Do poinsettias need direct sunlight

Yes, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) need water.

Specifically, poinsettias like humid air and moist (not waterlogged) soil. In fact, they need soil to be fertile, well-aerated and well-drained. They do not like soil to dry out. The soil always must be moist to the touch.

Generally, plants need to be watered every 7-10 days. In between waterings, a simple soil test involves sticking a sharp object such as a pencil, ruler or soil probe down into the soil. If the object comes clean, the soil is too dry. If the object becomes muddy, then the soil is waterlogged. If the object has soil particles clinging to it like little freckles or speckles, then the soil is adequately moist.