Caring for Holiday Plants: Keep the Magic Alive All Season Long
The holiday season brings joy, twinkling lights, and an array of beautiful plants that brighten our homes. To keep your holiday greenery looking fresh and festive, follow these care tips for fresh-cut wreaths and garland, cyclamen, poinsettias, and Norfolk pines.
Fresh-Cut Wreaths and Garland
Fresh greenery adds timeless charm to your holiday decor, but without proper care, it can dry out quickly. To keep your wreaths and garlands lush and beautiful:
Hydrate: Before hanging your greenery, soak it in cool water for a few hours to allow it to absorb moisture.
Location Matters: Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like vents and fireplaces.
Preserve with Wilt Stop: Give your greenery a good spray with Wilt Stop, available in our store. This product helps seal in moisture and prevents drying, keeping your greens fresher for longer.
Water Regularly: An alternative to Wilt Stop, you can take your wreaths and garland down every few days and lay them on the ground. Spray them thoroughly with water and let them dry before hanging up again.
Cyclamen Indoor Care
Cyclamen’s vibrant blooms and heart-shaped leaves are a holiday favorite. Here’s how to keep them thriving indoors:
Light: Place in bright, indirect sunlight. A north or east-facing window works best.
Temperature: Cyclamen prefer cooler temperatures around 60-70°F. Keep them away from drafts or heating vents.
Watering: While blooming, keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering. The best way to water is from the bottom, if possible. When cyclamen stop blooming and temperatures get warm, they will go into dormancy. When the plant is dormant, let the soil dry out between waterings. When you see green leaf tips showing in the fall, start watering normally and fertilizing again to fuel new growth.
Maintenance: Use a low nitrogen liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength during growing and blooming time (September-April) and skit the fertilizer while dormant (summer.) Remove faded flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage new blooms.
Poinsettia Care
Poinsettias are a classic symbol of the holidays. Keep them vibrant and colorful with these tips:
Light: Place in a well-lit area that receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Avoid direct sunlight as this may fade the bracts.
Temperature: Keep them in a space between 68-70°F. Avoid drafts, cold windows, and direct heat sources. The rule of thumb is if you are comfortable, so is your poinsettia.
Watering: Check the soil regularly and water when it feels dry to the touch. Fill the plant to the top with water, and allow it to soak into the soil. Repeat until water begins to seep out of the drainage holes. This shows the soil is set to the bottom. Always remove plants from any decorative containers before watering and let them dry completely. Ensure good drainage—poinsettias dislike soggy roots.
Norfolk Pine Care
This miniature Christmas tree is a long-lasting addition to your holiday decor—and beyond! Although it is called a Norfolk Pine, it is not a pine at all. Rather, this tree is a tropical plant native to the South Pacific. They can grow 7 feet tall or more while indoors! Here’s how to keep it healthy:
Light: Norfolk pines love bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch their needles.
Watering: Water when 25% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage holes at the bottom and discard any water that accumulates in the saucer. If the plant is too dry, the branches will turn brown and crispy.
Humidity: These tropical trees prefer higher humidity levels. Mist the tree occasionally or place a humidifier nearby.
Fertilizer: Feed your Norfolk Pine once a month during spring and summer with a general all purpose fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Decorating Tip: If decorating your Norfolk pine, use lightweight ornaments to avoid bending its delicate branches.
With a little care, your holiday plants will bring festive cheer to your home all season long. Stop by our store for Wilt Stop, gardening advice, and everything you need to keep your greenery merry and bright!
