy, as they generally die off after Christmas (a bit like windowsill herbs)

i used to work in a nursery growing them but it was so long ago I don't know the answer

[Lonelymum]

Not sure what the difference is between flowering and red leaves (I believe they are not the same thing) but this website might help or lead you to your answer.

poinsettia

[KristinaM]

There is a very complicated regime of keeping them in the light for so many hours per day for so many day. Its way too complicated and expensive unless you are a professional nursery. You need to either learn to love it green or chuck it out and buy a new one.

Sorry!

[Twiglett]

I used to keep poinsetta in the bathroom .. I think they like heat and humidity

I know b'gger all about gardening

[BahHumbugBadgerBadger]

I think they're a weed (sorry, wild plant) from mexico or something? The process of making them go red (or white or pink) involves regeime, routine and bin bags and I can't remember quite what it is.

The flowers are absolutely minute and totally nondescript. The red/white/pink are bracts. Another useless fact being that their sap can be an allergen to people allergic to latex

If you want a bit of colour you'll probably be best of getting one each festive season but I am in absolute awe that you've managed to keep one alive for two years!! When worked as a florist I had trouble keeping the darn things alive for the two days it took to sell them

[BahHumbugBadgerBadger]

Sorry, the latex thing isn't a useless fact, I meant the rest!

[twirlaround]

pull its pants down

[BahHumbugBadgerBadger]

ROFL twirlaround

[WigWamBam]

This might help - too late for this year though.

[Blondeinlondon]

I have decided to leave it alone and let it remain green

[colditz]

Spray paint.