Pointsettias - Indoor plants

[wsommariva]

Hi everyone. Every Christmas we get poinsettias in the office. They let them die and then throw them away.

Well, I rescued two and they are doing great, almost. My three year old's leaves are starting to turn brown on the edges. I give them three cups of water a week, well drained. I keep watter in the bottom pan to give them moisture.

So, need more water?

Thanks

[Kisal]

I doubt they need more water. Letting any plant stand in water like that is a no-no. It usually leads to root rot. If you've caught the problem early enough, there may be enough roots remaining to keep the plants alive. Otherwise, if too many of the roots have died, then the plant will die.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

[wsommariva]

Ok, I'll keep the bottom pan dry from now on. Thanks.

Plant will survive it gets like it is from time to time.

[rainbowgardener]

yes, poinsettias need to dry out well between waterings.

[wsommariva]

So 3 cups of water a week might be high?

[rainbowgardener]

it's not the amount of water that matters; it's the time in between. Water thoroughly, let it drain, empty the saucer, and then don't water again until the top part of the soil is drying out.

[wsommariva]

Ok, I'll try that finger in dirt test method.

Thank you