I love the holidays, and I love them even more when they’re surrounded by plants. One of my favorite parts of this time of year is cozying up in front of the fireplace with a good book and my favorite plants.
So I’ve put together a list of 13 houseplants that are easy to grow indoors during winter and will help set the mood for Christmas!
| Winter Houseplant Care Takeaways |
|---|
| Opt for plants that thrive in low light conditions |
| Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels |
| Water your plants with room temperature water |
| Allow your plants to dry out between watering |
| Mist your plants regularly to keep them hydrated |
| Avoid placing your plants near cold drafts |
| Fertilize your plants once a month during the winter |
| Consider using grow lights to supplement winter sunlight |
| Be on the lookout for pests and diseases |
| Rotate your plants regularly to ensure even growth |
Poinsettia
Poinsettias are a popular Christmas plant that are widely available at stores around the holiday season. These plants are actually succulents, and they can be grown indoors while they’re not in bloom.
Poinsettias come in many different colors, including red, pink, white, orange and yellow. When grown indoors during the winter months, you’ll want to keep them away from heaters or radiators so they don’t dry out too much.
The poinsettia has long been associated with Christmas time because it blooms as winter arrives in North America (and other places where this plant is native). It’s also known as the “Christmas Star” due to its star-shaped leaves but beware: if you eat any part of this plant (including its red berries), you’ll get sick!
If you’re looking to add some festive plants to your garden this holiday season, check out our guide on the top 10 Christmas plants to add to your garden this year. From holly and ivy to poinsettias and Christmas cactus, we’ve got you covered.
Christmas Cactus
You may have been hearing about Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) for years, but you’re never sure if it’s worth the time and effort to grow one. Well guess what? It is! The plant is native to Mexico and has small glossy leaves that turn red or green in response to its environment.
The flowers are tiny and white, but they bloom at different times on each stem so the entire plant can be covered in blooms during a single season.
Christmas cactus is easy to care for as long as you keep it in bright indirect light indoors during fall and winter months (when nights are cooler).
If you have a south-facing window that gets some direct sun in summertime then move your plant into an area with partial shade so it will grow lush leafy growth instead of flowering!
Christmas Cactus Care
| Care Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Light | Place your Christmas cactus in a bright, indirect light location. |
| Temperature | Keep the plant in a cool room (around 60-70°F) during blooming season. |
| Water | Water your Christmas cactus when the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry. |
| Humidity | Provide your plant with some humidity by placing a bowl of water near it or spritzing it with a water bottle occasionally. |
| Fertilizer | Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks in the growing season. |
| Blooming | Christmas cactus can bloom during fall and winter, but it requires long uninterrupted nights to set buds. |
| Propagation | You can propagate Christmas cactus by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in well-draining soil. |
| Common Issues | Overwatering, underwatering, root rot, and pests such as mealybugs and spider mites are some common issues to watch out for. |
This table outlines some key tips for caring for your Christmas cactus, including light requirements, optimal temperature, watering, humidity, fertilization, blooming tips, propagation, and common problems to look out for.
Norfolk Island Pine
Norfolk Island Pine is an evergreen that is native to Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. It’s popular as a houseplant because it’s so easy to care for—a great choice for the person who doesn’t want to spend too much time maintaining their plant collection over the holidays!
The Norfolk Island Pine is a slow grower, but it has been known to reach heights of up to 30 feet in its native habitats. That said, it can grow up to about 6 feet indoors if given enough space and proper care (which you’ll learn about below).
The foliage is needle-like and typically grows in clusters on either side of branches; this makes them look very full even when they are small.
This tropical plant requires warm temperatures year-round; if your home gets too cold during winter months (or even just one day), your Norfolks may start dropping needles prematurely or become sickly looking overall so make sure this isn’t something that happens!
A humid environment will help keep things healthy as well: try placing pots near windows where they’ll catch morning sun but also benefit from natural warmth radiating off glass walls throughout most days.
Creating a perfect Christmas garden can be a challenge, but with the right tips and advice, it’s definitely achievable. Check out our guide on gardening secrets for a perfect Christmas to learn 13 expert tips on how to create the perfect holiday garden.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. It is best known for its ability to grow on trees and other plants, attaching itself with tendrils that resemble roots.
Mistletoe is often associated with Christmas because it’s traditionally hung in doorways during the holiday season as a sign of good luck.
