Our customers sometimes ask us to replant their Christmas Trees; however, the stress of Christmas can sometimes be too much for many plants. The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the festive charm of Christmas trees and poinsettia plants though as these seasonal favourites bring warmth and colour to any space. However, proper care is essential to ensure they thrive during the holidays and beyond. Whether you’ve chosen a potted Christmas tree with roots, a cut tree, or maybe have a poinsettia, this guide will help you care for them and ensure they remain vibrant, even after the holiday season.
Christmas Tree Care During the Holidays
1. Potted Christmas Trees (With Roots)
A potted Christmas tree is a sustainable option that can be replanted after the holiday season. With the right care, it can become a lasting part of your garden.
Placement – Limit the time the tree spends indoors to 10–14 days, as warm and dry indoor conditions can stress it. Position it in a cool spot away from radiators, fireplaces, and direct sunlight. Avoid areas near drafty windows or doors to protect it from temperature fluctuations.
Watering – Check the soil daily and water when the topsoil feels dry. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Use a pot with good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can damage the roots.
Decorating – Use LED lights that produce less heat, reducing the risk of drying out the tree. Opt for lightweight ornaments to avoid stressing the branches.
2. Cut Christmas Trees (Without Roots)
Cut trees are a traditional choice and can last through the holidays if cared for properly.
Preparation – Before bringing the tree indoors, trim 1–2 inches off the trunk to improve water absorption. Place it in water immediately after cutting. If you’re not setting it up right away, keep it in a cool, shaded area in a bucket of water.
Placement – Keep the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces or direct sunlight. Use a tree stand with a large water reservoir to accommodate the tree’s daily water needs.
Watering – Check the water level daily and ensure the base of the trunk is always submerged. Avoid using water additives or preservatives; fresh tap water works best.
Poinsettia Care During the Holidays
Poinsettias, with their vibrant red, pink, or white bracts, are synonymous with holiday decor. These beautiful plants can thrive well past the season if given the right care.
Choosing a Healthy Plant – Select a poinsettia with bright, evenly colored bracts and healthy, green leaves. Check for signs of pests or damage and ensure the plant looks sturdy and full.
Placement – Place poinsettias in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight, such as near a south- or east-facing window. Maintain a consistent temperature of 65–70°F, away from drafts, cold windows, or heat sources.
Watering – Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as poinsettias are prone to root rot. Ensure the pot has good drainage. If it’s wrapped in decorative foil, remove it during watering to prevent water pooling.
Deadheading – Regularly deadhead spent blooms (faded or withering bracts) by carefully pinching or cutting them off. This prevents the plant from expending energy on deteriorating parts and encourages healthier growth. Deadheading also helps maintain the plant’s appearance and prevents potential pest infestations.
Post-Holiday Care for Christmas Trees
1. Potted Trees
After the holidays, a potted Christmas tree can be replanted in your garden, allowing it to grow and thrive year after year.
Transitioning Outdoors – Gradually reintroduce the tree to outdoor conditions by moving it to a cool, unheated room or garage for a few days before planting. Choose a mild day for replanting to avoid shocking the tree.
Planting – Select a well-draining area with plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough to keep the tree at its original soil level. Fill the hole with a mix of soil and compost for added nutrients.
Aftercare – Water thoroughly after planting and during dry spells in the first year. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots.
2. Cut Trees
Cut trees can’t be replanted, but they can still serve a purpose after the holidays.
Recycling – Check if your local council offers tree recycling programs. Many turn trees into mulch or compost. If you have a garden, chop the tree into smaller pieces to use as mulch or compost.
Wildlife Shelters – Place the tree outdoors as a shelter for birds and small animals during the winter months. If you know anyone with goats you can give it to them as goats especially enjoy Christmas trees as a treat!
Post-Holiday Care for Poinsettias
With a little effort, poinsettias can last long after the holiday season and even rebloom the following year.
Pruning – After the holidays, prune the poinsettia back to about 4–6 inches in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
Repotting – Repot the plant in spring using fresh, well-draining soil. Choose a slightly larger pot to give the roots more space to grow.
Encouraging Reblooming – To encourage poinsettias to rebloom, mimic the natural light conditions of winter. Starting in early October, provide the plant with 12–14 hours of complete darkness every night by covering it with a box or placing it in a dark closet. Return the plant to bright, indirect sunlight during the day. Continue this routine for 8–10 weeks to stimulate the formation of colorful bracts.
Fertilizing – Feed the poinsettia with a balanced houseplant fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring to summer). Stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare the plant for its blooming phase.
Tips for Long-Term Success
Christmas Trees – Rotate the use of potted trees by planting one each year and alternating with others in your garden. Opt for native tree species that are well-suited to your local climate for better long-term survival.
Poinsettias – If you live in a warm climate, poinsettias can be moved outdoors in late spring. Plant them in a sheltered spot with partial shade. With proper care, they can become a permanent part of your indoor plant collection or garden.
Conclusion
Caring for Christmas trees and poinsettias not only enhances your holiday decor but also offers an opportunity to extend the life of these festive plants. By taking steps to keep them healthy during the season and transitioning them to long-term care afterward, you’ll enjoy their beauty year after year. Regular maintenance, such as deadheading poinsettias and replanting potted trees, adds to their longevity while contributing to sustainable practices.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate the joy of nurturing the natural elements that make it so magical. From everyone at The Garden Elf, happy holidays! Let The Garden Elf help you take the guesswork out of garden care. Need advice or help with your garden? Contact us today, and let’s get your garden growing!
