The bright, festive bracts of a poinsettia are one of the clearest signs that the holiday season is here, and by mid-December, it’s no surprise that many homes boast two or three of these vibrant plants. With varieties now available in a stunning range of colors – from classic red to soft pinks and creamy whites – poinsettias offer an effortless way to bring Christmas cheer to any room.
Even when carefully selected for crisp green foliage and vividly colored stems, poinsettias can begin to droop after a few weeks indoors, particularly when exposed to fluctuating temperatures or central heating. One of the most common questions plant enthusiasts ask at this time of year is: how often should you water a poinsettia?
Proper poinsettia care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Below, we explore the key factors that determine watering frequency for these Christmas plants – and share expert tips to keep your poinsettia looking vibrant and festive all season long.
How Often Should I Water a Poinsettia?
How often you water a poinsettia will depend on the dryness of the soil, which can be affected by environmental conditions, how warm or cold the house is, and where the plants are positioned – just like with many of my other winter houseplants.
'Unfortunately, there is no specific rule of thumb about when to water poinsettia; it depends on the temperature, sunlight, and humidity conditions in your home,' advises Karen Musgrave of New York-based Hicks Nurseries.
'The best advice is to check the plant weekly to determine its needs,' she continues. 'Poinsettias should be watered thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. Stick your finger about an inch down into the soil; if it feels dry, water; if you are not sure or it feels moist, check it again in a few days.'
A more accurate way to keep a check on your houseplant soil is by using a soil moisture meter, just like this best seller from Amazon, which will tell you immediately if your poinsettia needs a drink.
'The temptation is to give this plant plenty of water to allow it to thrive, but this really isn't necessary. If the soil is already damp, your poinsettia has plenty of water,' adds Venus Moore of Venus Gardening.
How Much Water Does a Poinsettia Need?
A poinsettia prefers a thorough drink rather than frequent sips. Water until you see a little run-off appear through the drainage holes, then allow all excess water to drain away completely.
The aim is to evenly moisten the rootball without leaving it soggy; the potting mix should feel lightly damp but never saturated. In most homes, this means giving around half a cup to a cup of water for a small to medium plant, adjusting according to pot size and how quickly the soil dries out.
A small watering can with a long spout, such as this alpine green one from Amazon, is ideal for watering a poinsettia.
'Poinsettias like to be watered thoroughly, but then left to dry out some before they are watered again,' advises Lindsey Hyland of Urban Organic Yield. 'If you have a plant in a warm room, it's good practice to stick to a once-a-week schedule.'
Should You Water Poinsettias from the Top or Bottom?
When it comes to technique, either top-watering or bottom-watering can work well for poinsettias; what matters most is allowing the plant to take up moisture evenly and then letting any surplus drain away.
Top-watering is often easiest, provided you direct the water straight onto the soil surface rather than the foliage.
Bottom-watering, meanwhile, can be especially beneficial for avoiding splash on the leaves: simply place the pot in a shallow dish of water for 10–15 minutes, allowing the compost to draw up what it needs, then lift it out and let it drain thoroughly.
These drainage insert discs from Amazon are a really clever way to help improve drainage in your potted plants, as they improve water flow and are also reusable.
'Try to avoid wetting the leaves when watering, as this can encourage issues such as leaf spot,' advises Lindsey. 'It’s also essential to ensure the pot has adequate drainage. Without it, excess moisture can accumulate around the roots, leading to overwatering and, ultimately, root rot.'
Just as important as the method is the temperature of the water. Because poinsettias are tropical plants, they are sensitive to sudden temperature shocks. Water that is at least 70°F (warm but not hot) helps prevent stress to the roots, whereas cold water can cause leaf drop or general decline.
If you're already thinking about what to do with your poinsettia after the holidays, we have several inspired ideas. However, it's also entirely possible to keep your poinsettia alive until next Christmas, and you can find out exactly how to do that in our expert guide.
Your Essential Poinsettia Care Kit
Handcrafted from borosilicate glass, this gorgeous watering can would look just as good in use as it would styled on a plant shelf. It comes in three colors and is the ideal size for watering a poinsettia.
You can keep your poinsettia bracts blooming brightly and strongly by feeding your plant over the holiday period with a fertilizer that's specially formulated for poinsettias.
A fail-safe method for checking whether your poinsettia needs a drink is by using a moisture meter. This bluetooth model sends the info straight to your phone, and looks smarter than some of the more basic, analogue models on the market.
