Christmas potted plants in December: care for poinsettia and amaryllis

TL;DR

December brings poinsettia and amaryllis into our homes. These Christmas flowers are beautiful but thrive in subtropical temperatures, not warm European living rooms. Poinsettia does best cool (16-18°C), moderate light, and moderate humidity. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) prefers warmer (18-22°C) and direct light. Ensure both are not in cold draughts. After the holidays you can water sparingly and let them rest for next bloom.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima): the red star

Poinsettia is not really a flower - the red leaves are bracts, the real flowers are small and yellow in the centre. This means your poinsettia stays beautiful much longer if you treat it well.

Light and temperature

Poinsettia loves bright, indirect light. Do not place it in direct sunlight through a window - that burns the leaves. A spot metres away from a south-facing window works well. Even better: north or east-facing window.

Temperature is crucial. Poinsettias grow naturally in warm, humid Mexico, but they love cool! In a warm living room (22-25°C) poinsettia drops leaves quickly. Keep it between 16-18°C. That feels cold to us, but for poinsettia it is ideal. Avoid cold draughts and radiator heat - do not place it on or directly next to a heating unit.

Watering and feeding

Poinsettia does not want to sit wet. Water it when the top layer of potting soil feels dry (not dried out, but not soggy). Usually that is every 3-4 days.

In December you need not feed - it is in its glory. After the holidays (January onward) give very gentle feeding once monthly (half strength).

Why do leaves fall?

Poinsettia drops leaves from:

• Too warm air (>22°C)
• Cold draughts (especially from heaters)
• Too much or too little water
• Temperature swings (do not place in draught from windows)

If your poinsettia loses leaves, first check if it is in a draught. Move it 2 metres forward, away from a heater or open window.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum): the large blooming bulb

Amaryllis is a bulb, like tulips and daffodils. You buy it already partially grown, in a small pot, sometimes with flower shoots already starting.

Planting and drainage

If you receive an amaryllis bulb, it usually sits in moist potting soil already. Check drainage - amaryllis hates waterlogging. Is the hole in the pot blocked? Clear it. Set the pot on a saucer, not directly on your table.

Light and warmth

Amaryllis loves warm (18-22°C) and LOTS of light. Place it on a sunny window, ideally with direct morning light. Without good light it grows tall and thin, without flower.

In December amaryllis begins to grow. Place it on the brightest window in your house. The brighter, the better.

Watering

Newly planted amaryllis you water very gently - the bulb is just planted and does not want to be flooded. Water to the foot of the bulb, not over it. Give water every 5-7 days, depending on temperature.

Once the stem grows and leaves appear, you may water more often - then the plant is active. Ensure water drains - no standing water.

Feeding

Once you see green shoots, start weekly feeding (half-strength plant food). Amaryllis flowers heavily and uses nutrients. Until blooming (3-4 weeks after sprouting) you feed regularly.

Bloom and timing

The first flower appears usually 3-4 weeks after planting. The bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. After blooming the plant continues leaf growth - do NOT stop water or feeding. The bulb builds energy for next year.

Care after the holidays (January-March)

Poinsettia

After December you can treat your poinsettia two ways:

Option 1: Wind down gently. Keep it cool (16°C) and light through January. In February you may slowly start feeding. In March cut stems back to 15 cm. This encourages branching and you get bushy growth. Then place it in warmer light and feed regularly.

Option 2: Throw it away. Poinsettias are not expensive and many people discard them. That is fine too.

Amaryllis

After bloom keep the plant watered and fed. The leaves continue to grow and are important - they produce energy for next bloom. Place it on a warmer, lighter spot (20°C). Give water and feeding until May-June. Then let it slowly wind down, water less (let soil dry out) and rest until September. In October you replant it.

Frequently asked questions

My poinsettia is dropping leaves, what now?

Check temperature (must be lower), draught (move away), and watering (check if soil is soggy). If above is fine, do not throw it out - once you fix the problem, the leaf drop stops.

Can I put my amaryllis outside in summer?

Yes, fine. Place it outside in May on a warm, light spot. Ensure water and regular feeding. In October you pot it up and replant it for next winter.

My poinsettia is tall and thin, not a proper shrub

That comes from too little light and too much warmth. Next year: keep cool (16°C) and give it MUCH more light. Cutting hard back in March helps too.

How long can I keep my amaryllis?

Very long. Amaryllis can last 10+ years with good care. After bloom it rests annually (seasonal cycle) and blooms again each winter.

Where can I get a new amaryllis?

You buy amaryllis bulbs in October-November at garden centres. They are cheap (3-8 euros per bulb). Many large florists sell them too around December.

Step-by-step December Christmas Flowers

Step 1: Check location and temperature

Place your poinsettia and amaryllis in a draught-free spot, away from direct radiator heat. Poinsettia likes cool (16-18°C), amaryllis can be warmer (20°C).

Step 2: Good light

Poinsettia on indirect window, amaryllis on sunny window. No shade.

Step 3: Water carefully

Poinsettia every 3-4 days when top soil feels dry. Amaryllis more gently (every 5-7 days), check drainage.

Step 4: No feeding until January

December you need not feed. December is blooming month, next months you give gentle feeding.

Discover your own garden plan

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