10 Festive Christmas Plants and Flowers to Deck the Halls

Poinsettia

Euphorbia pulcherrima

This is the quintessential Christmas flower. The “blooms” are actually bright red (or sometimes pink, white or variegated) bracts surrounding small yellow true flowers. While here we grab them in compact pots, poinsettias can reach up to 10 feet outdoors in their native Mexico. Give them bright, filtered light, keep daytime temperature around 65 to 70 degrees with no drafts. Water when the top of the soil starts to dry, but don’t let the plants sit in standing water. Poinsettias also like humidity, and misting helps.

Why we love it: Classic, giftable and straight out of a Hallmark movie—it’s the warm red heart of holiday décor.

Christmas Cactus

Schlumbergera × buckleyi

Unlike desert cacti, this tropical (Brazilian) succulent has flattened, segmented stems and lovely flowers that burst in pinks, reds and white. Christmas cactus indirect light, well-draining soil and moderate watering. To trigger blooming, expose it to cooler nights (around 55 to 60 degrees) and 12 to 14 hours of darkness in the fall. After blooming, let the soil dry a bit and encourage another flush of flowers.

Why we love it: It brings that warm, vacation-in-Santa Fe vibe to your home. When it flowers, it’s like indoor fireworks.

Amaryllis

Hippeastrum

This one is pure drama: An amaryllis bulb sends up a tall stalk topped with trumpet-shaped blooms in red, pink, white or striped versions. Plant the bulb so one-third is exposed, use a well-draining potting mix and provide bright, indirect light. During flowering, keep the soil moist but not soggy, and rotate the pot so the stalk grows straight. After bloom, let the bulb rest in cool, dark conditions (around 55 to 60 degrees) for a few weeks to encourage future blooms.

Why we love it: Those trumpets feel like a miniature brass orchestra playing “The Nutcracker” right in your living room.

Norfolk Island Pine

Araucaria heterophylla

The tropical conifer that looks like a mini Christmas tree is perfect for tabletops or mantels. Indoors, Norfolk Island pine usually tops out at 3 to 8 feet.

Give it bright, indirect light and rotate the pot weekly so it grows evenly. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but never let it sit in standing water. It also loves humidity, so mist the needles, group it with other plants, or use a humidifier.

Why we love it: It’s a living, evergreen Christmas tree on a small scale, adding a little gnome village’s worth of whimsy to your home.

Eugenia Topiary

Eugenia myrtifolia

This plant, sculpted into charming spirals or spheres, brings the refined elegance of a European garden into your home. It prefers bright light and moderate moisture. While a full care profile depends on the exact cultivar and topiary shape, most eugenia topiaries do well with regular watering, feeding during the growing season, and a trim to maintain their form.

Why we love it: It’s like a tiny alpine retreat for your tabletop. Think cozy chalet, frosted windows and a miniature living forest you can admire indoors all winter.

English Ivy

Hedera helix

With its trailing vines and evergreen leaves, English ivy adds a sense of old-world cheer. It dates back to celebrations in ancient Rome, where it symbolized revelry and good fortune. English ivy prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining potting soil. Water when the top of the soil begins to dry, and don’t let it sit in water. Keep the humidity moderate.

Do note that this plant is listed as invasive in several states, so keep it potted indoors. Keep it away from pets and children, as the leaves are toxic.

Why we love it: A cascade of ivy feels like a lush wreath or garland — like nature’s own holiday trim.

Bromeliad

Guzmania

These tropical plants often produce a central “flower spike” or rosette of colorful bracts in red, pink, orange or yellow. Use a well-draining, loose potting mix. Water the central “cup” of the plant and occasionally flush it out. They tolerate a range of light, but most prefer bright, indirect sun.

Why we love it: Bromeliads are tough plants. Go on that holiday trip or forget to water for a week, and they’re still going strong.

Red Caladium

Caladium

With heart-shaped leaves in rosy red, pink or deep burgundy, red caladiums bring bold color into dim corners. Grow in well-draining, rich soil, and keep it evenly moist. Provide bright, indirect light. These tubers may go dormant, so reduce watering when foliage dies back.

Why we love it: It’s like holiday wallpaper in plant form—bright, festive and lasting for years if cared for.

Red Aglaonema

Aglaonema

This is a forgiving houseplant with deep red or pink-splashed leaves, mixing beauty and resilience. Red aglaonema tolerates lower light but really thrives in bright, indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil dries and maintain moderate humidity.

Why we love it: According to feng shui, aglaonema brings good luck. And in holiday form, that sounds like the perfect present to your home.

Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

This fragrant herb doubles as a holiday green and a kitchen essential. A small rosemary topiary or bush adds a piney scent, but you can also clip sprigs for the roast. Rosemary needs at least six hours of bright light (a sunny windowsill is ideal), well-draining soil and moderate watering. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

Why we love it: We don’t just plant it; we grow our garnish. Plus, its citrusy-pine aroma is just the thing for cozy holiday cooking.