Keeping Living Potted Christmas Trees Alive Indoors:
A Complete Guide

Each holiday season, more and more people are choosing living, potted Christmas trees—not only for their beauty, but also for the joy of keeping a tree alive long after the decorations come down.

For these  households, the scent of fresh pine and the elegance of a real Christmas tree are essential parts of the holiday season. A sustainable alternative to cut or plastic trees, real trees can be reused year after year or planted outside after the holiday season ends.

But keeping a potted Christmas tree alive indoors requires special care. Unlike cut trees, living trees have needs that must be met to remain healthy and ready for replanting or moving outdoors. With a little preparation and attention, a living Christmas can thrive long after the holidays. Here’s everything you need to know.

A living Christmas tree is the most eco-friendly choice. Instead of disposing of a cut tree every year, you can plant your potted tree outdoors or continue to grow it in its container. Wouldn’t it be special to build a “Christmas grove” of past trees in the yard—a beautiful legacy of holiday seasons past? While cut trees can be composted, which is more sustainable than plastic trees that are tossed out as soon as they break, real trees are a great way to enjoy holiday traditions and add a tree to the environment.

Another bonus is that living trees stay green and fresh far longer than cut trees. They don’t shed needles as quickly, and they maintain their fragrance because they remain biologically active. No doubt some needles will drop, but you can expect to clean up far fewer needles with the correct care.

From choosing the perfect potted tree to decorating and replanting it, the process offers enjoyable activities for the whole family.

Popular, Indoor-Friendly Species

• Norfolk Island Pine: More tropical and houseplant-friendly; suitable for long-term indoor life. Great for smaller spaces and readily available at most big box hardware stores. Not an option if you want to plant it outdoors afterwards but makes a great houseplant.
• Dwarf Alberta Spruce: Compact, slow-growing, and tolerant of container life.
• Blue Spruce: Hardy outdoors and does well for short indoor stays.
• Scots Pine or White Pine: Traditional choices; tolerate limited indoor time.
• Fraser or Noble Fir: Often sold as cut trees but also available potted; require cool conditions.

The Most Important Rule: Get a healthy, well-rooted tree. Look for a container heavy with soil, not just a tree dropped into a pot temporarily or one that is loose in the pot that indicates it was just recently planted. Give the branch a small tug to look for strong, green needles that don’t fall off. And, lastly, try to find a tree that is proportionate to its pot. Large trees in tiny pots tend to be stressed because the roots are strangled, but also these trees could be top heavy and once decorated have a greater chance of falling over.

A true “living tree” should be sold with a full root system in soil, not burlap. Burlap-wrapped trees are meant for immediate planting and are harder to maintain indoors. In addition, you will need to find a very large container for your burlap plant. It is much easier to buy one in a pot and set it on a drip tray that will protect your floors. Unsightly, large nursery pots can still be disguised with tree skirts and tree collars like a standard cut tree.

Trees are adapted to outdoor winter weather. A sudden move inside to warm, dry air can shock them. You will want to transition the tree gently. Store it in a cool garage, shed, or covered porch for two to three days before bringing it inside. This intermediate temperature helps the tree slowly adjust. Keep the tree indoors for no more than seven to 10 days; two weeks is the absolute maximum for most species. The longer it remains inside, the weaker it becomes and the less likely it will handle being transplanted. Place the tree in your coolest room. Ideal indoor temperature is below 70°F (21°C) and away from heat sources. Placing it near large, drafty windows can be a good thing!

Of course, these rules don’t apply to the Norfolk Island Pine, which is a tropical plant and should be treated like a houseplant. It can stay indoors all winter long and will love a summer vacation in your backyard in a part-sun spot. These trees prefer more humidity and warmth. If you want a living tree that can be decorated longer, try one of these.

Living trees need bright, indirect sunlight. Place the tree near a large window if possible. Avoid direct, scorching sun through glass, which can dry out the needles. Watering is the most critical factor in keeping the tree alive. The soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, then empty the saucer after 10 to 15 minutes to prevent root rot. Lifting your decorated tree may not be possible, so you can use a turkey baster to remove the water from the saucer if it pools too much. Check moisture levels daily—indoor air is dry during winter and trees lose water quickly.

If you notice the humidity is low or the tree is drying out, mist the tree lightly to increase humidity, especially if it’s close to heat vents. Most evergreens prefer humidity levels of 40% to 60%. Indoor winter humidity often drops below 20%. To increase humidity, place a small humidifier nearby. Misting and pebble trays are great options for smaller plants, but larger trees will need a little more than a spray bottle. Look for options that have dry mist so your gift wrap doesn’t end up soggy.

Warm indoor air can stress conifers. Help the tree stay cool by keeping it away from fireplaces, radiators, vents, and electronics. If you plan to decorate, try using LED lights, as they emit a lot less heat than traditional bulbs.