Water poinsettias when the top of the soil feels dry, rather than on a strict calendar schedule. For most indoor plants in typical home conditions, this usually works out to about once a week, sometimes stretching to every 7–10 days, but warm, bright rooms can dry the soil faster.

How to check and water

• Press a finger about 1–2 cm (around ½–1 inch) into the soil; if it feels dry at that depth, it is time to water, and if it still feels moist, wait and check again the next day.

• When you do water, add enough so that water runs out of the drainage holes, then discard any water left in the saucer or decorative foil after about 15 minutes so the roots do not rot.

Seasonal and pot-size tweaks

• In cooler, lower‑light winter conditions, most indoor poinsettias are fine with roughly weekly deep waterings, while very small “mini” plants in tiny pots may need smaller amounts of water more often because they dry out faster.

• During warmer months or in very warm rooms, check the soil daily and be prepared to water a bit more frequently, always using dryness of the soil as your guide rather than the calendar.