How to Keep Your Plants Happy Through the Holiday Season

A Guilt-Free Holiday for You and Your Plants

The truth is, the holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your plants. With a few simple systems, you can keep them healthy without spending hours fussing over them.

My personal rule? Try to avoid plants that need constant care, anything that wants water more than once a week just isn’t for me right now. But if you do have a few high-maintenance green friends, don’t worry. You can still enjoy your holidays guilt-free; all it takes is a bit of planning ahead.

Tip 1: Adjust Your Watering Schedule Before You Get Busy

Schedules are everything, especially when your brain is juggling work deadlines, gift lists, and social plans. That’s why I rely on reminders, whether it’s a calendar alert or a sticky note, it’s worth the 30 seconds it takes to set up. You’d rather have an unnecessary notification than a wilted plant when you return home.

If you’re going away for a couple of days, most plants can handle being watered a day early. The soil might dry out slightly faster, but they’ll be fine. For longer trips, a simple trick is to use a wicking system: place one end of a cotton string or rope into the plant’s soil and the other into a cup or jar of water. The plant will draw up moisture as it needs it — no fancy gadget required. You can also ask a friend or neighbour to stop by once or twice, especially if you have moisture-loving species like the peace lily or calatheas.

If your plants only need water every week or two, just water them deeply before you head out. When I say “deeply,” I mean making sure the entire root zone gets moisture, not just the top inch of soil. Most plants can survive a little neglect; they might not look their best when you return, but with one good watering, they’ll usually bounce right back.

Remember: plant care doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be consistent enough.

Tip 2: Maximize Light Without Rearranging Your Entire Home

During the winter holiday season, I move my plants closer to the windows. In the summer, they’re spread out around my home; come November, they start huddling near the light like I would near a campfire. I keep a small table under my brightest window and fill it with my sun-loving plants. In another room, I use tiered shelves that get indirect light all day.

You don’t have to overhaul your space, just make small seasonal adjustments. Even rotating your plants weekly can help them get light on all sides and prevent leggy growth. If your home feels dim, clean your windows and dust your plant leaves. A little bit of extra light reflection can make a noticeable difference during gloomy months.

(And yes, resist the urge to buy new plants in the summer just to “fill the space”.)

Tip 3: Add Holiday Season Decor Without Adding Stress

There’s no need to buy new houseplants just to make your space feel festive. You can make your existing plants part of your holiday décor, and it’s so much more personal.

A fresh wreath or reusable garland can instantly make a space feel cozy. I love mixing a few real greens like cedar or pine with faux ones for a low-maintenance look that lasts. If you’re feeling playful, hang a few lightweight ornaments on your larger plants; my fiddle leaf fig becomes an honorary Christmas tree every year.

You can also use your favourite pots as décor pieces. Add small touches like ribbons, mini pinecones, or fairy lights to your existing plant displays. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just cozy.

And if you’re like me (someone who decorates the second Halloween is over), you’ll have plenty of time to experiment. If you try something fun, share it with me on Instagram @savage__gardener, I genuinely love seeing how others make their homes feel festive and green.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Environment

Winter air tends to be dry, and indoor heating can make it worse. If you notice crispy leaf tips or static hair, your plants are feeling it too. Try grouping them together to raise humidity naturally or consider investing in a humidifier. For this, I’d probably put the humidity-loving plants together with the humidifier, and then put the more tolerant plants like cacti farther away!

You can also mist occasionally (just not on plants that dislike it, like succulents). I personally find that misting can feel like a mini mindfulness moment; it’s quick, quiet, and it reminds me to slow down, even during the busiest time of year.

Conclusion: You Deserve a Calm, Cozy Holiday Season — and So Do Your Plants

The holiday season can get overwhelming, but your plant care doesn’t have to. A few reminders, small adjustments, and forgiving systems are all you need to keep your greenery happy through the chaos. Your plants don’t need you to be perfect; they just need you to be present enough. Water when you can, give them light when it’s available, and don’t stress about the rest.

Remember: the goal of owning plants isn’t to add more pressure to your life; it’s to add joy, calm, and a sense of connection to your home. So take a deep breath, admire your cozy green space, and enjoy the holidays guilt-free.

Are you thinking of gifting houseplants this season? Check out The Ultimate List of Garden Gift Ideas for Plant Lovers

If you found this helpful, share it with a friend who’s also juggling plants and holiday plans! And don’t forget to show off your festive plant décor on Instagram @savage__gardener!