It’s that time of year when many of us unwrap beautiful plants as gifts. Poinsettias, amaryllis, and other festive greenery. But once Christmas is over, a lot of these what to do with Christmas plants questions start to pop up. Here’s a simple, practical guide on how to care for houseplants after Christmas so you can keep holiday plants alive well into the new year.
Why Holiday Plants Need Special Attention
Holiday plants often arrive in decorative foil or small pots and get lots of attention for a few weeks. After the holidays, though, they can struggle if they’re left in low light, overwatered, or forgotten. Helping them transition makes all the difference in their long-term health.
Step-By-Step: Post-Holiday Plant Care
1. Remove Decorative Foil and Wrapping
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Carefully take off foil, ribbons, and holiday packing . These can trap moisture and lead to rot.
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If your plant is in a temporary decorative wrap, consider re-potting (see below) or placing it in a drip tray inside a nicer planter.
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This simple step helps improve airflow and drainage, which are crucial once the holiday rush is over.
2. Give Them the Right Light
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Most holiday plants like poinsettias and amaryllis prefer bright, indirect light after Christmas.
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South or east windows are ideal if you have them.
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Avoid drafty or dark corners where plants can get stressed or drop leaves.
3. Water Wisely
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Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; don’t keep the soil soggy.
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Winter air is dry, but overwatering is still one of the biggest issues that causes post-holiday plant decline.
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A soil moisture meter from our Watering Tools collection can help take the guesswork out of watering.
4. Think About Repotting
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After the holiday season is a great time to repot into a fresh medium and larger container, if needed.
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Choose a pot with drainage holes, and pair with the correct soil type:
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General indoor mix for most greenery
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Succulent & cactus mix for dry-loving plants
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Aroid blend for tropical foliage like monsteras or philodendrons
all available in our Soil collection.
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Repotting helps young or rootbound plants recover and thrive long term.
5. Adjust Water and Light Slowly
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After the holidays, indoor temperatures and light levels change.
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Adjust watering and placement gradually to help plants acclimate.
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Too sudden a change, especially moving to low light, can cause stress.
Common Mistakes After Christmas (and How to Avoid Them)
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Leaving plants in decorative foil or cups - this blocks drainage and leads to root rot.
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Overwatering - water too frequently, and roots can drown.
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Ignoring light needs - low light can cause leggy growth and leaf drop.
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Skipping repotting - a plant stuck in a tiny pot often struggles once the holidays are over.
Helpful Resources & Links
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Not sure how to keep your poinsettia alive after the season? Check out our blog on How to Care for Poinsettias After the Holidays to dive deeper into light, watering, and rebloom tips.
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Got an amaryllis bulb? Our How to Care for Amaryllis guide has step-by-step instructions for keeping blooms vibrant year after year.
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Browse Soil & Potting Mixes to give your plants the best foundation.
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Find stylish and functional Pots & Planters that match your aesthetic and improve plant health.
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Check out Watering Tools & Accessories for moisture meters, watering cans, and misters.
Conclusion
Knowing what to do with Christmas plants after the holidays can mean the difference between letting them fade and helping them thrive. With the right light, watering routine, and occasional repotting, you can keep holiday plants alive, and enjoy them well into the new year.
Ready to give your plants the best care? Explore our plant care guides, soil & potting mixes, and watering tools to support every step of your post-holiday plant journey.