Christmas rose care after Christmas: This is how the hardy plant thrives in the pot

Christmas roses are often given as gifts at Christmas as they bloom throughout the winter and when it is gray and cold outside, the fresh white flowers brighten up indoor spaces. They are the perfect houseplant for festive floral decorations. If you are now the proud owner of this beauty after the holidays, you can find out everything about caring for Christmas roses after Christmas here.

Photo: Shutterstock/ Natalia Greeske

Christmas rose care after Christmas: Tips for a blooming potted plant

If you got a potted Christmas rose, also known as a snow rose, during the Christmas season and care for it properly, you can be sure that it will keep the festive spirit in your home for a long time. The perennial plant, which is not actually a rose at all, has beautiful, pure white flowers that last a long time and even protrude through snow. Whether placed on the table or on the windowsills, it will add a magical touch to any home during the winter months.

Water properly

During the flowering period from November to February, you should ensure sufficient watering, but waterlogging should be avoided. Remember not to get the leaves wet to avoid disease. After flowering, water the plant less, making sure the root ball never dries out.

Soil requirements and fertilizing

If you are growing the snow rose as a pot plant, it is important to choose a container with enough space for long roots. The flowering plant thrives in well-drained and nutrient-rich soil with a certain amount of clay and lime.

Christmas roses do not have particularly high nutrient requirements. Apply a phosphorus-rich fertilizer early in the blooming season to encourage flower production and increase bloom duration, and add organic matter each spring. If you follow these simple tips, you can enjoy a flowering plant for years to come.

Christmas rose care after Christmas: correct location

Photo: Shutterstock/Manfred Ruckszio

The beautiful plant usually blooms during the Christmas season and prefers cold weather. High room temperatures can cause leaves to yellow. Instead, place the plant in a bright place with a cool draft. If you want to use them as a table decoration, don't forget to put them back in their usual location.

Since it can withstand temperatures down to -15 °C and survives under snow, you can also leave it in a place protected from the wind on the balcony or terrace.
As soon as the ground is frost-free in March, you can move the Christmas rose to a shady to semi-shady placeplant in the garden.

Pests and diseases

The most common pests that attack Christmas roses are aphids. That's why it's a good idea to check your plant's leaves regularly. If you find any, act immediately and spray them with a solution of neem oil and water. Isolate the plant to avoid spreading it to other houseplants.

Be careful not to water your plant from above or in the evenings to avoid black spot.

Remove any spent blooms to save the plant's energy for new blooms and to prevent wasting valuable nutrients on the dying stem.

Be careful when caring for your snow rose as it is poisonous and irritating to the skin. Always wear gardening gloves and keep the plant out of the reach of children and pets.

Also read:Cutting and caring for Christmas roses: How you should cut off flowers and leaves + care tips