Tradition blankets December. The holidays light up city streets; branches sparkle along every boulevard. Twinkling trees brighten indoor spaces and peek through windows.

The wafting scent of a Christmas tree can lift your mood even on the shortest day of the year. Caring for a fresh specimen is a cherished tradition.

Plan for a safe, long lasting seasonal boughs. A properly sized tree stand is essential (one quart liquid capacity per inch of tree diameter and the tree trunk should fit securely). Don’t taper the trunk to fit a smaller stand because it will reduce stability.

The outer bark is the most efficient in “drinking” water so leave it in place. It’s also helpful to remove a half-inch disk from the bottom just before securing in the stand. Store the tree outdoors with the trunk in a bucket of water if you buy early.

Water is your best friend in caretaking. Check daily. Be certain the level is above the bottom of the trunk. A cool location helps, away from active fireplaces, heating vents and sunny windows. Choose low heat-emitting lights, and turn off when leaving to reduce heat and for safety.

Enjoy! But watch for dryness. Remove the tree from the house when it starts dropping needles profusely and stops taking up water, as it is now a fire hazard. No matter how tempting, don’t use it for firewood indoors; it’s not properly cured. Make plans to recycle your tree.¹   Some charities have tree-recycling fundraisers.

A live potted live tree is a nice, smaller alternative. This is because they are limited by manageable weight. A typical six foot evergreen weighs about 250 pounds! Chose a viable in your yard. They can be great gifts. Threes should be planted as soon after the holidays as soon as possible. Acclimatize them with few days in a moderate environment such as a garage before planting in the cold outdoors.

Christmas Cactus, Poinsettias, Paper Whites bring traditional holiday cheer.  Christmas Cacti offer easy-care splashes of winter color. They prefer heavy watering and long periods of drought until an inch of their topsoil is dry. In winter months, less frequent watering encourages flowering. Though named ‘Christmas cactus’ after the time of the year they flower; indoor conditions and genetic mutations often allow these cacti to flower two to three times a year.

Red and white Poinsettias grace our holidays by the dozens. As tropical plants they are persnickety and prefer 55-60 degrees with no drafts. ‘Store bought’ poinsettias are typically babied beauties from greenhouses. Keep yours near a sunny place–but don’t let it touch a window! It may freeze, get sunburned or bruise. When you bring one home, or take it as a party gift, wrap it loosely, then be sure to unwrap it soon after arrival. This prevents trauma to delicate petals. Water initially, but all0w it to drain, and rewater only when the soil is dry.

Paper Whites and Amaryllis can bloom indoors without a cold stress. This unusual bulb trait has made them holiday favorites. Here are a few tips:

For either bulb select a pot wider and deeper (about two inches) than the bulb(s). The Amaryllis is planted in soil. Paper Whites are planted in gravel (in 3, 5, or 7’s). Use two inches of selected medium in the pot bottom and place the bulb(s) on top. For the Amaryllis tamp soil up to the bulb’s neck, leaving it exposed. Fill in around the Paper White bulbs with pebbles, half way up.

Water the Amaryllis thoroughly once and leave in a warm, shaded place for two weeks. When the flower bud appears, move to bright but indirect light. Begin regular watering as it grows and blooms.

Paper Whites planted in gravel are maintained in water to just below the bottom of the bulb. The first week is spent in a cool, dark place. Then move into bright, indirect sunlight. Paper Whites last one season. Save your Amaryllis — next month we’ll learn over winter them and propagate houseplants.

Happy Holidays!

¹ Dr. Gary Chastagner and Dr. Eric Hinesley; edited by the National Christmas Tree Association