christmas plants alive | How to Keep Your Christmas Plants

Christmas plants alive: a concise orientation before we get practical.

Christmas plants alive: Quick notes

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In November and December, retail shops from garden centers to grocery stores bring in Christmas plants for holiday decorating. The thing is, as with many plants we grow indoors in cold climates, these festive houseplants are tropical. And not all of them are easy to keep alive in our warm and dry, or cold and drafty homes.

Some holiday favorites, such as kalanchoes and Christmas or Thanksgiving cacti, are fairly no-fuss. But I would hazard a guess that most poinsettias barely make it past the 25th of December. You’ve invested the money, so here are a few tips to help you keep those indoor plants alive beyond the holiday season.

Tips for shopping for Christmas plants

It’s worth it to pay close attention while you’re still in the store to ensure you’re bringing home the healthiest plants possible. I usually take quite awhile to pick out the perfect poinsettia, for example. I look at the overall shape and whether it’s uniform. And then I give the plant a good assessment using the tips below. Here are some things to look out for:

Insects: One year I had my eye on a lovely amaryllis that was already well on its way to blooming. However once I lifted the plant, a few little flies flew out. Run your finger lightly over the soil line of a potted plant to ensure there aren’t any bugs. And examine the leaves carefully.

A Christmas-tree-shaped rosemary plant is a great gift for a cook, provided they have a sunny window where it will thrive.

Plant health: Look closely at the leaves—are there any signs of wilting or yellowing? If there are flowers already, are they starting to die? Look for plants with healthy leaves, and flowers or flower buds so you can enjoy their bloom time for longer.
Examine the soil: Look inside the pot to see if the plant seems root bound (check to see if roots are coming out of the holes at the bottom). Smell the soil to ensure it doesn’t smell moldy.
Check the plant tag: Will you be able to give your plant the right amount of light? Is the area where you want to place your plant under or near a vent? Will the plant be out of reach of pets?

Festive houseplants you’ll see leading up to the holidays

I love shopping for Christmas plants. They add so much holiday cheer to a room. Poinsettias are a must, but I find them a challenge to keep alive. The watering tip I mention below was a game changer for my poinsettias.

Poinsettias: This ubiquitous holiday plant needs bright, indirect light. I share some tips on how to care for pointsettias here, as well how to try to keep them around for next year.
Thanksgiving/Christmas cactus: Out of all the holiday plants, the Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus seems to be the hardiest. Place yours near east- or west-facing windows for bright, indirect light and water once the soil is dry.

My Thanksgiving cactus seems to thrive on neglect and flower for me at least once a year.

Kalanchoe: Kalanchoes need a lot of natural light, so position your plant accordingly. However if it’s already in bloom, move it to more indirect light to help prolong the bloom time. It also doesn’t mind a cooler room.
Cyclamen: Cyclamen are popular holiday picks, with their interesting variegated foliage and perky blooms. They don’t mind a cooler room and can thrive in direct and or bright indirect light. These plants appreciate bottom watering to avoid rotting.
Frosty fern: I find frosty ferns the hardest to keep happy. They need a lot more water than other houseplants, though you can tell because they’ll wilt. The soil should be damp, but good drainage is key. Frosty ferns also crave humidity. Misting the foliage can help. Place them in bright, indirect light.
Rosemary: Rosemary plants pruned into the shape of a conifer have become popular as indoor plants around the holidays. Rosemary does best indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights.

Buying holiday bulbs

Many stores sell amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs for holiday decorating. Look for firm, dry bulbs. Avoid a bulb that is soft or mushy. This article shares how to plant an amaryllis bulb and this one is about paperwhites.

Even if they bloom after the holidays, amaryllis flowers can brighten up a room in the winter.

Where to put Christmas plants

As mentioned above, many holiday plants you purchase will require bright light or bright, indirect light. If you have purchased yours as a dining table or coffee table centerpiece, or to place on a mantel, you may need to move the plant somewhere else where it can thrive when your home is free of visitors. Then, when you know company is coming, place it where you’d prefer it to be seen.

Watering tips for Christmas plants

I always use room temperature water when possible to water indoor plants. I’ll keep a watering can in the kitchen and any unused water from a water glass or my kettle makes its way into it for future watering needs. Bottom watering is a great method to avoid over- or under-watering houseplants.

Mantels, coffee tables, and dining tables may not be the best places for certain holiday houseplants because they need more light.

I’ve also been successful watering some plants over the sink. I seem to be able to keep my poinsettia alive by watering this way. My string of pearls and string of spades hanging plants also like this method. I will place the poinsettia in the sink and water it thoroughly, allowing all the water to drain out of the bottom. Then, I’ll place it in a shallow dish on the counter to catch any excess water. After, the plant will go back in its cache pot and placed where it’s normally displayed.

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