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How Often Should You Water a Poinsettia Plant

ByStacy Ling Updated On

Did you pick up or receive a poinsettia plant for the holidays? If you are wondering how often you should water a poinsettia plant, then this post is for you! Learn how to give proper care when watering poinsettias with these simple tips.

As we are quickly approaching the holidays, I’m getting lots of messages about poinsettia care.

And particularly with many of you asking how often poinsettia plants needs to be watered.

We’ve covered poinsettia care before, but let’s deep dive a little further into how much water a poinsettia plant needs to thrive.

Because the answer may surprise you!

These plants can be somewhat fussy so overwatering and underwatering matters. Learn how to take good care of your poinsettia plants with these watering tips.

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How Often to Water a Poinsettia Plant

The poinsettia plant is a popular holiday plant that comes in different colors, brightens up any winter decor, and can be treated like a house plant.

It is the Christmas star as they are popular plants that come in a range of colors.

And can be found at any garden center, nursery, big box store, or local market around the last week of November and the winter holidays.

Also known as euphorbia pulcherrima, poinsettias are widely popular during the Christmas season and are often given as gifts. They are tropical plants that grows wild in the deciduous forests of Central America.

For the best poinsettias care, they should be kept in a room with lots of bright, indirect light near a sunny window.

Since they hail from Central America, they thrive in a tropical climate.

Poinsettia plants should be kept away from a cold window or cold drafts.

And as I’ve mentioned before, it’s important to water poinsettias only when dry.

It’s equally important not to allow the poinsettia plant to sit in water or the roots will suffer from root rot.

Thus, the amount of water you give it matters.

So how do you know when to water a poinsettia?

To determine when to water, check the plant daily.

When the top of the soil is dry to the touch, add enough water until it flows from the drainage hole. And if the surface of the soil feels moist and cool, leave it be.

If your poinsettia plants are still wrapped in foil, remove the pot from the foil until watering is complete, and excess water drains out the bottom.

Because it is an important thing to remember, make sure your poinsettia plants are not sitting in water. If they are, the plants will decline and may not recover.

Keep in mind that where poinsettias are concerned, too much or too little water can be bad thing. So the best way to keep a poinsettia happy and healthy is to check it daily.

It’s a lot more work that other houseplants, which is why I typically don’t grow live poinsettias.

They are a bit too fussy for me to grow. It’s not to say I don’t enjoy them or think they are beautiful, but I view them more as an annual to decorate my home than anything I plant to maintain long term like some of my other houseplants.

close up of red poinsettia -How to Care for Poinsettias

How Much Water Should You Use When Watering a Poinsettia Plant?

The best method for watering a poinsettia is to do it in the kitchen sink.

Simply place the plant in the sink and remove any foil to ensure there is a drainage hole at the bottom of the pot.

If there is no drainage hole, repot the plant or add one because the plant roots will suffer from root rot if you don’t.

To hydrate, saturate the plant under slow-running water. And allow it to fully drain before adding the foil back on or placing on a tray or saucer.

close up of red poinsettia with pine cones in planterHow to Care for Poinsettias

Can You Overwater a Poinsettia?

The answer is yes – so don’t do it.

When you water, make sure you allow the excess water drain out of the drainage hole. And avoid watering it with the foil on the bottom.

I know it’s kind of a pain to take that foil off every time you water, but trust me, the poinsettia flowers will thank you later.

Can You Use Ice Cubes to Water Poinsettias?

Yes you can certainly use ice cubes to water poinsettia plants.

But again, keep in mind that the water needs to drain out even when using ice cubes to water poinsettias. And only add them when the soil surface is dry.

I’ve not tried this method myself, but I’ve read roughly 6-8 cubes works well.

Just remember to allow excess water to drain out and check the plant daily before adding ice cubes again.

garden blogger stacy ling buying poinsettias at the nursery -how often to water poinsettia plant

How Do You Take Care of a Poinsettia Indoors?

Poinsettias can be a bit finicky as they prefer certain light conditions and room temperature.

Click here for more detailed information on poinsettias and their care.

But here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

Poinsettia Care Quick Tips

  • Keep poinsettias in a bright area where it receives six to eight hours of indirect sun per day.
  • Do not maintain the poinsettia plant near heat vents or drafts because both lead to leaf drop.

For more detailed poinsettia care tips, including how to the flower petals to rebloom, check out this post: The Ultimate Guide to Poinsettia Care.

various poinsettias at the garden nursery with houseplants - How to Care for Poinsettias

How Do You Care for Poinsettias After the Holidays

Now that you have a live poinsettia plant, how do you care for it after the holidays?

Follow my simple tips for poinsettia care after the new year and beyond.

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Looking For Christmas Decorating Ideas?

Wait until you see these holiday decorating, entertaining, and food ideas to create a cozy home for Christmas.

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Stacy Ling

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