To understand how to make us turn red again, you must first know that our vibrant red "flowers" are not petals at all. They are specialized leaves called bracts. The actual flowers are the small, yellow, and green berry-like structures in the center of these bracts, known as cyathia. Our bracts change color in response to specific environmental triggers, primarily the length of uninterrupted darkness we receive. This is a process controlled by a plant pigment called phytochrome, which acts as a light sensor. When we sense long nights (and short days), a hormonal signal is triggered that inhibits chlorophyll production (the green pigment) in our bracts, allowing other pigments, like the red anthocyanin, to become dominant and visible.
After the holidays, we often enter a period of stress. The indoor environment is typically too warm and dry, with insufficient light. Our bracts will naturally fade and may even drop as this is part of our normal lifecycle. To prepare us for the next color cycle, you must first help us regain our strength. Around March or April, when our bracts begin to turn green, cut our stems back to about 4-6 inches in height to encourage new, bushy growth. Repot us in fresh potting mix, ensure you provide bright, indirect sunlight, water us when the soil surface feels dry to the touch, and fertilize us with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every few weeks throughout the spring and summer. This period of strong growth is crucial for building the energy needed for the next color change.
The most critical step is manipulating the photoperiod, or the length of light and darkness we experience. To trigger the color change in our bracts, we require a strict regimen of long, uninterrupted periods of complete darkness. Starting in late September or early October, you must provide us with at least 14 hours of absolute darkness every single night for approximately 8-10 weeks. Any stray light, even from a streetlamp or a brief opening of a door, can disrupt this process and delay or prevent the color change. A common method is to place us in a completely dark closet every evening at 5 p.m. and then return us to a sunny window at 7 a.m. the next morning. This consistent cycle mimics our natural, ideal conditions.
While the photoperiod is the primary trigger, other factors support a successful and vibrant color transformation. During the day, we need an abundance of bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6-8 hours to photosynthesize and produce energy. The ideal temperature range for us is between 60-70°F (15-21°C). It is particularly important to keep us away from drafts, heat vents, or cold windows, as extreme temperature fluctuations can cause significant stress and leaf drop. Continue to water us thoroughly when the soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. You should also reduce fertilization once the strict dark treatment begins.
