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How Often To Water A Poinsettia?
Water a poinsettia about once a week, when the top inch of soil is dry. Learn how to water it so it keeps its red leaves through the holidays.
Water a poinsettia about once a week, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Water until it drains out the bottom, then empty the saucer or foil wrap. Poinsettias drop their leaves if the soil stays too wet or gets too dry, so steady watering is the key.
A starting point, not a rule. Check the soil before each watering and stretch the gap in cool, cloudy weather.
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A poinsettia needs water about once a week, when the top inch of soil is dry. It is a holiday favorite with bright red leaves, called bracts. Most poinsettias that die early die from watering problems, so getting this right makes a big difference.
Poinsettia watering schedule
| Room conditions | How often |
|---|---|
| Warm, bright room | Every 5 to 7 days |
| Cool room | Every 7 to 10 days |
| Near a heater | Every 4 to 5 days |
| After the holidays, resting | Every 2 weeks |
How do you know when a poinsettia needs water?
Touch the soil every few days. When the top inch feels dry, it is time to water. You can also lift the pot. A dry pot feels light.
Do not wait for the plant to wilt. A wilted poinsettia often drops leaves even after you water it.
How to water a poinsettia
- Take it to the sink. Water slowly with room-temperature water.
- Water until it drains. Keep going until water runs out of the bottom.
- Let it drain for 10 minutes. Then put it back on its saucer.
- Empty any extra water. Never let it sit in a puddle.
Signs of too much or too little water
Too much water
- Yellow lower leaves
- Leaves dropping while still green
- Soil that stays wet
- A sour smell
Too little water
- Wilting, droopy leaves
- Dry, curling leaf edges
- Red bracts falling off
- A very light pot
What else keeps a poinsettia happy?
Bright, indirect light and a steady temperature between 60 and 70°F (15 to 21°C). Keep it away from cold drafts, open doors and hot air vents. Sudden temperature changes make it drop leaves just like bad watering does.
How should you water a poinsettia after the holidays?
Once the holidays are over, the plant slows down. Water a little less, about every 7 to 10 days, and always check the soil first.
In early spring, many people cut the stems back to about 6 inches tall. The plant then rests, so let the soil get a bit drier between drinks, about every 2 weeks. When new leaves start to grow in late spring, go back to watering once a week. With good care, a poinsettia can live for years as a lovely green houseplant, and it can even turn red again next winter.
Poinsettia watering FAQ
Should I water a poinsettia every day?
No. Daily watering is the fastest way to rot the roots. Check the soil and water only when the top inch is dry.
Can I use ice cubes to water a poinsettia?
It is better not to. Poinsettias are tropical and do not like cold roots. Use room-temperature water.
Why is my poinsettia dropping leaves?
The usual causes are soil that is too wet, soil that got too dry, or cold drafts.
We turn horticulture research and real growing experience into plain-English watering schedules you can actually follow.