Christmas Flower Care | Poinsettia Tips – MO BLUMEN
Christmas flower care – poinsettia, amaryllis, and more
How to keep your Christmas plants beautiful all season long—and beyond
From Advent to Epiphany, Winter flowers Bring warmth and color to the darkest months. Here’s how to care for the most popular Christmas plants—and how to get some of them to bloom again next year.
Christmas flowers
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
The undisputed star of Christmas—this red The “petals” are actually colored leaves (bracts). The tiny yellow The flowers sit in the center.
- Buying tip: Choose a plant with small, green flower buds in the center (not yet open). Avoid plants displayed outdoors in the cold—they are already damaged.
- Transport: Wrap it in paper for the journey home. Even a few minutes in below-freezing temperatures can cause irreversible damage to this tropical plant.
- Light: Bright, indirect light. No direct sun (the bracts fade), and not too dark (the leaves will drop).
- Temperature: 18–22°C. No cold drafts from doors or windows. No heat from the radiator.
- Water: Water when the top layer of soil is dry. Water moderately—not too much, not too little. Never let it stand in water. Use room-temperature water only.
- Lifespan: With good care: 6–8 weeks of color (throughout the holiday season).
Common mistake: Poinsettias mainly drop their leaves for two reasons: cold shock (bought outdoors or transported unwrapped) and overwatering. Both are avoidable.
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)
The highlight: huge trumpet-shaped flowers red , white , pink , orange or striped. One of the most dramatic Winter Flowers.
- Bulb plants: Plant the bulb with about one third above the soil. Use a heavy pot—the tall flower stem becomes top-heavy.
- Water: Water sparingly at first, until you see new growth. Increase watering as the stem grows. Never allow waterlogging.
- Light: Bright spot. Turn the pot regularly—the stem grows toward the light.
- Support: A bamboo stake helps keep the tall stem from toppling over as the flowers open.
- Flowering period: From planting to bloom: 6–8 weeks. Each stem produces 3–5 flowers. Most bulbs have two stems.
- Vase life: Cut amaryllis lasts 10–14 days, making it one of the longest-lasting cut flowers.
Blooming again next year: After flowering, cut off the stem but keep the leaves. Water and fertilize in spring and summer. Stop watering in September and let the leaves die back. Store the bulb in a cool, dark place for 8–10 weeks. Then repot and start again.
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)
- Bloom trigger: Needs 6 weeks of cool temperatures (15°C) and long dark nights (14+ hours) to form buds. From mid-October, keep it in a cool, dark room.
- Light: Bright, indirect light while flowering. No direct sun.
- Water: Keep lightly moist while flowering. Reduce watering during the resting period after flowering.
- Lifespan: Can live for decades and be passed down through generations. It becomes more spectacular with age.
- Do not move: Once buds have formed, the plant must not be moved or turned – the buds may drop off.
- Colors: red , pink , white , salmon, orange and even yellow .
Cyclamen
- Temperature: Cool – 12–16 °C is ideal. Too much warmth (above 20°C) drastically shortens the flowering period. Perfect for cool stairwells, bedrooms, or windowsills.
- Water: Water from below only – place the pot in a saucer of water for 15 minutes, then let it drain. Water on the crown causes rot.
- Light: Bright, indirect light. East- or north-facing windows are perfect.
- Deadheading: Twist off faded flowers and pull them away from the base (do not cut). This encourages new blooms.
- Flowering period: November to March with good care – one of the longest-flowering winter plants.
Winter greenery and Advent plants
- Advent wreath: Keep the base moist (mist daily). Place on a plate to protect furniture. Keep away from direct heat. Never leave candles unattended.
- Holly (Ilex): Trim the branches during the last week in a cool room. Keep them in water. The red berries are decorative but poisonous – keep away from children and pets.
- Mistletoe: Hang in a dry place (do not put in water). Lasts 2–3 weeks. The berries are poisonous.
- Evergreen branches: Mist with water to keep it fresh. An anti-drying spray helps extend its lifespan. It will drop needles if it gets too dry or too warm.
- Hellebore (Christmas rose): A hardy garden plant that blooms in winter. In a vase: briefly sear the cut end of the stem with a flame so it can absorb water better. Lasts 7–14 days.
Christmas flowers at MO BLUMEN Vienna
Poinsettias, amaryllis, Advent wreaths, and winter bouquets – delivered throughout Vienna.
Related articles
- Winter flower guide
- Christmas flower guide
- Autumn flower guide
- Flowers all year round
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it’s a challenge. After the holidays, place the plant in a bright spot, water it normally, and fertilize it monthly during summer. Starting October 1, the plant needs 14 hours of complete darkness every day for 8 weeks (a closet, box, or dark room from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.). Even a trace of artificial light can disrupt the process. During the day, continue giving it normal light. The bracts should begin to color in early December. Most people find it easier to buy a new one.
Slightly. The white milky sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive people and mild stomach upset if ingested. However, its toxicity is much lower than commonly believed – a child would have to eat hundreds of leaves for there to be serious effects. Even so, as a precaution, keep it away from curious pets and small children. If sap gets on your skin, wash it off with soap and water.
Plant 6–8 weeks before you want them to bloom. Plant Christmas flowers from late October to early November. For New Year’s Eve, plant in mid-November. Waxed amaryllis (no soil) grow faster – they begin to bloom four to six weeks after “activation.” Stagger your planting for flowering plants throughout the entire holiday season.