Why do my leaves wilt & fall of my Poinsettia?

Eva Wambach
by Eva Wambach

  9 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 19, 2017

    Improper watering. Make sure you use tepid water,keep in a bright location away from drafts,and water when dry to the touch

  • 44g30179358 44g30179358 on Dec 19, 2017

    Dry house air causes this. It's pretty normal. Keep it watered well and it will survive the holidays.

  • Dianacirce70 Dianacirce70 on Dec 19, 2017

    They need moist but not wet soil, sunlight and no drafts. I received one at work that had the leaves falling off and I love it out of the doorway and into direct sun and the leaves quit falling off.

  • Molly Anmar Molly Anmar on Dec 19, 2017

    Yep, eventually. It's part of the normal cycle of the plant. See if you don't find this informative: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/indoor/flowering/hgic1561.html

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Dec 19, 2017

    It is either too much water or not enough and they need good light.

  • Amir Hyman Amir Hyman on Jan 03, 2023

    There are several reasons why the leaves of a Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) might wilt and fall off:


    1. Overwatering: If t
    2. The soil is constantly wet or waterlogged, and the roots of the Poinsettia may begin to rot, causing the leaves to wilt and fall off.
    3. Underwatering: On the other hand, if the soil is allowed to dry out completely, the Poinsettia's leaves may wilt and fall off due to a lack of moisture.
    4. Poor drainage: If the soil does not drain well, the roots of the Poinsettia may be sitting in water, causing them to rot and the leaves to wilt and fall off.
    5. Excessive fertilization: Over-fertilizing the Poinsettia can cause the leaves to wilt and fall off.
    6. Pests: Pests, such as aphids or mealybugs, can cause the leaves of a Poinsettia to wilt and fall off by sucking the plant's sap.



    To prevent these problems, it is essential to water the Poinsettia regularly but not overwater it. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. It is also necessary to use well-draining soil and to avoid over-fertilizing the plant. If you suspect pests are causing the leaves to wilt and fall off, try treating the plant with an appropriate pesticide.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 06, 2023

    A Poinsettias wilt when they get too hot and dry. They do best at a draught-free 15-21°C and should keep flowering for 12 weeks. To extend the flowering and keep the leaves in tip-top condition, place the pots on a pebble tray, mist the leaves and feed regularly.

  • Take a look at this guide on how to care for poinsettias. Some great tips for the future: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/flowers/how-to-care-for-poinsettias-44191713

  • Betsy Betsy on Oct 25, 2023

    Hi Eva: These are such sensitive plants! Mine do that all the time, no matter how much or how little I water it. I have found that fertilizer helps with this problem.