There are over 100 different types of mistletoe available today, but most varieties can be grown indoors year-round if given proper care.
The easiest way to care for mistletoe at home is by purchasing it from your local nursery or garden center you’ll probably find them under the name “Phoradendron serotinum.” If you prefer growing your own plants from seedlings (recommended!)
Here are some tips:
Mistletoe typically grows best outdoors in shady areas near evergreen trees with high humidity levels such as firs and pines; however, if you choose to plant some indoors instead then keep this in mind when choosing where they should go!
Be sure not too water too much or let them dry out completely; mistletoes need only enough water that they don’t shrivel up but still retain their green coloration throughout their stems and leaves.
Mistletoe Care
Mistletoe is a unique and interesting plant to add to your holiday decor, but it does require some specialized care. Here are some tips to keep your mistletoe healthy:
| Care Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Mistletoe prefers partial shade and cool temperatures. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources such as radiators. |
| Water | Mistletoe requires regular misting to keep the leaves hydrated, but avoid over-watering or letting it sit in standing water. |
| Host Plant | Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that derives nutrients from its host plant; choose a healthy host plant that is appropriate for your mistletoe species. |
| Dormancy | Mistletoe may experience dormancy during the summer months, during which time it may look dead. But it will revive and start growing again in the fall. |
| Toxicity | Mistletoe is toxic to pets and humans when ingested, so take precautions to keep it out of reach of children and pets. |
| Harvesting | If you plan to harvest mistletoe berries or foliage, wear gloves and handle it carefully to avoid contact with the sticky sap. |
By following these tips, you can enjoy a healthy and attractive mistletoe plant during the holiday season.
Bonsai
Bonsai are a Japanese art form that involves growing miniature trees in containers. While there are several different types of bonsai, the most popular is known as shohin bonsai (or “small-size” bonsai).
Shohin trees typically have a trunk height between six and twelve inches and can be grown indoors.
You can also purchase pre-made shohin bonsai plants from garden centers or online, but if you want to plant one yourself, read on for our top tips!
Adding some lights to your garden can be a great way to create a magical holiday atmosphere. Check out our guide on how to create a magical Christmas light display in your garden to learn the best tips and tricks for creating a festive and eye-catching display.
Paperwhites
Paperwhites are easy to grow, and when kept indoors, they can produce a fragrant white flower. Paperwhites should be placed in a medium sized pot or on a window sill with good light. They need plenty of water and the soil should be allowed to dry up between watering sessions.
Paperwhites are an annual bulb that produces a single stem with several small, star-shaped flowers which open from the bottom upwards over two or three weeks.
The flowers look like they have been cut out of paper as they are white with greenish tips that give them their name – paperwhite narcissi!
Orchids
Bright, beautiful orchids are a great addition to any home. They’re fragrant and easy to care for, and they can be grown in pots or in the ground. You can even grow them indoors!
Adding festive plants to your digital Christmas cards or decorations can be a great way to make them more personalized and unique. Check out our guide on how to add flowers in a photo – easy way to learn how to edit your photos and add beautiful flowers or other plants to them.
Amaryllis
- Amaryllis is a bulb that blooms in winter. It’s easy to grow indoors, and a good choice for beginners.
- If you want to add a seasonal touch without spending too much time on your garden, amaryllis can be an excellent option. The flower itself is beautiful but delicate, so it’s best used as an accent or centerpiece instead of something that will be up all year long.
Flowering Kalanchoe
The flowering Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a perennial succulent plant that produces small flowers in shades of white, pink or red.
The plant has trailing stems and can grow up to 3 feet tall if provided enough light and water.
Kalanchoes are easy to care for and make excellent houseplants because they require very little attention to thrive.
They can be grown outdoors in containers if you live in a warm climate but need protection from frost during winter months.
As long as your flowering kalanchoe receives enough light each day (at least 6 hours), it will continue to flower all year long.
Adding fresh Christmas plants to your home decor can be a great way to create a festive and cozy atmosphere, but it can be expensive. Check out our guide on how to afford fresh flowers – expert tips to learn some great tips and tricks for finding affordable fresh flowers and plants to use in your holiday decor.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen are perennial flowering plants, making them great houseplants. They are easy to care for and low maintenance, so you can enjoy their colorful blooms indoors year-round.
