Basic Care for a Live Christmas Tree
It's a challenge in our tropical climate, but it's not impossible to make that fresh-cut Christmas tree last the season
Many of us would have grown up with plastic Christmas trees. Nothing wrong about that – but there’s just something different about a fresh-cut, pine-smelling tree (shed needles included!).
Photo courtesy of Far East Flora
1. Water right. Once home, place your tree in water immediately. Check the stand daily to ensure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree trunk.
Bonus Tip: Add mosquito-repellent granules to water to prevent mosquito breeding.
1. Water right. Once home, place your tree in water immediately. Check the stand daily to ensure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree trunk.
Bonus Tip: Add mosquito-repellent granules to water to prevent mosquito breeding.
2. Keep away from sources of heat
The tree should be kept indoors, away from direct sunlight, heat vents, etc.
The tree should be kept indoors, away from direct sunlight, heat vents, etc.
3. Decorate mindfully
Use low heat producing lights. Miniature lights help in delaying the drying of the tree.
Use low heat producing lights. Miniature lights help in delaying the drying of the tree.
4. Stay safe
Check lights and cords for broken bulbs and frayed wiring. Replace if necessary. Always turn off the lights on the Christmas tree before leaving the house or going to bed. These points not only help keep the tree fresh by preventing unnecessary heat but are also important to not overload electric circuits, hence, prevent fire.
Check lights and cords for broken bulbs and frayed wiring. Replace if necessary. Always turn off the lights on the Christmas tree before leaving the house or going to bed. These points not only help keep the tree fresh by preventing unnecessary heat but are also important to not overload electric circuits, hence, prevent fire.
Photo courtesy of Far East Flora
5. Mist regularly
Misting the tree with cold water in the mornings will help keep it fresh and fragrant. Just make sure the light decorations you choose are water-proof. Otherwise, you have to take the light decorations off before misting.
5. Mist regularly
Misting the tree with cold water in the mornings will help keep it fresh and fragrant. Just make sure the light decorations you choose are water-proof. Otherwise, you have to take the light decorations off before misting.
Can’t be bothered with a real tree, but not so keen on a plastic one? Try a homemade version made of branches and twigs…
… or a tabletop pot that you can decorate.
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What other house plants would you like to read about? Let us know in the Comments section.
Follow these tips to ensure you have a fragrant tree that lasts the whole season (3 to 4 weeks or more).