Poinsettias are small shrubs that grow wild in Mexico’s tropical forests with leaves that fall off in the fall. But for most of us, they come into our homes during the holidays to add some color. Although these traditional beauties aren’t difficult to maintain, watering poinsettia plants can be tricky. Do you want to know how to water a poinsettia plant and how much water they need? If so, keep reading.
Poinsettias are popular holiday plants known for their colorful bracts that come in various shades of red, pink, white, and more. With their lush green leaves and bright bracts, poinsettias make festive additions to holiday decor. However, keeping these plants looking their best requires proper care, especially when it comes to watering. So when it comes to watering poinsettias, should you water from the top or the bottom?
Overview of Watering Poinsettias
In general poinsettias should be watered whenever the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. The soil should be thoroughly moistened during watering until water drains freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Any water that collects in the saucer or foil pot wrap should be discarded after about 30 minutes to prevent the plant from sitting in standing water.
Poinsettias prefer a soil moisture level that is evenly damp but not soggy wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering causes wilting and leaf drop. Checking the soil daily and watering when the top inch is dry is a good rule of thumb.
Top Watering
Top watering refers to applying water directly onto the soil surface rather than into the drainage holes. This wets the soil from the top down. Top watering is generally convenient and avoids having to move the plant.
To top water a poinsettia:
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Place the plant in the sink or bathtub to contain any spills Remove decorative pot wraps
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Use a watering can or pitcher to slowly pour water over the soil surface, giving time for it to absorb. Avoid flooding.
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Add enough water so it drains freely from the bottom drainage holes. This ensures the entire soil area is moistened.
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Allow any excess water to drain completely for 30 minutes before returning the plant to its display spot.
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Discard any water left in the outer pot or plant saucer.
The main drawback of top watering is that it can sometimes be difficult to moisten the entire soil area thoroughly, especially with a dense leaf canopy. The foliage and thick soil surface tend to obstruct water penetration.
Bottom Watering
Bottom watering involves applying water directly into the drainage holes so that it soaks upwards from the bottom. This technique ensures water penetrates the entire soil area.
To bottom water a poinsettia:
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Fill a sink, tub, or bucket with several inches of water.
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Remove any decorative foil wrap and place the poinsettia pot in the water, submerging about 1/4 of the pot.
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Allow the plant to soak for about 15-30 minutes until the soil surface darkens and feels damp about 1 inch down.
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Lift the plant out and allow excess water to drain completely for 30 minutes before returning it to its display spot. Discard any outer pot water.
The main advantage of bottom watering is thoroughly moistening the entire soil area even if the foliage is dense. It also minimizes spills and is easier for larger plants. The disadvantage is needing to move the plant.
Which Method Is Best?
Both top and bottom watering are effective methods for watering poinsettias. In general, bottom watering provides more even saturation while top watering is more convenient.
For best results, use a combination based on specific needs:
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Bottom water weekly or biweekly to soak the entire soil mass. This prevents drying out.
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Top water whenever the soil surface becomes dry on other days. This maintains ideal moisture.
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Always dump out collected saucer water after 30 minutes.
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Check soil daily and adjust watering frequency based on your conditions.
Other tips for watering poinsettias:
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Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry. Wet leaves at night encourage disease.
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Use room temperature filtered water if possible. Cold tap water can shock roots.
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Add water until it flows from the drainage holes. This ensures full saturation.
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Wilting warrants immediate thorough re-watering.
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Water more frequently in high light, low humidity, or high temperature environments.
Common Watering Issues
Underwatering and overwatering are both detrimental to poinsettias. Here are some telltale signs of each problem:
Underwatering
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Soil remains dry 1 inch down
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Pot feels very lightweight
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Leaves droop, wilt, or curl
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Leaf edges turn brown
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Lower leaves drop
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Flower bracts shrivel or fade
Overwatering
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Soil stays soggy wet for days
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Pot feels heavy
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Lower leaves yellow and drop
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Roots rot – turn brown and mushy
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White fungal growth on soil
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Foul odor from pot
Caring for Poinsettias
In addition to proper watering, poinsettias require the following care to thrive as holiday decorations and houseplants:
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Place in bright, indirect light inside. Avoid direct sun exposure.
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Keep room temperatures around 65-75°F during the day and 50-60°F at night.
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Protect from hot/cold drafts and heating/AC vents.
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Apply diluted houseplant fertilizer monthly if desired.
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Prune back when flowering ends to encourage new growth.
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Repot in spring using well-draining potting mix.
By understanding the best watering techniques and providing general care, you can keep poinsettias looking their best throughout the holidays and after. Pay attention to soil moisture and water sufficiently without oversaturation for the healthiest plant possible.
How Do You Water a Poinsettia Plant?
Check the bottom of the pot as soon as you bring the poinsettia home. It’s important to poke a hole in the pot as soon as possible if it doesn’t already have one. If the pot isn’t able to drain, the roots may rot fairly quickly. You can also make the poinsettia happier by taking off any decorative foil. The foil may hold water that can kill the plant. If you don’t want to take off the pot’s shiny cover yet, make sure the foil is completely dry after each watering. Put the poinsettia plant in the kitchen sink and slowly water it until water drips out of the drainage hole. This is the best way to water the plant. Put the pot on a plate or tray and leave it in the sink until the extra water drains out. Never allow the pot to stand in water. Make sure the poinsettia stays in a bright spot that gets six to eight hours of sun a day. Keep the plant away from heat vents and drafts, which can cause the leaves to drop.
How Much Water Do Poinsettias Need?
When it comes to watering poinsettia plants, too much is just as bad as too little. If you want to know if your poinsettia needs water, feel the top of the potting soil. It should be damp and cool to the touch. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Additionally, if the pot feels light as a feather when you lift it, the soil is too dry. The potting soil should be kept slightly moist but never soggy or dripping wet. To be safe, check the plant daily since potting soil can dry quickly in warm, indoor air. Soon, you’ll know how much water the plant needs without checking quite so frequently.
Do you water poinsettias from top or bottom?
FAQ
How often should you put ice cubes in poinsettia?
Do poinsettias drink from the bottom?
Am I over or under watering my poinsettia?
Do poinsettias need a lot of water?
Poinsettias prefer to stay evenly moist but never wet or soggy. It’s better to err on the side of under watering rather than to overdo it. Learning the signs of drought stress or overwatering can help you understand how to give yours the perfect amount. Overwatering is a main cause of death for poinsettias.
How do you water a poinsettia?
So plan ahead and fill your watering can beforehand. Top watering is the preferred method for a poinsettia. Always pour it over the top of the medium to avoid splashing any on the leaves. Provide deep, thorough drinks and go slowly so it can soak in evenly. Stop once it begins to seep from the bottom of the container.
How do you drain a poinsettia plant?
You can take your poinsettia plant out of its wrapping and set it directly in the sink, then turn the faucet on a low stream with lukewarm water. Let it run until water begins to seep out the drainage holes, then turn the water off and leave it to sit for 15 minutes to let the excess water drain.
How to care for a poinsettia plant?
It’s important to note that you should always use room temperature water to avoid shocking them. So plan ahead and fill your watering can beforehand. Top watering is the preferred method for a poinsettia. Always pour it over the top of the medium to avoid splashing any on the leaves.
