How to water a poinsettia

Euphorbia pulcherrima

Quick answer

Water a poinsettia when the top 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil feels dry. Water until it runs out of the bottom, then empty the saucer and the foil sleeve.

Last reviewed: 25 October 2026. How we check our plant advice5 references

Starting point (summer)every 6 to 8 days
Starting point (winter)every 8 to 12 days
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Poinsettia care

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Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) — Poinsettia · *Euphorbia pulcherrima*

2.5 to 5 cm (1⁠–⁠2 in)

1
How often to water a poinsettia
Check the soil every few days. When the top 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) feels dry, it is time to water.
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In Botanicaly’s plant data that is about every 7 days in summer and every 10 days in winter, but the soil decides.
Mississippi State University Extension gives the same depth of 1 to 2 in.
In Botanicaly’s plant data that works out at about every 7 days in summer and every 10 days in winter. A warm room dries the pot faster, so the soil decides, not the calendar.
2
How to water it
Water until it runs out of the bottom of the pot, then empty the saucer. A poinsettia should drain freely and should not sit in the runoff.
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Take the plant out of its foil or plastic sleeve to water it, or cut holes in the bottom of the sleeve. Water that collects in the sleeve keeps the roots wet and leads to root rot.
3
Never let it stand in water
Poinsettias are often sold wrapped in a foil sleeve with no hole, and water can pool at the bottom. After every watering, lift the pot out, let it drain, and empty the sleeve and the saucer before it goes back.
Wet soil from water standing in the sleeve is one of the causes of poinsettia leaf drop.
4
Too much or too little water
Too wet: the soil stays soaked, usually because water collected in the sleeve or saucer. Leave off watering until the top 2.5 to 5 cm (1⁠–⁠2 in) is dry again and empty whatever is standing around the pot.
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Too dry: when a poinsettia dries out, its leaves curl and fall. Feel the soil with a finger, and if the top is dry, water until it drains.
Leaves and bracts that wilt and turn black point to cold, not to water. That damage cannot be undone.
5
Water, warmth and humidity
A poinsettia likes 15 to 21 °C (59⁠–⁠70 °F) with no cold drafts and no heat from a radiator. A warm spot makes the soil dry sooner, so check it more often there.
Ordinary room humidity is enough. Do not mist it: wet bracts can get gray mold.
6
Watering after Christmas
A poinsettia that keeps its leaves stays in the same bright spot and gets the same careful watering until spring.
More about this
If it drops most of its leaves, let it rest somewhere cool, about 10 to 13 °C (50⁠–⁠55 °F), and water only enough to stop the stems shriveling.

Common questions

How often should I water a poinsettia?

When the top 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil feels dry. That is often about every 7 days in summer and every 10 days in winter, but a warm room can dry it faster.

Can a poinsettia stay in its foil sleeve?

Not while you water it. Take it out, or cut holes in the bottom of the sleeve, because water that collects there keeps the roots wet and leads to root rot.

Why does my poinsettia drop leaves after watering?

Often the soil is too wet because water stood in the sleeve or saucer. Cold, dry soil and warm heater air also make leaves drop, so check what changed in the last few days.

Should I mist a poinsettia?

No. Ordinary room humidity is enough, and wet bracts can get gray mold.

How do I water a poinsettia after Christmas?

Keep watering carefully when the top of the soil is dry. If it drops most of its leaves, rest it cool at about 10 to 13 °C (50⁠–⁠55 °F) and give only enough water to keep the stems from shriveling.

All poinsettia guides

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Sources5 references

How we check our plant advice → · Last reviewed: 25 October 2026

How to water a poinsettia