Seasonal Houseplant Care Guide

Bringing Plants Home

Transport Tips: Keep upright and stable to avoid stem or flower breakage. Protect fragile leaves and blossoms from crushing or bruising.


Cold Weather Warning: If temperatures are below 10°C (50°F), wrap plants thoroughly with paper or plastic sleeves. Most seasonal plants are tropical or greenhouse-grown and are highly sensitive to cold.
 

Timing: Avoid leaving plants in hot or cold vehicles. Bring inside promptly and unwrap carefully.

Choosing the Right Location

Light Requirements: Most seasonal plants prefer bright, indirect light—avoid direct sun on flowers. Keep away from cold drafts or heat sources like radiators.


Spacing: Allow air circulation and keep foliage from touching windows or walls.
 

Purpose: These plants are typically used for short-term decoration during holidays or special occasions. Place in focal areas like dining tables, mantels, or entryways.

Soil Preparation

Soil Type: Most seasonal houseplants come pre-potted in commercial potting mixes that offer good drainage. If repotting, use a lightweight, well-draining indoor mix.


pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.0) suits most varieties.
 

Soil Amendment: Typically not needed during the short display period. For longer-term care, improve drainage with perlite or orchid bark as appropriate.

Potting or Repotting

Pot Size: Repot only if rootbound or planning to keep the plant after blooming. Choose a pot 1–2 inches wider than the original.


Drainage: Ensure pots have drainage holes. If in a decorative sleeve, remove before watering and allow excess water to drain fully.
 

Tip: Never let roots sit in pooled water—seasonal plants are prone to rot if overwatered.

Watering

Initial Watering: Check soil upon arrival. Water thoroughly if dry, but don’t oversaturate.


Ongoing Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Frequency varies depending on heat and plant type.
 

Method: Water at the base and avoid splashing blooms. Let water drain completely and discard excess.

Feeding & Fertilizing

When to Fertilize: For short-term display, fertilizing is usually unnecessary.


What to Use: If keeping the plant beyond the blooming season, use a balanced, all-purpose houseplant fertilizer.
 

Frequency: Feed monthly during active growth (typically spring/summer for reblooming or regrowth).

Staking or Support

When Needed: Tall plants like amaryllis may need staking once flowers emerge.


How to Stake: Use thin bamboo or metal supports and soft ties. Avoid damaging stems or flower stalks.

Pest & Disease Monitoring

Common Pests: Aphids, fungus gnats, whiteflies, and spider mites can show up—especially if plants are stressed or overwatered.


Common Diseases: Root rot, powdery mildew, and botrytis (gray mold) on spent flowers or overly damp foliage.


Prevention Tips: Keep spent blooms and fallen leaves cleaned up. Avoid misting flowering plants. Quarantine new arrivals when possible.

Pruning

When to Prune: After blooms fade, remove flowers to tidy up the plant. For long-term keepers (like holiday cactus or amaryllis), prune after blooming to encourage new growth.


Why Prune: Keeps the plant looking fresh and helps redirect energy to roots or reblooming.


How: Use clean scissors to snip off faded flowers and yellowing leaves. Cut back stems if needed.

Seasonal Care

Spring: Begin cutting back spent foliage. Repot amaryllis or holiday cactus if needed. Start fertilizing if keeping the plant.


Summer: Move long-term varieties outdoors in filtered light. Let amaryllis leaves grow to store energy.


Fall: Begin reducing water and bring plants back inside before frost. For reblooming plants, initiate dormancy (e.g., dark, cool storage for amaryllis).
 

Winter: Enjoy peak bloom from plants like poinsettia, cypress, or Christmas cactus. Keep away from drafts and monitor water needs closely.

Winter Protection

Indoor Adjustments: Avoid placing seasonal plants near heat vents, cold windows, or exterior doors.


Humidity Help: Dry winter air can shorten bloom time. Place on pebble trays or group with other plants to raise humidity.


Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Supplement with grow lights if natural light is minimal.

Helpful Extras

Post-Holiday Options: Some seasonal plants can be kept year-round and rebloomed with the right care (e.g., amaryllis, Christmas cactus, Easter lily). Others (like poinsettias) require strict light/dark cycles to re-flower.


Gift-Worthy: Many seasonal plants make beautiful gifts. Be sure to include care tips with them for best results.


Pet Safety: Common seasonal plants like poinsettias, lilies, and amaryllis are toxic to pets—keep out of reach or choose pet-safe alternatives.