Poinsettia

We had two poinsettias last Christmas, a cream one that quickly bit the dust, and this red one (you can just see the last red leaves about a quarter way up the plant).  I took out the growth tips about a month ago as I didn't want a giant.  I have just read that if I want red leaves again this Christmas, I will need to give it at least 12 hours darkness each night, so I will be drawing its curtains early from now on.