I’ve seen a lot of poinsettia leaf problems over the years, both in stores and from readers. Here are some of the common questions I’ve been asked over the years. I hope you find your answer here.
With their colorful bracts poinsettias are a popular holiday decoration. But no one wants to see those vibrant red or pink leaves drying up and curling prematurely. If your poinsettia foliage is shriveling and curling under instead of staying full and flat something is wrong.
Let’s explore some of the common causes of poinsettia leaves drying and curling and what you can do to revive your plant.
Reasons for Poinsettia Leaf Curl and Dryness
A number of issues can lead to poinsettia leaves curling, wrinkling, and drying out before their time. Here are some of the most likely culprits:
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Underwatering – Poinsettias prefer consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Allowing the soil to dry out too much causes leaves to shrivel and curl inward.
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Overwatering – On the other hand, soil that is kept too wet deprives roots of oxygen. This also stresses the plant, impacting leaf health.
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Low humidity – Poinsettias prefer 40-50% humidity on average. Very dry indoor air can cause leaf edges to brown and curl.
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Cold drafts – Exposure to frequent cold drafts from windows, vents, or doors causes leaf scorching and curling.
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Excess heat – High temperatures above 80°F can make poinsettia leaves droop and shrivel.
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Too much or too little light – Insufficient light leads to weak growth while excessive direct sun burns the leaves.
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Nutrient deficiency – Lack of certain nutrients causes leaves to dry out and curl inward.
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Root rot – Soggy soil and poor drainage fosters root rot leading to leaf curling.
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Pests – Insects like whiteflies, spider mites, and thrips suck fluids from leaves causing them to dry and wrinkle.
How to Fix Curling and Drying Leaves on Poinsettias
If your poinsettia is exhibiting curled, papery leaves, take these steps to revive it:
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Check the soil moisture and water if the top few inches are dry. Or allow it to dry out if overwatered.
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Move to an area with 40-60% humidity and temperatures between 65-75°F.
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Provide bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours daily. Filter harsh direct sun.
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Test the soil pH and amend if needed. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly.
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Prune off badly damaged leaves and stems. Remove dead leaves and debris.
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Inspect closely for pests and treat any found infestations. Quarantine affected plants.
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Repot into fresh soil if root rot is present. Discard diseased roots and stems.
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Be patient for recovery, which can take weeks. New growth indicates the plant is rebounding.
With some TLC and addressing the underlying issue, your poinsettia should perk back up. Focus on optimizing care and environment to prevent further curling and drying of the foliage.
How to Care for Poinsettias to Avoid Leaf Problems
Giving your poinsettia proper care and conditions will help keep the colorful leaves looking their best through the holidays and beyond. Here are some general care tips:
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Place in bright, indirect light. Some early morning or late day sun is tolerated.
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Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Don’t let sit in soggy soil.
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Mist leaves or use pebble trays to boost humidity around the plant to 40-50%.
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Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing period.
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Keep away from hot and cold drafts. Ideal temperature range is 65-75°F.
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Check soil pH periodically and amend to maintain a slightly acidic range of 5.5-6.5.
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Prune back after flowering to encourage bushy regrowth if keeping long-term.
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Watch for pests like whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs and treat any found.
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Repot every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
Follow these tips to meet your poinsettia’s care needs and keep it looking festive and vibrant throughout the season. A healthy, thriving poinsettia will be far less prone to leaf troubles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poinsettia Leaves
Here are answers to some common questions about poinsettia leaves drying and curling up:
Why are the bottom leaves on my poinsettia turning yellow?
This is natural as the lower leaves die off. But excessive yellowing of lower leaves can indicate overwatering or insufficient light.
What causes poinsettia leaves to shrivel up?
Shriveled, wrinkled poinsettia leaves are most often caused by underwatering, low humidity, excess heat, or cold drafts.
How can I tell if my poinsettia is being overwatered?
Signs of overwatering include soggy soil, mushy stems, foul odor, leaf yellowing, leaf drop, and leaf curling or shriveling.
Should I mist my poinsettia leaves?
Misting offers a quick humidity boost but can encourage disease if done excessively. Use pebble trays or a humidifier for longer-term increase in humidity.
What should I do if my poinsettia gets cold damage?
Remove any shriveled, curled leaves or stems. Move to a warm location free of drafts. Tender new growth indicates recovery.
By troubleshooting the causes and adjusting care, those colorful poinsettia bracts can remain full and vibrant for weeks to come.
Enjoying Poinsettias Through the Holidays and Beyond
Poinsettias are synonymous with the holidays thanks to their bright, cheery bracts. But no one enjoys seeing those colorful leaves dry out and curl up too soon. With proper care tailored to your environment, you can keep your poinsettia going strong.
At the first signs of shriveling or curled leaves, assess water, light, humidity, and pest issues. With a few simple fixes, your plant will be back to adding festive flair for weeks to come. And you may even be able to enjoy your poinsettia year after year if cared for properly when kept as a houseplant.
Though they have a reputation as temperamental, poinsettias can thrive with attention to their preferences. Follow best practices and troubleshoot promptly to enjoy lush red, pink, or white bracts that remain full and flat for the entire holiday season.
What has caused the black edges on my bracts, will it spread on this plant or onto others? What can I do for it?
Doug says the black or brown, crispy edges on the leaves are because of the change in humidity and watering from the greenhouse to the house. Your house is much drier than the greenhouse and this is what has happened. Nothing you can do to reverse this process on existing leaves.
Do not overwater the plant – this is another partial cause of tip and leaf browning.
I am an idiot and accidentally left my poinsettias out on a cold night. Is there anything I can do to “bring them back” from drooping, or did I kill them?
Doug says there’s nothing that can be done when the plant gets this cold and starts to droop and drop leaves. It’s about to progress through dropping all its leaves and there’s nothing you can do about this. Sorry.
