My poinsettia suddenly wilted and died. Why?

Question:

My poinsettia suddenly wilted and died. Why?

Answer:

The sudden death of the poinsettia was likely due to a root rot.  Pythium and Rhizoctonia root rots typically occur when plants are watered too frequently and the potting soil is kept saturated.  Allow the surface of the potting soil to dry to the touch before watering poinsettias.  Also, don’t allow the poinsettia pots to sit in water.  Discard excess water which drains into pot coverings or saucers.  

Learn more about poinsettias in this article: Guide to the Selection and Care of Poinsettias