Poinsettias are the undisputed stars of the holiday season, popping up in shops everywhere starting in November. But let’s be real: they have a reputation for being a bit “extra.” They’re sensitive little plants, and if you want those vibrant red, white, or pink bracts to last all winter long, you’ve got to know how to handle them.
How to Water Your Poinsettia the Right Way
It’s a classic story: you bring a beautiful Poinsettia home, and within days, it’s looking sad. The leaves start drooping, curling up, and eventually hitting the floor. Most people see yellowing leaves and think, “Oh no, it’s thirsty!” and pour on more water. Plot twist: that usually makes it worse. Usually, the plant is suffering from root rot because it’s been sitting in too much water, and those delicate roots have basically given up on life.
Poinsettias absolutely hate “wet feet” (standing water) and cold water. To prevent soggy soil, it’s a great idea to add a drainage layer of expanded clay pebbles or coarse gravel at the bottom of the pot. When it’s time to hydrate, use lukewarm, stale tap water (or even better, rainwater) and avoid getting the leaves wet. The best method? Pour the water directly into the saucer or tray. Let the root ball soak it up for about 15 minutes, then dump out any leftover water. This keeps the roots happy and rot-free. Before you reach for the watering can again, do a quick finger test—if the soil feels dry and the saucer is empty, you’re good to go.
Watering in the Spring
Keep up your regular watering routine through April. After that, it’s time to scale back. Give the plant just a small splash of water once a week in the saucer. The goal here is to let the plant dry out slowly without letting it shrivel up completely. During this “rest phase,” move your Poinsettia to a breezy, cool spot (around 60°F is perfect).
After a few weeks, you’ll notice those iconic red bracts turning green. This is your cue to prune back the stems. Once you’ve given it a trim, you can go back to your standard care routine:
- Only water when the soil feels dry.
- Make sure the saucer is empty before adding more.
- Always water from the bottom (into the saucer).
- Use lukewarm, room-temperature water.
- Empty any excess water after 15 minutes.
