If you’re anything like us, the holidays don’t really feel complete until there are a few festive plants tucked around the house. A bright poinsettia by the doorway, an amaryllis getting ready to bloom on the table, maybe a Christmas cactus or two in the window—those little pops of color make everything feel cozy.
The good news is, you don’t have to be a master gardener to keep these plants happy. With just a few simple habits, you can enjoy your holiday plants longer and help them look their best all season (and in some cases, well into the new year).
In this post, we’ll walk through easy care tips for some favorite holiday plants: poinsettias, amaryllis, Christmas cactus, and a few other festive friends.
Holiday Plant Care Basics
Before we get into specific plants, a few simple guidelines will help almost all of your holiday greenery stay happier and healthier:
- Light: Most holiday plants like bright, indirect light—near a window, but not pressed up against hot glass or in harsh midday sun.
- Temperature: Aim for a steady, comfortable room temperature. Try to avoid placing plants right next to doors, fireplaces, or heating vents where cold drafts or blasts of hot air can stress them.
- Water: When in doubt, check the soil before you water. Stick a finger into the top inch—if it feels dry, it’s usually time to water. If it still feels damp, wait a bit longer.
- Drainage: Many gift plants come wrapped in decorative foil. That’s fine, but make sure extra water can drain away. You can either poke holes in the foil or remove it when you water, then slip it back on once the pot has finished draining.
- Rotation: Turn your plants every few days so they grow evenly and don’t lean too much toward the light.
Poinsettias: Classic Holiday Color
Poinsettias are the classic holiday plant, with those big, colorful bracts (the “petals” that are really leaves). With a little care, they can look great well beyond Christmas.
Light & placement
Place your poinsettia in bright, indirect light—near a window, but not in harsh midday sun. Keep it away from cold drafts, space heaters, and fireplace heat. They prefer temperatures around 65–75°F.
Watering
Check the top inch of soil every few days. When it feels dry, water thoroughly until a little water drains out the bottom, then empty any excess from the saucer. Try not to let the plant sit in standing water, as that can lead to root problems.
After the holidays
If your poinsettia still looks good after the holidays, you can absolutely keep it as a regular houseplant. Many people enjoy the challenge of getting it to color up again the following year, but that’s optional. Even if you simply keep it through winter, you’ve gotten a lot of enjoyment out of one plant.
Amaryllis: Big Blooms with Little Effort
Amaryllis bulbs are holiday showstoppers. Those tall stems and big trumpet-shaped flowers look dramatic, but they’re actually pretty easy to grow indoors.
Light & placement
Give your amaryllis bright light, such as a sunny window with filtered light. As the stalk grows, turn the pot every few days so it doesn’t lean too much in one direction. Cooler nights (around 60–65°F) can help the blooms last longer.
Watering
At first, water lightly—just enough to keep the soil barely moist. Once you see the flower stalk and leaves really start growing, you can water more regularly, letting the top inch of soil dry slightly between waterings. Try not to let water sit directly around the neck of the bulb.
After it blooms
When the flowers fade, you can cut off the flower stalk, but leave the green leaves. Those leaves help the bulb rebuild its energy. If you enjoy a little plant project, you can keep the bulb growing in a bright spot, then let it rest later in the year to encourage another round of blooms.
Christmas Cactus: Festive Hanging Blooms
Christmas cactus is a longtime favorite around the holidays, with its arching stems and bright, tubular flowers. With good care, it can bloom year after year.
Light & placement
Christmas cactus prefers bright, indirect light—think near a window with filtered sun. Avoid very harsh direct light, which can cause the segments to look pale or scorched.
Watering & humidity
Water when the top third of the soil feels dry. These plants don’t like to stay soggy, but they also don’t want to dry out completely for long stretches. They appreciate a bit of humidity, so they often do well in kitchens or rooms with other plants nearby.
Keeping it blooming
Cooler nights and a gentle drop in daylight can help encourage buds. Once those buds form, try not to move the plant around too much—sudden changes in light or temperature can cause them to drop.
Other Festive Holiday Plants
Along with poinsettias, amaryllis, and Christmas cactus, you might see a few other plants around the holiday displays. Here are some quick tips:
Paperwhites. These fragrant bulbs usually come pre-planted in shallow containers. Keep them in bright light and water when the soil starts to feel dry near the surface. If they get tall and floppy, you can gently stake them or move them to a slightly cooler spot.
Cyclamen. Cyclamen like cool rooms, bright indirect light, and evenly moist soil (not soaking wet). Water gently around the edge of the pot rather than directly into the center of the plant.
Mini Norfolk Island Pine. These soft, feathery “mini Christmas trees” enjoy bright light and consistent, slightly moist soil. Avoid drying them out completely, and try not to place them right over a heating vent.
Quick Holiday Plant Troubleshooting
If one of your plants starts looking a little sad, here are a few common issues and simple fixes:
Yellowing leaves. Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check that the pot has drainage holes and that the plant isn’t sitting in standing water. Let the top of the soil dry a bit more before the next watering.
Drooping or wilting with very dry soil. Most likely underwatering. Give the plant a good drink, let the excess drain, and then check it a little more regularly.
Flowers dropping quickly. Big temperature swings or drafts can stress plants. Try moving them away from doors that open frequently, fireplaces, or direct blasts of heat or cold.
Most of all, try to enjoy your holiday plants rather than worrying about every leaf. Even if they don’t last forever, they bring so much color and life to the season while they’re here.
From our home to yours, we hope your poinsettias, amaryllis, and all your other festive favorites bring a little extra cheer to your holidays.
Happy growing,
Kevan & Bobby – RainbowScapes Haven
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