Should I keep my poinsettia in dark and for how long?
Yes! Proper timing of light and darkness is key to triggering poinsettia blooms. They need specific dark conditions to bloom properly, especially if you’re trying to get them to produce their vibrant red bracts around the holiday season. Avoid artificial light exposure during the dark period, as it can disrupt the blooming cycle.
Poinsettias are short-day plants, meaning they require 14-16 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily for about 6-8 weeks. Place the plant in a dark, cool place like a closet or cover it with a light proof box every evening.
During the daytime, ensure the plant gets 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight.
Once the blooming period is over, regular light exposure is sufficient to keep the plant healthy.