With Winter in the works, the weather outside continues to get more frightful and the vibrant colors of nature begin to fade. Why not add some color to your own cozy abode with your own array of holiday houseplants?! From the majestic Amaryllis to the charming Christmas Cactus, the iconic Poinsettia, and the elegant Norfolk Pine, these plants not only animate your living space but also contribute to its merry atmosphere. We’ll explore essential growing tips for each of these holiday favorites to ensure your home is a botanical wonderland throughout the festive season.
Amaryllis - A Trumpet-Shaped Flower of Beauty
Amaryllis plants provide a striking and elegant touch to any home’s interior. With bold red, rosy, and white petals and trumpet-shaped blooms, they fit perfectly into any holiday setting. They hail from the Western Cape region of South Africa hence their exotic and beautiful appearance. Here are some growing tips to help your Amaryllis thrive:
- Planting: Set the bottom two-thirds of the bulb into the soil, and leave the top-third of the bulb exposed. Once they bloom, Amaryllis can become top-heavy and fall over.
- Light: For optimal growth, provide your Amaryllis with a warm, bright, and sunny indoor area of your home.
- Watering: Water your Amaryllis on a regular, weekly basis, and ensure that the soil remains moist.
Christmas Cactus – Adding a Touch of Warmth to Your Indoors 
There are three types of holiday cacti: Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, and each type blooms around the holiday it’s named after. For many families, the Christmas cacti is a heritage plant where pieces are shared and propagated from generation to generation. The Christmas cacti is known for its cascading branches adorned with vibrant blooms. Christmas cacti are relatively easy to grow, but it is important to understand their basic needs:
- Light: Place your Christmas cactus near a window where it can absorb ample indirect light. Keep in mind your artificial light as well. Too much artificial light can trick your cactus into thinking it’s still summer, and delay blooming.
- Temperature: Christmas cacti prefer some humidity along with cooler to moderate temperatures for abundant flower production (60 – 70 degrees).
- Watering: Christmas cacti doesn’t like to be quite as dry as some of its arid cousins. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
Poinsettia – The Heart of Holiday Houseplants
The Poinsettia is probably one of the most well-known holiday plants, and is a jolly must-have that’s beloved for its crimson flowers with tiny gold centers and for its vivid red bracts. The Poinsettia’s lifespan ranges anywhere between two to three months and blooms right around the holiday season. Poinsettias can be a bit high-maintenance to care for, but if you follow these simple tips, your Poinsettia is sure to have a bold bloom:
- Light: Poinsettias require plenty of bright, indirect sunlight
- Watering: Water around once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch, you can even wait until the flowers begin to droop to help avoid over-watering. Be sure to allow excess water to drain.
- Temperature: Even though Poinsettias require ample indirect sunlight, they are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so don’t place them near drafty areas or heat sources.
Norfolk Pine – A Miniature Depiction of Evergreen Elegance
The Norfolk Pine, resembling a miniature Christmas tree, adds a touch of evergreen charm. You can even add your own decorative miniature ornaments and a miniature star-topper to your Norfolk Pine to further foster a sense of festive cheer to your humble abode. Interestingly, the Norfolk Pine is actually not a pine tree. It is a tropical plant that dates all the way back to the Jurassic period and thrives in a warmer climate with moderate humidity. While propagating your Norfolk Pine, be sure to provide it with its ideal environment:
- Light: Requires bright, indirect sunlight, and avoid sudden changes in lighting conditions.
- Humidity: Norfolk Pines appreciate higher humidity levels, especially while growing in dryer, indoor environments.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at least every two weeks and mist daily if potted indoors.
Seasons Greenings!
By incorporating these holiday houseplants into your home, you not only enhance its visual appeal with hues of red and green, but you also create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Remember to tailor your plant care routine to the specific needs of each plant. With some attention and love, your home will be a colorful and cozy haven throughout the holiday season!