Reblooming poinsettia

Question

I have been following the instructions for getting my poinsettia to re-bloom. I have been keeping it in the dark (covered by a large box) for about 13-14 hours a night, and allowing it to get sunlight during the day. I have been doing this routine for the past month roughly.

I have 2 concerns. The first is that I am not yet seeing any red leaves. How long does it usually take to start seeing the colour change take place? Also, when I open the box in the morning, there is almost always 2-5 leaves that have fallen off over night. Is this normal? Or am I going to have nothing left of the plant I cared for all year by Christmas?

Thanks so much!!
Jennifer

Answer 1

There are specifics in the care, pruning, dormancy, fertilizing and as you mention withholding light from the plants.
This can be a difficult process in a home environment.

Leaf or flower bract drop could be due to temperature changes or watering issues.

This article has more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/poinsettia/how-to-make-poinsettia-turn-red-make-a-poinsettia-rebloom.htm