Posted on December 18, 2025 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

Holiday plants bring warmth, color, and a sense of tradition to homes across Pittsburg, Kansas, and they are surprisingly easy to enjoy when you know how to choose and care for them. With a few simple tips, Van Becelaere Greenhouse customers can keep favorite blooms shining through the season and even encourage some to return next year.​

Choosing Healthy Plants

When shopping for festive holiday plants, start by looking for sturdy stems, rich leaf color, and evenly moist—not soggy—soil. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, wilting, or signs of pests, such as sticky residue or webbing on foliage.​

• Choose plants with unopened buds for longer blooms indoors.​
• Check that pots have drainage holes to prevent root rot.​
• Avoid plants displayed in drafty store entrances or right under heat vents.​
• Gently lift the pot; a very light weight can signal underwatering, a very heavy weight can mean soggy roots.​
• Keep plants upright and protected from cold wind on the trip home.​

Christmas Amaryllis Care

Christmas amaryllis is a showstopper, producing large trumpet flowers on tall stalks that light up winter windowsills. For best results, plant the bulb so the upper third stays above the soil line, then water lightly until growth appears.​

Once it starts growing, place the amaryllis in bright light and keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. After the blooms fade, cut the flower stalk, keep the leaves, and grow it as a leafy houseplant to recharge the bulb for next year.​

Poinsettia Basics

Poinsettia is the classic symbol of the season, and it thrives in bright, indirect light away from cold drafts and heating vents. Ideal temperatures are around 65–70 degrees Fahrenheit, with the soil allowed to dry slightly between waterings.​

Leave any decorative foil loose or poke holes in it so excess water can drain freely. With consistent care, a poinsettia can stay colorful for weeks and may even be grown on as a houseplant after the holidays.​

Christmas Cactus Tips

Despite the name, Christmas cactus prefers different care than desert cacti, liking bright, indirect light and evenly moist—but not soggy—soil. A cool room around 60–70 degrees helps extend bloom time and keeps the plant comfortable indoors.​

To encourage future blooms, provide a period of cooler temperatures and long nights, then return the plant to a bright spot once buds appear. With this routine, the Christmas cactus often becomes one of the longest-lived festive holiday plants in the home.​​

Enjoying Your Holiday Plants Longer

With the right light, temperature, and watering, these holiday plants can stay attractive well past New Year’s and, in some cases, return for another season. By choosing healthy specimens at Van Becelaere Greenhouse and following a few simple care steps, Pittsburgh gardeners can enjoy festive holiday plants that brighten their homes year after year.

​Bring the magic of the season home by visiting Van Becelaere Greenhouse in Pittsburg, Kansas, where you’ll find the healthiest and most vibrant holiday plants, expert advice, and friendly service to help your festive holiday plants thrive all season long.