Keep the season fresh and festive with tips from an extension consumer horticulture specialist

Holiday plants bring color and life to our homes during the winter months. From the scent of a fresh-cut Christmas tree to the bright bracts of poinsettias and the bold blooms of amaryllis, these plants are a big part of seasonal decor.

Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State University, offers care tips to keep holiday plants healthy and appealing throughout the holidays and beyond.

Keep Cut Trees Watered

A fresh-cut Christmas tree is often the centerpiece of holiday decorating. When choosing a tree, look for green needles that bend easily and stay attached when you shake the branches. Before placing the tree in its stand, cut about half an inch off the base of the trunk. This helps the tree absorb water. Keep the stand filled with water at all times. A tree can absorb a gallon or more in the first day.

Additionally, place the tree away from fireplaces, radiators and sunny windows to prevent it from drying out too quickly. “Checking the water level daily is the most important thing you can do to keep your tree fresh,” said Steil.

Live wreaths stay fresh outdoors

Live wreaths are another holiday favorite. To keep them looking fresh, start with greenery that is not dry or losing its needles. “The ideal conditions for wreaths are moist and cool,” Steil noted.

In most cases, live wreaths will only last a week indoors before drying out; however, in outdoor winter temperatures, they can remain green for months. Keeping wreaths out of direct sunlight and heat can also further their longevity. Additionally, an anti-desiccant spray can help slow moisture loss, keeping them fresher for a longer period.

Don’t overwater poinsettias

Poinsettias are known for their colorful bracts and deep green leaves. They thrive in bright, indirect light and temperatures between 65 F and 75 F. Keep them away from drafts and heating vents to avoid leaf drop. Water them only when the top of the soil feels dry, and avoid letting the plants sit in water.

If your plant is wrapped in decorative foil, drain the excess water. “Most poinsettias do not need abundant watering through December,” said Steil. “Overwatering might be the number one reason why poinsettias die before the end of the year.”

Amaryllis makes an easy-to-care-for gift

Amaryllis bulbs produce large, showy flowers that brighten any space. Plant the bulb in a pot with the top third of the bulb above the soil. Water lightly until growth starts, then keep the soil moist. Next, place the pot in bright light so the stalk grows strong. “When growing in low light, the stalk may get quite tall and lean. By placing it in abundant light, flower stalks will stay shorter and are less likely to tip over,” mentioned Steil.

Waxed amaryllis bulbs have become popular for their convenience and ease. They require no soil or watering. Simply place the bulb in a bright location and enjoy the blooms. “Waxed bulbs are a great low-maintenance option, making them a great gift,” Steil said.

Save plants at the end of the holidays

After the holidays, don’t throw your holiday plants away. While poinsettias and waxed amaryllis bulbs are intended to be composted at the end of the season, they can be saved and even rebloom with the right care. After the flowers fade on amaryllis bulbs, cut the stalk, but leave the leaves. Continue watering and fertilizing to allow the bulb to store energy for next year. “Amaryllis can bloom year after year if you care for the bulb properly,” Steil explained.

Evergreen branches from wreaths and trees can also be composted or chipped for mulch. Trees can be set outside for the remainder of winter for birds and animals to use as shelter, or branches can be laid over perennial garden beds to provide additional protection from the cold.

“With a little attention, holiday plants will stay fresh and add beauty to your celebrations,” said Steil.

For related content and more information, visit:

• Caring for Holiday Plants
• Guide to Selection and Care of Poinsettias
• All About Amaryllis
• Guide to Selection and Care of Christmas Trees
• 2026 Garden Calendar – A Bounty of Bulbs
• Yard and Garden: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach