Keep poinsettias alive and stop overwatering with simple 10-minute technique

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With Christmas just around the corner, Britons are starting to see poinsettias pop up in garden centres and supermarkets across the country.

These festive plants, hailing from Mexico and Central America, are a popular choice for their vibrant red and green leaves, which are often used in Christmas floral arrangements. However, poinsettias have a reputation for being temperamental, with many people finding their plants don't survive past the holiday season.

One common issue leading to a poinsettia's demise is improper watering. Though they require moist soil, they can easily succumb to root rot if overwatered. Root rot is a condition that arises when a plant is consistently waterlogged, causing its roots to sit in excess water, reports the Express.

This problem is not uncommon in houseplants, including orchids, and usually happens when owners neglect to let the plant properly drain post-watering.

Bearing this in mind, the watering specialists at Easy Garden Irrigation have offered their expertise on how to best water your Christmas poinsettias. Sean Lade, the managing director of Easy Garden Irrigation, emphasised the importance of cautious watering for poinsettias.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Sean advised: "Poinsettias are prone to root rot if overwatered. Instead of watering from the top, place the pot in a shallow dish of water for 10-15 minutes, allowing the roots to absorb moisture from below.

"Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and always empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent rot."

Anastasia Borisevich, an expert at the plant identifying app Plantum, agreed that it's vital to avoid "sogginess".

She advised: "Keep the potting mix slightly moist at all times. Soak the soil thoroughly when watering, but not to the point of sogginess."

"Use only warm (and ideally soft) water. Cold water may shock a poinsettia into shedding its foliage. This plant can also wilt and defoliate if its soil is kept dry for too long."

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