Watering

• A lack of water is the most common cause of a wilting poinsettia. The plant's soil should be checked daily to ensure the proper moisture. Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Another way to tell if the poinsettia needs water is to look at the color of the soil. The soil should be dark. When the color becomes visibly lighter, more water needs to be added. Water completely and thoroughly; continue applying water until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. Water again once all the excess water has drained from the pot. Check a wilting poinsettia daily to make sure it has plenty of water. Proper watering should result in the poinsettia looking healthier within a few days.
  
  

When Watering Doesn't Work

• A poinsettia that continues to wilt, even with proper watering, has another problem. Poinsettias thrive in humid conditions, so if the air in the house is too dry, the plants can suffer and begin to wilt. Also, poinsettias do best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If positioned near a cold window or in a draft, poinsettias can show signs of stress. Temperature drops as little as 10 degrees can cause wilting, so be sure the plant is sitting in a draft-free area. Check the nighttime temperature of the room, which may be too cold or too warm for the plant.
  
  

Epinasty

• Epinasty, a condition in which leaves turn downward because of the more rapid growth of the upper layers of cells, occurs commonly in poinsettias brought home from the store. Temperature changes can cause the bracts to wilt or, in extreme cases, drop. This is why many poinsettias look beautiful in the store, but take on a sickly appearance at home. To prevent epinasty, gently wrap the plant thoroughly in plastic or paper bags to shield it from a change in temperature when you take it outside. Take the plant directly home, and do not leave it in the car any longer than possible. If the plant shows signs of wilting immediately after being brought home, a regimen of watering and the correct temperature can soon bring the poinsettia back.
  
  

Preventing Wilting

• Do not allow the soil to dry completely, but do not over-water. Many poinsettia pots are wrapped in decorative holiday paper; remove this immediately, because it will prevent water from draining out of the pot. If the poinsettia is allowed to stand in water for extended periods, the roots will rot, and the plant will wilt. If the roots have rotted, nothing can be done to save the plant.