How Often to Water a Poinsettia to Keep It Alive and Thriving
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Poinsettias, those vibrant plants given as gifts during the winter holidays, are tropical plants whose "flowers" in shades of red, white, and pink are actually leaf bracts. Despite being very popular gifts, most poinsettias don't come with specific care instructions, and it's good to know some basic care tips.
Knowing how often to water poinsettias to keep them healthy is probably the key factor to taking good care of them. Read on for our guide to when and how often to water a poinsettia.
How Often to Water a Poinsettia
Poinsettias should be watered every few days or so. They need consistently moist soil, so you should be checking how wet the soil is every day if you want to be really sure you don't let it dry out. Touch the soil surface, and if it's dry, you know it's time to water.
It's important to avoid overwatering, however, which can cause the roots to rot. Make sure the container has proper drainage to help prevent overwatering.
The Right Way to Water a Poinsettia
Many poinsettias purchased at nurseries or florist shops come planted with potting soil in plastic or molded cardboard containers, wrapped in a sheet of decorative foil; this foil covering should be removed when watering to prevent water from pooling inside the foil.
Take note of these steps to water a poinsettia the right way:
Remove the foil covering (do so carefully if you want to save it to re-wrap the container).
Place the container in the sink; if the container is too large to fit in your sink you can use the shower or bathtub.
Water your poinsettia thoroughly at the base of the plant, soaking the soil. Avoid getting the leaves wet.
Allow the excess water to drain out of the container for a few minutes.
Once the soil has drained completely, put the poinsettia back in its previous location.
Keep a saucer or tray beneath your poinsettia container to assist with proper drainage.
If replacing the foil around the container, poke a few drainage holes in it. You shouldn't allow your poinsettia to sit in water or wet soil for too long, as this may cause root rot.
Signs a Poinsettia Needs Water
Before you water your poinsettia just because it's a certain day of the week, look for signs that your poinsettia actually needs water.
A poinsettia that needs water will have soil that is dry to the touch and droopy or wilting bracts or leaves. Leaves dropping off may also be a sign that watering is needed, but check the soil surface first to see if it feels dry because leaves dropping is also possibly a sign of overwatering.
The leaves of a poinsettia that needs water will also sometimes dry out and turn brown at the edges on their own as part of the growth cycle; if this happens, you can deadhead the dried or brown leaves to keep it clean.
Also consider the location of your poinsettia and make sure it's not too close to a space heater or radiator that might cause the soil or leaves to dry out faster.
Signs a Poinsettia Is Overwatered
The most common sign a poinsettia is overwatered is leaves that turn yellow and drop off, starting with the leaves at the bottom. This could also be a sign of overfertilization.
If the soil feels wet, set the container in the sink to let any excess water drain out. You may also want to gently repot the plant, adding some dry potting medium to its new container to help soak up any excess moisture.
Going forward, water the plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry. It's easier to revive an underwatered poinsettia than an overwatered one, as the latter condition may cause root rot, which will usually kill the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do poinsettias need sun?
Poinsettia plants do need sun—ideally bright, indirect light. Poinsettias placed outside do best in partial sun.
How do you keep poinsettias alive indoors?
To keep a poinsettia alive indoors, give it bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist. Make sure it's in a well-draining soil, if it's not alrieady. Poinsettias can be kept alive year round, and if they're given the right care regimen in autumn (reduced water and light), they will bloom again in time for winter.
Should poinsettia soil be kept moist?
Yes, poinsettia soil should be kept moist. If a poinsettia gets dried out, it starts to wilt. Be careful to avoid overwatering, and make sure the container has excellent drainage.
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Read the original article on The Spruce.