Cyclamen have attractive flowers that come in a variety of colors such as red, pink and white. The leaves are usually smooth on most species but can be textured on some types as well you may see them described as “rough” or “hairy” in catalogs and other sources of information about these plants.
Cyclamen should be grown in pots with drainage holes at the bottom so excess water doesn’t collect inside the pot; if this happens often enough it could cause root rot which is not only dangerous but also difficult to treat!
When deciding where to place your cyclamen indoors consider how much ambient light there will be wherever they’ll sit – too little light will result in pale foliage while too much could burn its leaves due to overexposure
PomPom Amaryllis
The pom-pom amaryllis, which is a type of bulbous perennial, is the perfect addition to your Christmas decor if you want to add some cheerful color. These bulbs bloom in late winter and early spring, around Easter time (hence their name), and come in a variety of flower colors like red, pink and white.
The flowers are a favorite among florists because they’re so easy to care for and grow! Just plant them in the ground in fall or early winter, then wait until they bloom before bringing them inside for the holidays.
When it comes time to bring them indoors take off all but one leaf per stem so that they’ll continue growing you’d be surprised how quickly these little guys will start sprouting new leaves after being brought into a warm environment!
You can also start these plants from seed by pre-chilling them before planting outdoors next fall or winter this will help keep them alive through cold nights until spring comes along when you can move outside permanently.
This method only works with certain varieties though (like ‘Snowflake’) so make sure yours isn’t one before trying this out!
Potted amaryllis plants make great gifts too; just wrap up some soil around each bulb along with instructions on how much sunlight/watering frequency is needed throughout its lifespan.”
Begonia
Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae. It was named after French botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle (1778–1841). Begonia is native to tropical climates throughout the world and has become widely cultivated for its large, showy flowers.
Begonia is a genus of about 1,000 species of flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae. They are distributed throughout all continents except Antarctica. Some species have become naturalized in Europe and North America (e.g., Begonia grandis).
These stout-stemmed herbs can be annuals, biennials or perennials depending on the species; they grow from fleshy rhizomes which creep along the surface or form stolons as well as produce tubers at their ends if conditions are suitable for them to do so (thus enabling new colonies to form).
Christmas Rose or Hellebore
If you’re looking for a Christmas plant that will add to your holiday decor without taking away from it, consider the Christmas rose or hellebore.
This evergreen perennial is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, which makes it ideal for indoor use. Hellebores bloom in December with white flowers that resemble miniature poinsettias and make a gorgeous addition to mantles or tabletops during the holidays.
Conclusion
These plants are great for any room and can be combined with colorful ornaments, candles or even a Christmas-themed tablecloth to create a festive atmosphere.
The best thing about these plants is that they don’t require much care, so you can enjoy them all year-round!
Further Reading
For more information and tips on caring for your plants during the winter season and for Christmas, check out the following resources:
The Best Houseplants for Winter: A comprehensive guide to the best houseplants to keep during the winter season from NY Mag Strategist, with tips on how to care for them.
Can I decorate my plants for Christmas?: A helpful article from Pilea.com that provides insights on how to safely decorate your indoor plants for the holiday season.
Best winter house plants: from flowering favourites to carefree ferns: Curated by Homes and Gardens, this article offers a range of fantastic options for adding some greenery to your home during the winter season.
FAQs
What are some popular Christmas plants?
Some popular Christmas plants include poinsettias, Christmas cactus, amaryllis, cyclamen, paperwhites, and rosemary.
What are the benefits of adding plants to your home during winter?
Adding plants to your home during the winter season can help improve air quality, boost your mood, reduce stress levels, and even help you sleep better.
How often should I water my winter plants?
The frequency of watering your winter plants varies depending on the type of plant, light exposure, and temperature. In general, it’s best to let the soil dry out between watering but keep an eye out for any signs of under or overwatering.
Can I keep my plants near a window during winter?
Plants that require bright light and warm temperatures should be kept near a south-facing window during winter to ensure they receive the necessary amount of sunlight. However, be sure to protect them from cold drafts.
How can I tell if my plants are getting too little or too much water?
If your plant’s leaves are drooping, it could be a sign of under-watering, while yellowing leaves or a moldy smell could be a sign of over-watering. Always check the soil before watering and adjust accordingly.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
