Embracing the holiday season brings joy to my heart. Despite the short dark days and winter’s bitter chill, I refuse to let my inner Scrooge take over. The secret lies in adorning my home with delightful houseplants for Christmas, like the vibrant red poinsettias or the candy-cane-striped amaryllis. Their presence never fails to uplift my spirits, and they also serve as perfect gifts for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones. While poinsettias and amaryllises are timeless favorites during this time of year, let’s not forget about other winter-bloomers that can add a touch of magic to our holiday celebrations, such as kalanchoe, cyclamen, and Christmas cactus. These easy-care beauties can truly transform your seasonal decor or make charming gifts for the season. Allow these enchanting plants to brighten your home and bring warmth to your heart during the festive celebrations.
Big, Bold Amaryllis
Poinsettias may be ubiquitous during the holidays, but according to Instagram tags, amaryllises are gaining popularity, and it’s easy to see why! These striking flowers boast a stunning display that can endure for weeks with minimal effort. Available in various colors such as white, red, coral, burgundy, pink, and bicolor, amaryllises offer a delightful array of choices. Take, for instance, the enchanting ‘Apple Blossom’ variety with its lime green throats and watercolor pink brushed white blooms. Another captivating option is the red ‘Stargazer,’ adorned with snowy-white stars on its petals. With proper care, these impressive bulbs may even rebloom after a period of dormancy.
To elevate their presentation, consider placing the amaryllises in decorative containers or use the long-stemmed blooms in water with floral preservative. The cut flowers create a breathtaking sight when displayed in tall, clear glass cylinders. However, due to their top-heavy nature, ensure that the vessel you choose is stable and won’t tip over.
Please exercise caution when having these plants around pets, as they can be toxic if ingested. With a touch of care and appreciation for their beauty, amaryllises can grace your holiday season with an unforgettable charm.
Classic Poinsettias
When it comes to decorating with houseplants for Christmas, poinsettias take center stage. These vibrant plants are available in a festive array of colors, including Christmassy red, hot pink, cream, white, apricot, and adorned with marbling, speckles, or streaks. Among my personal favorites are ‘Jingle Bells,’ a captivating crimson variety with white splashes, and ‘Peppermint Ruffles,’ featuring delicate pale pink and cream petals adorned with dark pink speckles. Adding to their allure, poinsettias are even spray-painted in imaginative hues, with or without glitter.
Potted poinsettias make a striking centerpiece or an eye-catching addition to your hearth, thriving under bright, indirect light. You can also utilize cut blooms by placing them in water picks to embellish garlands, wreaths, or even your Christmas tree. While these tender perennials dislike cold drafts near windows and doors, they can be arranged to flank an outside door if your location falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not harmful to pets or small children if accidentally ingested.
With their vibrant colors and versatility, poinsettias are the epitome of Christmas cheer and an ideal choice for adorning your home during the holiday season.
Charming Kalanchoes
Kalanchoes, with their plump green leaves and vibrant flowers, are beloved during the holiday season. Their blooms can last for several weeks, and you can find varieties with white, pink, red, bright orange, and yellow flowers that complement the festive colors of the season.
As succulents, kalanchoes prefer bright light, but it’s best to avoid direct sunlight. Placing them in your kitchen, bathroom, or home office will infuse the space with winter cheer. When caring for these charming plants, water them when the soil feels dry, ensuring that excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
While coaxing kalanchoes to rebloom can be a challenge, they remain stunning evergreen houseplants even without their flowers. Their low-maintenance nature makes them a delightful addition to your indoor plant collection, brightening your home throughout the year.
Carefree Cyclamens
Cyclamen may not be as commonly known as holiday plants like poinsettias or amaryllises, but they can add just as much charm to your festive decorations. With their heart-shaped leaves and blooms in lovely shades of lilac, crimson, white, pink, and more, cyclamens can create an adorable display on their own or when combined with other houseplants. Enhance their appeal by adding a ribbon and bow, and you have a delightful foil-wrapped cyclamen that makes a perfect gift for teachers, co-workers, and neighbors.
Keep in mind that most cyclamens available at garden centers are tropical plants, so it’s best not to grow them outside unless you reside in Zones 9-11. To enjoy their blooms into spring, keep them in a cool location. After flowering, cyclamens typically go dormant, but with proper care, they will usually revive after a rest period, making them a lovely addition to your indoor plant collection throughout the year.
Colorful Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus is undoubtedly a beloved holiday plant, and its name says it all! It’s no surprise that it usually blooms around the holiday season, adding to its charm. These remarkable succulents boast striking flowers in vibrant shades of magenta, red, pink, coral, white, and more. What makes them even more special is their long lifespan, as they can live up to an impressive 100 years, making some lucky gardeners proud owners of plants that have been passed down through generations.
For a truly meaningful gift, especially if you have a family heirloom plant, consider propagating a piece for someone special. Late spring is the ideal time to do this. Simply cut off a few segments, let them dry for a day or two, and plant them about an inch deep in a damp mix of sand and potting soil. Water them lightly until you see new growth, and then transplant them into regular potting soil. To keep your Christmas cactus thriving, provide it with cool, bright light, and water it infrequently. With proper care, this holiday favorite will continue to bring joy for many years to come.