How to Make a Gorgeous Poinsettia Tree for the Holidays

I like having poinsettias out for Christmas, but I don’t love them after the holidays. I’m going to show you how to make a poinsettia topiary so that they look a little different after Christmas.

I’m not typically a fan of hanging on to my poinsettias after Christmas. In fact, they usually go out with the Christmas decor. A couple of years ago, Kathy at R. House, shared a genius idea that I borrowed, and I want to share it with you. I make a topiary out of all the poinsettias I used for Christmas after Christmas is over and I want to give the house a little more life. Since my holiday decor is all neutral, I always buy the white poinsettias. This way, they not only go with my Christmas decor, they work perfectly in my house after Christmas.

The holidays are a magical time of year, full of joy, togetherness, and beautiful decorations One of the most iconic holiday plants is the poinsettia, with its vibrant red leaves that instantly evoke the spirit of Christmas. But did you know you can transform an ordinary poinsettia into a stunning poinsettia tree?

Making a poinsettia tree is an easy DIY project that allows you to create a gorgeous centerpiece for your holiday decor. With just a few simple supplies, you can build a miniature Christmas tree covered in lush red poinsettias. Trust me, your guests will be amazed when they see this show-stopping display!

In this step-by-step guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your own beautiful poinsettia tree at home. Let’s get started!

Supplies Needed

To make your poinsettia tree, you’ll need

  • 5-10 poinsettia plants. Make sure they are healthy, with no drooping or wilting leaves.

  • Floral foam

  • Scissors or a knife to cut the foam

  • A tall vase, flower pot, or tree stand for the base

  • Green floral tape

  • Decorations – pinecones, ornaments, bells, etc.

Step 1: Prepare the Floral Foam Base

Start by measuring the opening of your vase or tree stand. Cut a piece of floral foam to fit snugly inside. Make sure it’s thick and sturdy enough to hold the poinsettia stems.

Use a knife or scissors to trim the foam if needed. Place it inside the stand and secure it with floral tape if necessary.

Step 2: Insert the Poinsettia Stems

Now comes the fun part – arranging the poinsettias! Carefully insert each stem deep into the foam, clustering them together.

Aim for a classic Christmas tree shape, with the tallest plant in the center and smaller ones gradually filling out the sides in a pyramid design.

Make sure the plants are evenly distributed and no foam is visible. Gently bend and adjust the stems as needed.

Step 3: Wrap the Base with Floral Tape

Once your tree is full and lush, wrap green floral tape around the base to cover any exposed foam and tie the whole arrangement together.

Start at the bottom and wind the tape up towards the poinsettia leaves, overlapping as you go. The tape helps secure the stems in place.

Step 4: Add Decorations and Accents

Time for the final flourish! Decorate your poinsettia tree with ornaments, garland, pinecones, bells or other embellishments.

Get creative with colors and textures. Tuck decorations between poinsettia leaves or wrap garland around the stems. Add a tree topper for the perfect finishing touch!

5 Tips for Making a Gorgeous Poinsettia Tree

Follow these handy tips for making the ultimate poinsettia tree every time:

  • Choose vivid red poinsettias – the brighter, the better! Darker burgundy or pink plants can work too.

  • Use different size poinsettias – a mix of big, medium and small plants gives the tree fullness.

  • Fluff the leaves – gently spread and lift leaves outward to create a lush, fluffy look.

  • Add warm white string lights – mini lights tucked within the branches create a magical glow.

  • Display it proudly – place your poinsettia tree on a mantel, table or plant stand for all to admire!

Now that you’re armed with expert knowledge, it’s time to start creating your own spectacular poinsettia tree!

This eye-catching DIY project is sure to become a new holiday tradition. I hope these step-by-step instructions have inspired you to give it a try this Christmas season.

Let your creativity run wild as you design a poinsettia masterpiece straight from your wildest yuletide dreams. Your home will look so merry and bright!

I’d love to see photos of your finished poinsettia trees. Please tag me @christmashq so I can share in the holiday magic you’ve created! And if you try any other variations on this theme, like a poinsettia wreath or garland, send pics of those too.

I’m excited to spread the holiday cheer with you all season long. Now grab those poinsettias and let’s get crafting!

supplies for making a poinsettia topiary

poinsettia garden clippers or scissors twine, ribbon or yarn

How to Care For Poinsettias (And Make Them Bloom Next Year)

FAQ

Can you make a poinsettia tree?

Poinsettias are flowering plants, and Christmas trees made out of poinsettias use frames and these flowers. You can find natural and artificial poinsettias to make a Christmas tree made out of poinsettias.

How do you grow a poinsettia tree?

Light and temperature Outdoor light: Part sun, 4 to 6 hours daily. Temperature: Indoor temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees F are ideal. Avoid placing poinsettias where the temperature fluctuates or may be drying, such as near cold drafts, heat ducts, fireplaces, fans, space heaters, etc.

How long does a poinsettia tree last?

Given the right light and warm temperatures, indoor poinsettia plants will last until March or April, continuing to put out colorful red leaves. If you choose to keep it alive year round as a houseplant, a poinsettia can last for 10 or even 20 years.

How do you propagate a poinsettia tree?

You can root poinsettia cuttings directly into the fin- ished container (direct stick). You also can root them in a range of media, including a peat and perlite mix, foam, Rockwool, or in Oasis or Agrifoam propaga- tion trays, strips, or liners, which can be shaped as cubes, plugs, wedges, or pellets.

How do you make a Christmas tree out of poinsettias?

There are a variety of methods for decorating a small craft Christmas tree or creating a Christmas tree made out of poinsettias. You’ll need a small evergreen tree, a big pot and potting soil, several poinsettia plants, pruning shears and floral vials. Place the tree into the pot, fill it halfway with potting soil and firmly tamp down the dirt.

How do you Tuck a poinsettia plant into a tree?

Cut some poinsettia stems off the mother plant, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the flower. Fill your flower vials with water and put the end of the flower stems into the vials. Now, you can tuck the flower vials into the tree as you would any other ornament. Wear gloves whenever you are cutting poinsettia plants.

How long does it take a poinsettia to flower?

Shield the plants from all light sources, including street and reading lights. Cover the plants with a cardboard box or place them in a dark closet, if needed. Night temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit help promote flowering. Continue giving your poinsettias short days and long nights for seven to eight weeks.

Is a poinsettia a tree?

Though most gardeners are quite familiar with these beautiful container specimens, some may be surprised to learn that the poinsettia is actually a type of tree. Continue reading for some poinsettia tree care tips. Within their preferred range, outdoor poinsettia plants can grow to reach impressive heights.

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