The short dark days and bitter cold of winter can sometimes be harrowing, but Christmas plants as interior decorations always lift the spirits. Plus, these plants make the perfect gift for someone you're having a hard time finding something suitable for. Christmas plants make a beautiful and bright addition to any room, and many of the best of them require little care.
What are the most festive Christmas plants?
Here are 9 of our favorite indoor Christmas plants, from poinsettias to more exotic plants. In addition to bringing festive cheer, these winter plants exude scents that evoke nostalgia and create aromas that fill homes with undeniable warmth.
The easy-care Christmas cactus
Christmas cacti are so pretty that they could rival the beauty of the ornaments on your tree. They are among the most resilient festival plants and can last for decades. Different species bloom at different times of the year, including winter and spring.
The poinsettia – a classic for the holidays
This beautiful houseplant is a Christmas classic that will add a touch of red and green to your Christmas decorations. The angular silhouetteof the poinsettiarepresent the Star of Bethlehem, making it a must for the festival.
Christmas plants for the holy night: large amaryllis
Amaryllis have spectacular flowers that can bloom for weeks with little care. They are available in a few colors: white, red, coral, burgundy, pink and others. With a little care, the large bulbs can even bloom again after a period of dormancy.
If the plant comes in a plain pot, put it in a decorative container or cut off the long-stemmed flowers and soak them in water with floral preservative. The cut flowers are stunning in tall, clear glass cylinders, but they can be a little top-heavy, so make sure the container you use doesn't tip over.
Note: Be careful with this plant around pets as they are poisonous if consumed.
Azaleas – the delicate winter flowers
With their vibrant blooms so rare and precious in winter, azaleas are classic gifts for Christmas and New Year joy. However, since they are quite fragile,special care requiredso that they last a long time.
Part of the rhododendron family, azaleas come from Japan, where they are given as good luck charms. In Germany they are presented in flower shops in the middle of winter with bright red, white, purple or mixed flowers. A recent study even showed that azaleas have a positive influence on the mind's ability to concentrate.
English Holly – a holly for Christmas
There are approximately 600 species of holly, but the English variety has become a Christmas classic with its forest green leaves and bright red berries. It is ideal for growing in planters and pots, unlike some other species that can only grow in plant beds.
When choosing your plant, look for sturdy stems with dense leaves. Make sure the berries are firm, evenly colored, and close to the stem. These bushes are very hardy and grow well in full shade or full sun. English holly can live in a pot for years if it is regularly pruned to a height of 60 to 90 cm.
The charming Kalanchoe
With their plump, green leaves and bright flowers, Kalanchoes are another Christmas favorite. The varieties with white, pink or red flowers bloom for weeks and pair well with seasonal colors. You can also find them in bright orange and yellow.
Christmas plants for decoration: cyclamen
Cyclamen may not be as well-known a Christmas plant as poinsettias or amaryllis, but they can brighten up your holiday decorations just as much. Its heart-shaped leaves and flowers in lilac, purple, white, pink and other colors look beautiful. Add a ribbon and a bow and voila! Foil-wrapped cyclamen is a welcome gift for teachers, co-workers and neighbors.
Stored in a cool place, these plants bloom until spring. They go dormant after flowering but usually revive after a period of dormancy.
The Norfolk Pine – an evergreen festive plant
This long-lived plant makes a great tabletop tree if you don't have room for a large one, but its branches aren't all that sturdy, so stick with light Christmas tree decorations. Simply mist weekly or break out the humidifier to keep these tropical plants thriving well into the new year.
Christmas plants: The Christmas rose
The Christmas rose, which is not technically a true rose, gets its name from an old legend that claims it germinated in the snow. It is actually a hardy perennial that blooms in the winter months, so it is often called the Lenten rose or snow rose. Its papery flowers stand out stunningly against the waxy, evergreen leaves and it can be planted outdoors in spring.
