The #1 reason poinsettias fail is due to over-watering. Poinsettias like it dry. Depending upon how dry your home is, plan to water it approximately once a week. When you do water, make sure to give it a good soak. Wait about 30 mins and then drain the excess water off. They do not like to sit in water. We suggest when you think it needs water, wait 2 days, then water it!
Avoid direct heat and sunlight. It is normal for the bottom leaves to droop, as well as fall off. Poinsettias like even temps… around 70 ish to be exact. So, right next to a window may not be the best, unless you are going to move it somewhere else every night. Add a light fertilizer every 2 weeks to keep it happy 🙂
If you are shopping elsewhere for your poinsettia, do not purchase one that is displayed in a paper or plastic sleeve, or one that has been crowded too close together, because once you get it home it will deteriorate quickly. Finally, do not bring a poinsettia home without first covering it with a protective sleeve, as the cold weather will damage the plants within minutes.