Brighten Your Holidays: Top Indoor Plants for Festive Cheer and Cozy Homes
When you think of the holidays, you likely think of evergreens. But think again!
Holiday plants can bring warmth and life to your home during the long, cold Minnesota winters. Our garden experts at Copper Creek shared a few of their favorite indoor plant options that are popular this time of year.
Amaryllis
The Amaryllis is a tropical bulb plant known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in vibrant shades of red, pink, white, or striped patterns. It's a popular holiday plant due to its ability to bloom indoors during winter.
Care Tips:
Light: Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal.
Watering: Water sparingly until growth appears; then, keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Temperature: Prefer temperatures of 65-75°F.
Decorative Uses:
Plant multiple bulbs in a large, shallow pot for a dramatic display.
Add moss or pebbles around the base to give it a natural, elegant appearance.
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus is a popular holiday plant known for its cascading stems and vibrant, tubular flowers that bloom in shades of red, pink, white, or purple. Its festive blooms often appear during the winter holidays, making it a beloved decoration and gift.
Care Tips:
Light: Bright but indirect light; too much sun can scorch the leaves.
Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Temperature: Cool nights (50-60°F) help encourage blooming.
Decorative Uses:
Place it in a hanging basket or decorative planter for a cascading effect.
Use colorful ribbons or ornaments around the pot to tie it into your holiday décor.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen is a charming winter-blooming plant known for its heart-shaped leaves with silver patterns and vibrant flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or purple. Its elegant blooms and compact size make it a popular choice for holiday décor and gifting.
Care Tips:
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Watering: Water from below to avoid wetting the leaves, and let excess water drain.
Temperature: Prefers cooler temperatures, 60-65°F.
Decorative Uses:
Group them in a cluster of varying colors for a cheerful windowsill display.
Use them as hostess gifts, wrapped in festive paper or tied with a holiday bow.
Gaultheria
Gaultheria (commonly called Wintergreen) is a low-growing evergreen shrub known for its glossy green leaves, fragrant white or pink bell-shaped flowers, and vibrant red berries that last through winter. Often used as a festive plant during the holidays, Gaultheria adds seasonal charm to indoor arrangements, wreaths, and outdoor pots. Its berries are also a food source for birds in winter.
Care Tips:
Light: Prefers partial to full shade. It thrives in low-light areas indoors or dappled sunlight outdoors.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but well-drained. Avoid waterlogging.
Soil: Acidic soil is essential for Gaultheria (like soil for azaleas or rhododendrons).
Temperature: Hardy to cold temperatures, but indoors, maintain a cool to moderate room temperature.
Pruning: Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape.
Decorative Uses:
Place in small decorative pots for table centerpieces or use them as accents on holiday mantels.
Combine with evergreen sprigs and holly for seasonal wreaths or floral arrangements.
Great for terrariums or small, festive winter garden displays indoors.
Lemon Crest Cypress
Lemon Crest Cypress is a compact evergreen tree with soft, feathery, lime-green foliage and a pleasant citrus scent. Often used as a decorative mini holiday tree, it adds a fresh and vibrant touch to indoor spaces. Its upright, conical shape makes it ideal for festive décor with ornaments or lights.
Care Tips:
Light: Loves bright, indirect sunlight. Place near a sunny window.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, but don’t let it dry out completely. It prefers slightly moist soil.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix is ideal. Avoid overly heavy or compact soil.
Temperature: Thrives in cool to moderate indoor temperatures (50-70°F). Keep away from heat sources and drafts.
Pruning: Prune sparingly to maintain its shape.
Decorative Uses:
Use as a mini holiday tree in festive pots, decorated with small ornaments and fairy lights.
Pair with poinsettias or other seasonal plants for a cheerful indoor arrangement.
Incorporate it into tablescapes for a modern, minimalist holiday look.
Norfolk Island Pine
The Norfolk Island Pine is a tropical evergreen known for its soft, symmetrical branches and elegant, tiered structure. While not a true pine, it is often used as a small, indoor Christmas tree during the holidays, decorated with lights and ornaments. Its graceful appearance makes it a popular houseplant year-round.
Care Tips:
Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid placing it in dark corners.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mist occasionally to increase humidity.
Temperature: Thrives at 60-70°F.
Decorative Uses:
Dress it up as a mini-Christmas tree with tiny ornaments, lights, and ribbons.
Place it in a woven basket or ceramic pot to complement your home’s style.
Poinsettias
Poinsettias are vibrant, flowering plants most commonly associated with the holiday season. They are known for their striking red, pink, white, or variegated bracts (modified leaves), which surround small, yellowish flowers in the center. Native to Mexico, poinsettias are typically grown as ornamental plants in homes, gardens, and public spaces during winter. Though often mistaken for flowers, the colorful bracts are actually leaves, with the true flowers being the small, less noticeable blooms in the center.
Care Tips:
Light: Place near a sunny window with indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
Watering: Water when the soil feels dry; ensure proper drainage to avoid root rot.
Temperature: Keep between 65-70°F, away from drafts or heating vents.
Decorative Uses:
Use poinsettias as table centerpieces in decorative pots or wrap their containers in festive foil.
Arrange them around the base of your Christmas tree for a cohesive holiday look.
See Copper Creek’s Poinsettia Care Guide Here.
Each of these plants will not only brighten your home, but they also make wonderful gifts! Stop by the Garden Center and Greenhouse at Copper Creek to see our selection of holiday plants, and deck more than your halls this holiday season.
Happy Holidays!