It is difficult to get poinsettias to bloom again because they have specific needs as to hours of daylight and complete darkness that must be met in order to induce flowering. If you are adamant about keeping your poinsettia and trying to force it to bloom again, here's how. When the bracts (the colored "petals" of the plant) have faded, cut the plant back. When the plant begins growing again, resume fertilizing with liquid fertilizer. Keep the plant in a sunny window or move it outside into a sunny, sheltered location after all danger of frost is past and night temperatures are warm. In July, pinch new growth back to keep the plant compact. Beginning in mid to late September, the poinsettia must be subjected to 14 hours of continuous total darkness each night. Cover the plant with a cardboard box, a black plastic bag or place it in a dark closet. Don't interrupt this dark period with light from any source - flashlights, automobile headlights, streetlights, neon - anything. Don't let the plant get too warm or too cold (60°-70° F is ideal). Each morning, return the plant to a sunny window. Continue this treatment until the bracts form and begin to show color. With luck and diligence, your poinsettia will be in bloom by Christmas.
Every year the false rumor that poinsettias are poisonous raises its head. Although this misinformation is usually passed along by well meaning individuals, it is still false, wrong, incorrect, and an outright lie. Every year this false information prevents poinsettias from being sent to nursing homes, schools, and other places where these plants can bring beauty and joy. No part of a poinsettia is poisonous and never has been! They are not poisonous to people or pets. If someone tells you otherwise, set the record straight.
This information was provided by:
Hastings
P.O. Box 190369, Atlanta, Georgia 31119
3920 Peachtree Road N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30319
Phone: 404-869-7447
Fax: 404-869-7449