Topic: Poinsettia - am I wasting my time?

[Georgie]

My brother bought me a beautiful Poinsettia plant last year and by some miracle I've managed to keep it alive, in fact it's looking very well.  I've read that to encourage it to flower and produce colourful bracts I need to ensure it gets 14 hours of darkness followed by 10 hours of daylight for the next two months.  Now this just isn't possible because on the days I work I'm out of the house from about 07.00 to 18.00 (at least) and there's no-one else to help.  So probably the best I can do is 12 hours of darkness.  Will this suffice?

G x

[Flighty]

Georgie I spoke to a friend earlier who has had the same problems doing that.
She said to give it a try as she's had some that have been okay and others not.
I'm also to pass on her apologies as she appreciates that it's a bit vague but in view of the fact that you've had no other response she reckons that's better than nothing!

[Georgie]

Thanks Flighty, and please pass on my thanks to your friend too.  

I've posted this question on another forum too and the one reply (so far) conferred that 12 hours should be okay.  But it went on to say that lamps during the daylight hours might also be necessary at which point I lost the will to nurture this plant!   ;)  ::)  ;D

G x

[saddad]

I managed it once before 1990 but haven't been tmpted to try it again...  :-X

[Flighty]

Georgie you're welcome, and I will.
I know that she doesn't use lamps!