Holiday Gardening: Seasonal Houseplant Care Guide for Poinsettias, Amaryllis and Christmas Cactus

An indepth look at a few of our favorite holiday plants and their care:

Poinsettia Care Guide: How to Keep Them Healthy (and Re-Bloom!)

Poinsettia Care Guide

Poinsettias are tropical plants that can thrive well beyond the holiday season with the right care. With proper light, temperature control, and a little patience, you can enjoy healthy foliage year-round—and even encourage them to re-bloom.

🌤 Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Poinsettias love bright light, but direct sun can scorch their leaves. Place them near a sunny window where they receive plenty of indirect sunlight throughout the day. If your only option is a window with direct sun, hang a sheer curtain to soften and diffuse the light. Rotate the plant occasionally so it grows evenly and doesn’t lean toward the light source.

🌡 Keep Them Warm and Draft-Free

Because poinsettias are tropical, they prefer consistent warmth. Keep them in rooms where temperatures stay above 50°F, ideally between 65–75°F. Avoid placing them near drafty windows, exterior doors, air conditioning vents, or heating units, as sudden temperature changes can cause leaf drop. Stable conditions are key to keeping your plant happy.

🌿 Moving Poinsettias Outdoors

Once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F, poinsettias can be moved outdoors. Choose a sheltered spot with bright, indirect light—such as a covered patio or under light tree shade. This outdoor time encourages healthy growth. Be sure to bring them back indoors in early fall (September) if you want to prepare the plant for re-blooming.

🌑 Encourage Re-Blooming with Darkness

Poinsettias are photoperiod-sensitive, meaning they rely on shorter days to trigger blooming. To encourage re-blooming, begin in late September:

Provide 14 hours of complete darkness every day
Do this consistently for 8–10 weeks
During daylight hours, return the plant to bright, indirect light

Complete darkness is critical—no lamps, overhead lights, or ambient room light during the dark period. Many people place the plant in a closet or cover it with a box each evening and uncover it in the morning. With consistency, you’ll begin to see color returning just in time for the holidays.

Bonus Care Tips

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but don’t let the plant sit in standing water
Ensure pots have good drainage
Remove decorative foil or poke holes in it to prevent root rot
Light fertilizing during spring and summer can support healthy growth

With a little attention and routine care, poinsettias can become a long-term houseplant rather than a one-season decoration—bringing color, life, and tradition back year after year.

Christmas Cactus Care Guide: How to Keep It Thriving and Blooming

Amaryllis Care Guie (Yes, they CAN Rebloom!)

Amaryllis Care Guide

Amaryllis are known for their dramatic, oversized blooms and easy-care nature. With the right light, watering routine, and post-bloom care, these stunning plants can thrive well beyond the holiday season and re-bloom year after year.

🌤 Provide Bright, Indirect to Direct Light

Amaryllis prefer bright light, including some direct sunlight. Place your plant near a sunny window where it receives several hours of light each day. A south- or west-facing window works well. Adequate light helps support strong stems and vibrant blooms. Rotate the pot every few days to keep flower stalks growing straight.

🌡 Keep Them Warm During Active Growth

Amaryllis bulbs enjoy warm indoor temperatures while they are actively growing and blooming. Aim for temperatures between 65–75°F. Avoid cold drafts, unheated rooms, or placing the plant too close to windows on chilly nights. Once blooming begins, slightly cooler temperatures can help the flowers last longer.

💧 Water Carefully

Water sparingly at first, especially before growth appears. Once leaves and the flower stalk emerge, water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as amaryllis bulbs are prone to rot. Always use a pot with drainage and never allow the bulb to sit in standing water. Water around the bulb rather than directly on it.

🌸 After Bloom Care: Don’t Toss the Bulb

Once flowers fade, cut the flower stalk back to about 1–2 inches above the bulb, but leave the leaves intact. The leaves play an essential role in photosynthesis, helping the bulb store energy for future blooms. Continue watering and place the plant in bright light throughout spring and summer.

🌿 Summer Growth & Outdoor Time

During warmer months, amaryllis can be moved outdoors once nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F. Choose a location with bright light and some protection from intense afternoon sun. This growing period is crucial—it’s when the bulb rebuilds strength for the next bloom cycle. Fertilize lightly every few weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.