These 10 Popular Christmas Houseplants Will Make Your Home So Festive
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Plant people love a good excuse to bring a new piece of greenery home—and what better reason than to infuse extra holiday spirit into your space? Maybe you're seeking a small potted plant that will make the seasonal dining table more festive, or perhaps your fireplace mantel or windowsill could use an infusion of yuletide merriment. Whatever the case, consider introducing one of these popular Christmas houseplants to your home this season.
Related: 10 Houseplants That Make the Best Gifts
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Norfolk Pine (Araucaria Heterophylla)
Evergreen trees are synonymous with the holidays, which makes the Norfolk Pine a perfect pick for this time of year. You can even decorate it the same way you would a traditional Christmas tree. "The best part about a Norfolk pine is that it does not perish after the holidays," says Matt Aulton, the co-founder of Plant Proper. "When cared for accordingly, it will provide you with ample new growth and can last many, many holidays."
Interestingly, the Norfolk pine isn't actually a pine tree. Rather, it's a tropical plant that appreciates warm air and moderate humidity. Indoor Norfolks are slow-growing, but can reach over 6 feet. Eventually, you'll want to transplant it outside.
Related: How to Care for Norfolk Pine, a Popular Indoor Tree
Care Advice
Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
Water: When top 2 inches are dry to the touch
Temperature: 55 to 70 degrees
Humidity: 50 to 60%
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Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera Plant)
The Christmas cactus is another tropical plant, and it gets its name because of its color-rich flowers that bloom naturally around the holidays. "Its beautiful flowers appear in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, yellow, and white," says Justin Hancock, a horticulturist for Costa Farms. "For many families, this is a heritage plant where pieces are shared and propagated from generation to generation. My great-grandmother had hers for more than a decade and it was part of my family's holidays growing up."
Related: How to Care for Your Christmas Cactus
Care Advice
Light: Medium to bright light
Water: When top third of soil is dry to the touch
Temperature: 60 to 70 degrees
Humidity: 50 to 60%
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Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The holidays symbolize peace on earth, making the peace lily a favorite come Christmastime. "This houseplant has full green foliage and the most delicate white blooms, which I think make it a standout for the season," notes Kaylyn Hewitt, the lead floral designer for The Bouqs. "They also make the perfect year-round staple in any plant lover's home."
Care Advice
Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
Water: Keep soil moist, mist weekly
Temperature: 65 to 85 degrees
Humidity: 50% and higher
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Poinsettia (Euphorbia Pulcherrimatia)
While the peace lily offers white blooms, the poinsettia is a holiday must-have that's beloved for its crimson flowers with tiny golden centers. "The bright red flowers that the plants are known for bloom during the holidays," notes plant influencer Ciara Benko of The Jungle Upstairs. "Even after the holidays, they still give any porch or backyard a surprisingly lush look. Instead of throwing out your glittering impulse purchase after New Year's, try potting the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and bringing it outdoors for the spring."
Care Advice
Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
Water: Keep soil damp
Temperature: 60 to 70 degrees
Humidity: 50 to 75%
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Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema Commutatum)
Though not as iconic as the peace lily or poinsettia, Chinese evergreens are another plant that lends well to the holiday color palette. "During the holidays, you are sure to be able to find one that flaunts reds, pinks, whites, and greens," says Aulton. "In addition to their beauty, aglaonema are very easy to care for. Even if during the holidays you forget to water the plant because of all the festivities, it is very forgiving."
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese Evergreen Plants
Care Advice
Light: Low to medium light (too much sunlight can bleach the color)
Water: Keep soil moist
Temperature: 60 to 80 degrees
Humidity: 60 to 70%
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Marble Green Queen (Pothos)
Pothos are vine-like houseplants that look great on a shelf or in hanging baskets. Over time, their leaves begin trickling over the sides for a beautiful, lush effect. The Marble Green Queen variety is particularly special because of its intricate, variegated leaves. Hewitt says, "The variegated pattern of whites and greens give the leaves a marble look, which makes it a great choice for decorating during the holidays."
Related: This Is What to Do If Your Pothos Plant's Leaves Are Turning Yellow
Care Advice
Light: Low to medium light
Water: When top two inches are dry to the touch
Temperature: 70 to 90 degrees
Humidity: 50 to 70%
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Sterling Silver (Moonlight Scindapsus Pothos)
The silver-brushed, heart-shaped leaves of the sterling silver plant offer a chic infusion of holiday spirit. They almost have a frosted effect, which naturally complements the snowscapes outside your window. "The sterling silver is a trendy climbing plant related to pothos and philodendron," notes Hancock. "This silvery look pairs perfectly with festive holiday décor, but has an elegant feel that works all year long. It's easy to propagate, too, so it's fun to share clippings with friends and family."
Care Advice
Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Water: When top two inches are dry to the touch
Temperature: 65 to 75 degrees
Humidity: 40 to 60%
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Rosemary
'Tis the seasoning! For a gift that truly keeps on giving, opt for a planter full of fragrant rosemary. Hewitt says, "Rosemary is both your best new décor staple and your go-to for all of your holiday recipes. You can use this plant like you would a cutting garden and add the rosemary to your favorite dishes."
Related: A Guide to Growing Kitchen Windowsill Herbs
Even when it's not in use, you'll enjoy the savory fragrance. You can even clip a sprig or two and use it in your gift wrapping with a bit of twine.
Care Advice
Light: Full sun
Water: When soil is completely dry
Temperature: 55 to 80 degrees
Humidity: 45 to 55%
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Rose Painted Calathea (Calathea Roseopicta)
With numerous variations to choose from, there's a rose painted calathea for everyone. And perhaps you'll even want to collect a few. "Several varieties—like Medallion, Rosy, and Dottie—have a ton of color, particularly in festive shades of red," says Lauren Alsina, creative director for LiveTrends Design Group. "You could even introduce a calathea Freddie, a green calathea with darker green stripes, for a medley of calatheas that's perfect for the holidays."
She adds that the distinctive decorative markings on their leaves come in variegated patterns in various shades of green, purple, and red. Even the undersides of their leaves are breathtaking with striking purplish-red tones.
Care Advice
Light: Medium, indirect sunlight
Water: Keep soil moist
Temperature: 65 to 85 degrees
Humidity: 50 to 60%
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Variegated English Ivy (Hedera Helix Variegata)
For another lovely climbing house plant that imparts some holiday magic, look no further than the sophisticated English ivy. Hancock notes that the variegated version features unique lobed leaves—often in a star-shaped pattern. "Varieties with white variegation, such as silver bells, have a fun festive look that you can enjoy all year long," he says. Note that ivy is a hardy outdoor plant, but it can be an invasive species in some areas so it's best to keep them indoors.
Care Advice
Light: Medium to bright light
Water: When top two inches are dry to the touch
Temperature: 65 to 85 degrees
Humidity: 40 to 60%
