Tips for Keeping Holiday Plants Alive all Season

Tis the season for fresh-cut trees garlands and wreaths.  If your clients have requested your assistance with holiday decorating then they understand the benefits of professional help through the seasons to keep their homes and businesses looking their best.  Deliver on exceptional customer service and increase the likelihood of repeat holiday landscaping business by following these tips to care for holiday plants:

Cut Christmas Trees

• Check the water level daily when the tree is first setup.  There should be 1 quart of water provided per inch of stem diameter.
• Remove a ½ inch disk from the base before inserting into the tree stand.  Try to keep the cut end debris free and undamaged; bruised or non-flat cuts can slow water absorption. 
• Use miniature or LED lights that don’t produce as much heat to avoid rapid drying of cut trees.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Wreaths and Garland

• Most often made from cypress fir and spruce clippings these pieces can be misted daily with water to help the cuttings last.
• Purchase and treat with anti-desiccant spray to close leaf needle pores and slow drying.
• If displaying wreaths or garlands indoors keep away from drafts to prevent premature drying. 

Rosemary

• This plant is a beloved specimen for the holidays because it’s easily pruned into a Christmas tree shape and provides and pleasant aroma. 

• If in a container decorative foil packaging should be removed so the plant can drain properly. 
• Provide plenty of sunlight and only water when the first inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)

• These festive indoor favorites may live for several years producing blooms in November/December and possibly also re-blooming in spring. 
• Water when dry to the touch and keep in a bright sunny area. 
• Preferred climate for this species is humid and 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes bathrooms or kitchens with lots of natural light ideal spots for these plants.
• In order to bloom this plant will require cooler nights (~50 degrees) and 13 consecutive hours of uninterrupted darkness. To force blooms place in a cool dark closet for several days. 
• A blooming cactus will require more frequent watering than one that isn’t yet blooming.

Caring for holiday displays and indoor plants is just one way to expand your company’s seasonal services menu.  Visit your local SiteOne branch to learn more about the holiday plants available in your area.  Follow along with SiteOne’s Better Business series for more tips on how to continue growth and build your bottom line during the offseason.

*Photo courtesy of Seasonal Source®