Nothing says Christmas quite like a sprig of mistletoe hanging in the doorway. Its glossy green leaves and pearly white berries bring a bit of romance and magic to the holidays. Because mistletoe is a living plant, though, it can wilt or dry out before the season ends if it isn’t cared for properly. With a few simple steps, you can keep it looking fresh and festive all through Christmas and beyond.
Start by choosing mistletoe that’s as fresh as possible. When buying it, look for sprigs with firm, bright green leaves and plump berries. Avoid bunches that are yellowing or look brittle. If you’re cutting your own, harvest it after a light frost but before a hard freeze so the berries are fully formed and the leaves are still in good shape.

Does hanging Mistletoe keep it fresher longer?

Before hanging, give your mistletoe a chance to rest in a cool, dark place. A refrigerator, cellar, or unheated garage works well. Wrap the stems carefully in wet paper towels and place them inside a perforated plastic bag so the plant can breathe while retaining some moisture. Keeping it cool slows the drying process and helps preserve its color and texture.
Just like cut flowers, mistletoe benefits from a bit of hydration. Trim the ends of the stems and let them soak in a small container of water for a few hours before hanging. This helps the leaves absorb moisture and stay supple once displayed.
Once your mistletoe is up, mist it lightly with cool water every few days. A small spray bottle is perfect for this—just a gentle spritz to keep the leaves from drying out. Be careful not to soak it, as too much moisture can cause mold.

Hang Mistletoe out of direct sunlight. 

Try to hang your mistletoe away from direct sunlight, fireplaces, or heating vents. Warm air quickly dries the plant, causing the leaves to curl and the berries to shrivel. A cooler doorway or hallway is an ideal spot where it can stay fresh longer.
As a final reminder, mistletoe berries are poisonous if consumed, so hang your sprig of mistletoe well out of the reach of children and pets.
With proper care and a conducive environment, mistletoe can be kept green and lush throughout the Christmas season. Whether it's for tradition, home decoration or just a little holiday spice, a sprig of fresh mistletoe is the gift that keeps on giving, spreading warmth, happiness and even a little romance in every home.