As the holiday season approaches, homes across the country are adorned with festive decorations, many of which include colorful and vibrant holiday plants. To help ensure these seasonal favorites thrive well beyond the holidays, Karolyn Gephart, a Texas A&M Master Gardener Extension Agent, shared her expert advice on their care. 

 When it comes to lighting, poinsettias and Christmas cacti share a common preference for indirect light. 

 “Poinsettias need natural light or indirect light for at least six hours a day, but avoid direct sunlight,” Gephart said. “Christmas cacti also like bright areas with indirect light and do not tolerate direct sunlight.” 

 Watering these plants correctly is equally crucial. “A poinsettia should be watered when the soil feels dry,” she said. 

 “Water it thoroughly but avoid letting it sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot. If the plant came in a decorative wrapped pot, remove the wrapping before watering.” 

 For Christmas cacti, Gephart advised letting the soil nearly dry out before watering. 

 “If underwatered, the plant can turn brown and shrivel. Overwatering, on the other hand, makes it appear limp and causes the leaves to yellow, which can also lead to root rot.”

 Temperature is another important consideration during the colder months of the year. 

 “For poinsettias, daytime temperatures should be 70 degrees or cooler to maintain their vibrant color,” Gephart said, adding that they should be kept away from fireplaces, air ducts, or drafty areas. 

 “Christmas cacti thrive in slightly cooler conditions, with ideal temperatures ranging between 60 and 70 degrees.” 

 Fertilization is not typically necessary during the holidays for either type of flowering plant. 

 “Poinsettias do not need fertilizing while in bloom. Once they’re outdoors in the spring, a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks is recommended during growth periods,” she said. 

 Similarly, Christmas cacti should be fertilized in spring after flowering with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. 

 For those looking to re-pot their Christmas cactus, timing is key. “Never re-pot while it’s blooming. Wait until the flowering period is over, then use a slightly larger pot with drainage holes and a succulent or cactus potting mix for great drainage.” 

 Encouraging a Christmas cactus to bloom for the holidays requires some planning. “The shortening of fall days and cooler nighttime temperatures help bud development,” Gephart said.

 “Starting in October, place the plant in total darkness from 5pm to 8am daily for about 30 days. By late October or early November, buds should start forming, provided the plant is adequately watered and night temperatures don’t exceed 70 degrees.” 

 Poinsettias can also be coaxed to reflower with some effort. “After the holidays, keep them indoors until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees,” she said. 

 “In March or April, prune their height by about eight inches. Starting October 1, they’ll need complete darkness for 14 hours each night to develop blooms for the holidays.” 

 Both plants are susceptible to common pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealy bugs, though Gephart emphasizes that proper care can minimize issues. 

“Most pests can be washed off with a spray of water over a few weeks, but isolate infested plants to prevent the spread,” she said. 

 Christmas cacti, in particular, can be treated for pests with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. 

 For gardeners in regions like Galveston, outdoor planting of poinsettias and Christmas cacti isn’t recommended due to their sensitivity to cold weather.

 “It’s better to keep them in pots so they can be moved as needed to avoid damage from temperatures below 50 degrees.” 

 If you’re looking to add variety to your holiday décor, Gephart suggests other festive options. 

 “Potted Norfolk pines, forced amaryllis, paperwhite narcissus, orchids, and blooming African violets can all be dressed up with holiday wrappings or ornaments. Even succulents in decorative containers make lovely additions.” 

 By following these expert tips, holiday plants can brighten your home throughout the season and, with a little extra care, for years to come. Happy Holidays!