Woman watering poinsettia plant while standing at home   Credit: GETTY IMAGES



Woman watering poinsettia plant while standing at home   Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Woman watering poinsettia plant while standing at home Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Woman watering poinsettia plant while standing at home

Credit: GETTY IMAGES

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.

Closeup of a green potted norfolk pine plant   Credit: Amelia Martin / GETTY IMAGES

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. 

Care Advice 

Light: Bright, indirect sunlight Water: When top 2 inches are dry to the touchTemperature: 55 to 70 degreesHumidity: 50 to 60% 

Large blooming Thanksgiving/Xmas Cactus   Credit: Kathy Reasor / GETTY IMAGES

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.” 

Light: Medium to bright light Water: When top third of soil is dry to the touchTemperature: 60 to 70 degrees Humidity: 50 to 60% 

Air purifying house plants in home concept. Spathiphyllum are commonly known as spath or peace lilies growing in pot   Credit: Helin Loik-Tomson / GETTY IMAGES

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

Poinsettia (Common Poinsettia, Xmas Flower)   Credit: GETTY IMAGES

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.” 

Light: Bright, indirect sunlight Water: Keep soil damp Temperature: 60 to 70 degrees Humidity: 50 to 75%

Air purifying plants in black pots And white wooden background wall. Thailand Siam Aurora   Credit: GETTY IMAGES

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.” 

Light: Low to medium light (too much sunlight can bleach the color)Water: Keep soil moist Temperature: 60 to 80 degreesHumidity: 60 to 70% 

Home and garden decoration of golden pothos in the bathroom   Credit: GETTY IMAGES

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.”

Light: Low to medium lightWater: When top two inches are dry to the touchTemperature: 70 to 90 degreesHumidity: 50 to 70% 

Scindapsus Pictus Silver Lady leaves on a white background   Credit: GETTY IMAGES

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.” 

Light: Medium to bright, indirect light Water: When top two inches are dry to the touchTemperature: 65 to 75 degreesHumidity: 40 to 60% 

Rosmarinus officinalis in the pot   Credit: GETTY IMAGES

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.”

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.

Light: Full sunWater: When soil is completely dry  Temperature: 55 to 80 degreesHumidity: 45 to 55% 

Calathea roseopicta Dottie, Rosy pink leaf close-up on the windowsill in bright sunlight with shadows   Credit: GETTY IMAGES

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.

Light: Medium, indirect sunlight Water: Keep soil moist Temperature: 65 to 85 degreesHumidity: 50 to 60% 

Ivy growing out of plant pot on wooden table   Credit: GETTY IMAGES

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 touchTemperature: 65 to 85 degreesHumidity: 40 to 60% 

Closeup of a green potted norfolk pine plant Credit: Amelia Martin / GETTY IMAGES

Closeup of a green potted norfolk pine plant

Credit: Amelia Martin / GETTY IMAGES

Large blooming Thanksgiving/Xmas Cactus Credit: Kathy Reasor / GETTY IMAGES

Large blooming Thanksgiving/Xmas Cactus

Credit: Kathy Reasor / GETTY IMAGES

Air purifying house plants in home concept. Spathiphyllum are commonly known as spath or peace lilies growing in pot Credit: Helin Loik-Tomson / GETTY IMAGES

Air purifying house plants in home concept. Spathiphyllum are commonly known as spath or peace lilies growing in pot

Credit: Helin Loik-Tomson / GETTY IMAGES

Poinsettia (Common Poinsettia, Xmas Flower) Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Poinsettia (Common Poinsettia, Xmas Flower)

Air purifying plants in black pots And white wooden background wall. Thailand Siam Aurora Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Air purifying plants in black pots And white wooden background wall. Thailand Siam Aurora

Home and garden decoration of golden pothos in the bathroom Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Home and garden decoration of golden pothos in the bathroom

Scindapsus Pictus Silver Lady leaves on a white background Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Scindapsus Pictus Silver Lady leaves on a white background

Rosmarinus officinalis in the pot Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Rosmarinus officinalis in the pot

Calathea roseopicta Dottie, Rosy pink leaf close-up on the windowsill in bright sunlight with shadows Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Calathea roseopicta Dottie, Rosy pink leaf close-up on the windowsill in bright sunlight with shadows

Ivy growing out of plant pot on wooden table Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Ivy growing out of plant pot on wooden table