Should You Water Poinsettias With Ice Cubes? The Truth About This Controversial Care Tip

Around the holidays, poinsettias with their bright, festive bracts are everywhere. And a common care tip that gets passed around is watering these plants with ice cubes. But is this really beneficial? Or could it harm the poinsettia? Let’s examine the facts.

The Ice Cube Watering Method

The technique of using ice to water poinsettias involves:

• Making ice cubes – Some even recommend specialized ice cube trays to produce smaller cubes.

• Placing the cubes directly on the soil – Typically 2-5 cubes depending on pot size, daily.

• Letting the ice melt and seep into the soil slowly.

• Continuing this ice application every day throughout the poinsettia’s time indoors

The concept is that the slowly melting ice releases water over time keeping the soil consistently moist but not soaked.

Does the Ice Cube Trick Work?

The problem is poinsettias don’t have such an exacting water requirement. Their soil should not be kept evenly moist daily. Instead, you want to thoroughly soak the soil until it drains from the bottom, then wait for it to dry out some before watering again.

While ice cubes may provide some hydration, it is unlikely the right amount of water will be dispensed by the melting cubes to keep the soil optimally moist. Either too much or too little water is likely with this imprecise method.

Potential Issues with Ice Cube Watering

Relying on ice cubes can easily lead to these problems:

• Insufficient water – Just a few cubes may not supply enough hydration for the plant.

• Excess water – Too many cubes risks overwatering, soggy soil, and root rot.

• Inconsistent moisture – Melting delivers uneven moisture in random spots.

• Temperature shock – Ice touching warm plant stems and leaves can damage tissues.

• Root chilling – Cold water seeping down chills the roots.

• Added labor – You must prepare cubes and apply them daily.

These factors lead to stressed, unhealthy poinsettias that won’t look their best or last. The ice cube method seems more trouble than it’s worth.

Best Practice for Watering Poinsettias

The ideal way to water poinsettias is to thoroughly soak the entire soil mass when the top inch or two of soil has dried out. Follow these tips:

• Check soil dryness by touching the top few inches. Or lift the pot to gauge its weight.

• When soil is partly dry, water the plant until it drains freely from the bottom drainage holes.

• Use room temperature water – cold water can shock roots.

• Discard any water in the overflow saucer so the plant doesn’t sit in it.

• Allow the soil to partly dry out again before rewatering. This may take 5-14 days.

• Don’t wait until the plant wilts to water or it will shed bracts and leaves.

This full, soak-and-dry-down method provides ideal hydration. No ice or guesswork required!

Providing the Best Care for Poinsettias

Beyond proper watering, poinsettias also require:

• Bright, indirect light – At least 6 hours daily. Avoid direct hot sun.

• Moderate room temperatures between 65-75°F.

• Protection from cold drafts that can damage bracts.

• Occasional pruning of faded or damaged leaves and bracts.

• Humid conditions – Mist the plant daily if air is very dry.

• Drainage holes and a draining potting mix to prevent soggy soil.

• Location away from heating vents that emit dry air.

Meet these basic care needs for the best poinsettia performance indoors. No gimmicks required!

Can Poinsettias Rebloom After the Holidays?

With proper care after the holidays, poinsettias can be kept alive and coaxed into reblooming another year. Here’s a summary of overwintering care:

• Cut back the stems to 6-8 inch stubs in spring.

• Repot into a slightly larger container if roots are crowded.

• Place in a sunny window and water when soil partly dries.

• Apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks from spring until fall.

• Watch for pests like whiteflies, aphids, and mealybugs.

• In early October, give it 13 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily for 6-8 weeks. This initiates bud formation for reblooming.

• Once colorful bracts appear, resume normal light exposure.

This process mimics the natural photoperiod cycle poinsettias need to set buds and bloom. With diligent care, you can enjoy a poinsettia holiday after holiday.

The bottom line? Poinsettias don’t need special watering tricks. Follow basic guidelines for lighting, temperature, humidity, and regular thorough watering for happy holiday plants!