Holiday houseplants are a simple way to decorate as well as bring a little extra holiday cheer into your home. From colorful blooms to lush evergreens, the five plants we’ll talk about in this blog originate from all over the world, but have the ability to come together for a gorgeous holiday look and are great for gifting.
Let’s find your favorite:
1. Holiday Cactus: A Burst of Seasonal Charm
Holiday cacti aren’t your typical desert cacti—they hail from the rainforests of Brazil. And unlike their spiky cousins, these plants have smooth, segmented stems and thrive in humid conditions. Their flowers, which can bloom in shades of red, pink, white, yellow, or orange, open up like delicate stars, creating a stunning display during the holidays. One fascinating feature is their ability to detect day length and temperature changes, which triggers their bloom cycle. These plants also have extreme longevity in the right conditions, so gifting holiday cactus can become the gift that keeps on giving for seasons to come.
Care Tip: To encourage blooming, reduce watering and give them 12-14 hours of darkness each night for about six weeks before the holidays. Once buds appear, keep the soil slightly moist to support their development.
2. Amaryllis: A Showstopper for the Season
Amaryllis bulbs are powerhouses of energy, capable of producing multiple blooms on each stalk. These flowers aren’t just beautiful; they’re also some of the largest among indoor plants, making them true showstoppers. A little-known fact is that amaryllis bulbs can live and rebloom for decades if properly cared for. Once the flowers fade, the plant focuses on rebuilding energy for the next bloom cycle.
Care Tip: After blooming, cut back the flower stalks but leave the foliage intact. Place the plant in bright light and continue watering and fertilizing to help the bulb recharge. You can let it rest in a cool, dark spot in the fall to prepare for another holiday display.
3. Norfolk Island Pine: A Living Holiday Tree
Native to the South Pacific, Norfolk Island Pines are technically not pines at all! These elegant evergreens are a distant relative of conifers and grow to towering heights outdoors in tropical climates. Indoors, they make charming holiday trees with their symmetrical branches and soft needles that don’t shed like traditional cut evergreens.
Care Tip: Norfolk Pines love humidity, so mist them regularly or place a tray of water nearby to prevent browning needles. Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even growth, as they tend to lean toward the light.
4. Cyclamen: Delicate Blooms for Cooler Days
Cyclamen plants are winter bloomers, naturally thriving when temperatures drop. Their upturned, butterfly-like blooms often appear to “nod” as if in motion. Beyond their striking flowers, cyclamen are prized for their heart-shaped, silver-marbled leaves, which add beauty even when not in bloom. An interesting fact: these plants grow from tubers, and in their natural habitat (the Mediterranean), they go dormant during summer and re-sprout in the cooler months. Here in Hampton Roads, we treat them more as a festive plant just for the season.
Care Tip: Keep cyclamen in cooler areas of your home, ideally between 60-70°F, as they dislike heat. Avoid splashing water on the crown of the plant to prevent rot.
5. Poinsettias: The Ultimate Holiday Icon
Poinsettias have a rich history rooted in Mexican tradition, where they are known as “Flor de Nochebuena,” or “Flower of the Holy Night.” Their vibrant “flowers” are actually bracts—modified leaves that surround the plant’s small yellow blooms. Fun fact: the colorful bracts are triggered by long nights, requiring at least 12 hours of darkness daily for several weeks to develop their signature hues.
Care Tip: If you want to keep your poinsettia after the holidays, prune it back in spring and move it outdoors when temperatures warm up. Bring it back inside before fall and follow a strict light/dark schedule to encourage those iconic red bracts again.
Adding one (or all) of these festive plants to your home will create a magical atmosphere that feels alive with the spirit of the holidays. Each plant offers its own unique charm, bringing beauty and joy to the season. Stop by either of our year-round locations to pick up these holiday favorites and make your season extra special!
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