How Often to Water Poinsettia So It Thrives Beyond Christmas

These tips will keep the leaves of your poinsettia plant lush and vibrant.

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are iconic holiday plants known for their beautiful red leaves and small yellow flowers. While poinsettias are often purchased for a single season and discarded, they can last for years when properly cared for. One way to keep your poinsettia plant healthy is to ensure it gets enough water. Here's how often to water poinsettias, according to gardening experts.

Meet the Expert

• Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms

• Adrienne Roethling, plant expert and former garden director for Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden

Related: How to Keep Your Poinsettias Alive for the Holidays and Beyond

How Often to Water Poinsettia

Poinsettia plants should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. You can test for soil dryness by poking a finger in it or picking up the pot. "The wetter it is, the heavier it will be," says Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms. 

Check the soil daily to make sure it's still damp. How often the soil dries out depends on various factors, including light, temperature, and humidity, but poinsettias typically need water about once per week.

How to Water a Poinsettia

Top watering is the best way to give poinsettia plants a drink. To do so, slowly water the top of the soil with a watering can or by placing it under the sink and allowing the water to settle into the soil, says Adrienne Roethling, plant expert and former garden director for Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. Avoid getting the foliage wet when watering this way.

Factors to Consider When Watering Poinsettia

How often you water poinsettias depends on several factors, including sunlight, soil type, container size, and temperature.

Sunlight

The amount of sunlight a poinsettia gets will determine how quickly the soil dries out. "The more light your poinsettia gets, the more energy it has to grow. The more it’s growing, the more water it will use," says Hancock. "A poinsettia in a bright, sunny windowsill will likely need more water than the same poinsettia across the room where it doesn’t get as much light."

Soil Type

Poinsettias are mostly grown in coir- or peat-based potting mixes which have great moisture-holding capacity, says Hancock. If it's potted in a soil that doesn't retain moisture as well, it mat need to be watered more frequently.

Container Size

Container size also dictates how often you should water a poinsettia. "Potting mix is like a sponge that absorbs water so the roots can pull it out. The bigger the sponge, the longer it will take to dry out," says Hancock. "So the same size plant will stay moist longer in a larger container than a smaller one." With that in mind, the more rootbound a poinsettia is, the faster it will dry out no matter the container size.

Temperature and Humidity

Generally, poinsettias prefer temperatures around 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, says Roethling. The warmer and drier your climate is, the more water your plant will need. Avoid placing your poinsettia near too-warm areas of your home (like by the fireplace) and too-cold places (like near the front door).

Signs Your Poinsettia is Being Underwatered

An underwatered poinsettia typically has wilted foliage, says Roethling. If you notice the leaves look wilted, pick the plant up to test the weight or stick a finger in the soil. "However, do not let your plant wilt for more than a day and try not to let it wilt between waterings," she says. "A leaf will become stressed and eventually fall off with excess wilting."

Signs Your Poinsettia is Being Overwatered

One of the most obvious signs your poinsettia is being overwatered is if the soil feels really wet or oversaturated. An overwatered poinsettia may also wilt as the roots suffocate and die. "Roots absorb moisture for the plant to use. If the roots start to die, there’s not enough root mass to absorb sufficient water to support the leaves. As such, you’ll often see yellowing and dropping leaves on an overwatered plant," says Hancock.

Frequently asked Questions

Do poinsettias need a lot of sunlight?

Poinsettias like a lot of bright light, but shouldn't be placed directly in the sun. Be sure the light reaches the lower parts of the plant to prevent the bottom leaves from falling off, says Roethling. Turn your plant a couple times a week so the bright light can reach all sides of the plant.

Can you over water a poinsettia?

Yes, you can over water a poinsettia. Be sure the pot has drainage holes and allow the water to drain from the bottom, says Roethling.

Where is the best place to put a poinsettia?

Place your poinsettia in a bright location protected from hot or cold drafts.

What is the lifespan of a poinsettia?

With good care, a poinsettia plant can live for years, says Hancock.