5 Best Christmas Houseplants for Seasonal Flowers

Did you know that some houseplants bloom during the holiday season? Well, if you’re decorating your home in the coming weeks, you might want to consider adding some of the best Christmas houseplants to the mix.

There are a wide variety of houseplants available, whether you’re looking for impossible-to-kill houseplants or the best air-purifying houseplants. And while much of the garden lies dormant during the winter, a number of houseplants burst into bloom during the colder months, just in time for Christmas.

We’ve put together a list of the best Christmas houseplants for winter bloomers to help you breathe a little more life into your home during the holidays.

1. Poinsettia

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We couldn’t open our list of the best Christmas houseplants without the poinsettia. The red bracts (not the petals, contrary to popular belief) are a holiday staple and also make brilliant gifts.

Learning how to care for a poinsettia is relatively simple, as long as you choose the right location for it.

“Poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect light and should be kept away from drafts and temperature fluctuations,” says Jo, founder of Beards & Daisies. “Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot.”

Where to buy poinsettia:

Joe Lambell

Jo discovered her passion for houseplants in 2001 after carrying a 6ft Monstera on public transport and realizing there had to be a better way to get the plants delivered. This gave rise to the idea of a company that makes factory delivery more accessible. Jo and her Plant Folk team aim to spread the love of plants, sharing expert advice with budding and seasoned plant enthusiasts.

2. Cyclamen

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Did you think cyclamen was reserved for outdoors? Well, it is true that cyclamen is one of the best winter flowers for colorful flowers in the garden at Christmas – but some varieties of Persian cyclamen can be grown indoors, which means it’s also one of the best Christmas houseplants.

“Florist cyclamen was specially bred to be grown indoors and is an outdoor plant cultivar native to Turkey,” says Kelly Dyer, houseplant expert at Patch. “They grow from bulbs and, after putting on leaves and flowers over winter, they will ‘die’ in spring. This doesn’t mean they’re dead – they’re just resting.

Although flowering times depend on the variety, most indoor cyclamen will produce butterfly-shaped flowers during the winter months, forming bright displays at Christmas. Besides that, you can enjoy their iconic heart-shaped leaves.

Where to buy indoor cyclamen:

Kelly Dyer

Patch’s plant doctor, Kelly Dyer, is an RHS-trained horticulturist and lover of the botanical world who has honed her skills over nearly a decade of study and work. She has practical experience as a head gardener, greenhouse gardener and independent garden designer. Based in the UK, Kelly was born in South Africa, where her admiration for the weird and wonderful world of flora was inspired.

3. Christmas Cactus

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Christmas cactus, or Schlumbergerais a succulent houseplant that produces vibrant pink, red, or white flowers during the winter. Although it is a tropical plant, caring for a Christmas cactus is easy.

And although it is a member of the cactus family, this houseplant prefers humidity over harsh conditions. Also dry. “Keep the soil slightly moist and provide bright but indirect light for the best flowering show,” advises Jo.

There are also some places to avoid when choosing a location for a Christmas cactus. “Keep your plant away from drafts and radiators,” says Kelly. “Hit it with moisture by misting it daily or keeping it in the kitchen or bathroom. »

Providing your Christmas cactus with the right amount of darkness will also promote better flowering. “Make sure your cactus gets cooler nights and around 12 to 14 hours of darkness before its flowering period,” says Jo.

Where to buy Christmas cacti:

4. Amaryllis

(Image credit: Getty Images/Melissa Ross)

Looking for bold, showy flowers? Amaryllis is also on our list of the best Christmas houseplants – it’s another popular Christmas gift that blooms during the winter.

Also known as HippeastrumAmaryllis is known for its tall stems and large, trumpet-shaped flowers, perfect for tabletop arrangements. You’ll just need to keep it out of reach of pets, as it’s one of the most toxic festive plants.

“Turn the pot regularly as the stem grows to prevent it leaning towards the light,” advises Jo. “Water sparingly until growth appears, then water regularly. »

If you want to grow them from scratch, you will need to learn how to plant amaryllis bulbs in pots. However, if you are familiar with the guidelines for when to plant amaryllis bulbs, you will know that we are fast approaching the deadline. end of planting window if you’re aiming for Christmas flowers. However, you can still purchase the plants.

Where to buy amaryllis:

5. Indoor Azaleas

(Image credit: Getty Images/OlgaVolodina)

Like cyclamen, azaleas can also be grown indoors. All you have to do is choose the right cultivars – and Rhododendron simsii make fantastic Christmas houseplants, bringing a splash of color indoors during the festive period.

“Indoor azaleas are loved for their beautiful flowers, which range from white and pink to deep red,” says Jo. “They prefer a cool, very humid place – a little challenging, but rewarding.”

Where to buy indoor azaleas:

FAQs

What is the most popular potted plant for Christmas?

Poinsettias are probably the most popular potted Christmas plant. Not only is it an incredibly common Christmas gift, but the bracts are also used as Christmas decorations or kept in a vase for table and mantel arrangements.

Amaryllis is another popular potted plant for Christmas thanks to its showy trumpet flowers. The tall stems make it a centerpiece in any living or dining room.

Which plant is ideal as a Christmas gift?

As we’ve already mentioned, poinsettia and amaryllis are the most popular Christmas plant gifts. The Christmas cactus is another great option, especially for friends and family who aren’t the best plant parents.

Of course, orchids are very popular gifts for houseplant lovers and, paired with a stylish pot to display them in, they make a timeless gift for anyone who loves their home.

These are the best Christmas houseplants on our radar this year. Which ones will you add to your collection?