Christmas plants have been integral to holiday decorating for centuries, with traditions dating back to ancient civilizations.
Today, the Christmas plant industry thrives. Whether displayed as centerpieces, wreaths, or potted arrangements, these festive botanicals bring natural beauty and symbolic meaning to holiday décor.
Here’s a curated selection of 16 plants that not only survive but thrive during the winter season, each offering unique characteristics from vibrant blooms to evergreen foliage, perfect for creating a festive atmosphere in your home.
1. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

The undisputed star of Christmas plants, poinsettias bring instant festive flair with their vibrant red bracts and deep green foliage. These iconic plants have become synonymous with holiday decorating, selling millions each year. (ref)
Their stunning color combination perfectly captures the essence of Christmas cheer.
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- Place in bright, indirect sunlight
- Water only when the soil feels dry
- Keep away from cold drafts
- Maintain room temperature between 65-70°F
2. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)
These show-stopping blooms feature large, trumpet-shaped flowers that command attention in any holiday display. Available in festive red or pristine white, amaryllis creates a dramatic centerpiece with its tall stems and bold blooms.
Their tropical origin adds an unexpected twist to traditional Christmas decor.
- Position in a warm, bright area
- Water sparingly until buds form
- Rotate the pot regularly for straight growth
- Support tall stems as needed
3. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
This charming succulent delivers delicate cascading flowers in pink, red, or white during the holiday season. The Christmas cactus offers a perfect blend of exotic beauty and seasonal timing.
Its unique form provides an interesting contrast to traditional holiday greenery.
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Water when the top inch of soil dries
- Maintain humid environment
- Keep away from heat sources
4. Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
This elegant evergreen serves as a perfect living Christmas tree alternative. With soft needles and a naturally symmetrical shape, it brings year-round holiday charm without the mess of traditional Christmas trees.
Its compact size makes it ideal for apartments or small spaces.
- Give 6-8 hours of direct sunlight
- Keep soil evenly moist
- Rotate regularly for uniform growth
- Use only lightweight ornaments
5. English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Nothing says Christmas quite like holly’s glossy green leaves and bright red berries. This traditional favorite brings an instant holiday spirit to both indoor and outdoor decorating schemes.
Its classic appearance works beautifully in wreaths, garlands, or potted displays.
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- Plant in full sun or shade
- Ensure well-draining soil
- Water moderately
- Check berries for firmness
6. Cymbidium Orchids (Cymbidium)
These elegant winter bloomers add sophisticated charm to holiday decorations. Originally from Himalayan forests, these orchids naturally bloom during winter months, making them perfect for Christmas displays.
Their long-lasting blooms provide weeks of festive beauty.
- Provide bright, filtered light
- Maintain cool temperatures
- Water weekly
- Ensure good air circulation
7. Azalea (Rhododendron)
Azaleas, with their abundant blooms, bring fullness and color to holiday decorating. Available in shades of red and white, these plants can flower for up to four weeks during the festive season. Their lush appearance creates an impressive display.
- Keep in cool, humid areas
- Maintain consistently moist soil
- Water 2-3 times weekly
- Avoid heat sources
8. Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus)
These fragrant narcissus varieties create a magical winter wonderland atmosphere with their pure white blooms. Their delicate flowers and sweet scent bring a touch of natural elegance to holiday decorating.
Paperwhites can be easily forced to bloom indoors during the winter months.
- Provide daily sunlight
- Plant in shallow containers with pebbles
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Support tall stems as needed
9. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
These show-stopping shrubs offer elegant white blooms that resemble snowballs, making them perfect for winter holiday displays. The Shooting Star variety creates a particularly dramatic effect with its star-like blooming pattern.
Their full, dense flower heads create an instant focal point in any festive arrangement.
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Avoid direct sunlight and heaters
- Maintain cool room temperature
10. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
This tropical succulent brings vibrant clusters of tiny flowers perfect for holiday decorating. At just 12-18 inches tall, it makes an ideal tabletop decoration. Its fleshy, scalloped leaves provide an interesting contrast to traditional holiday greenery.
- Plant in a well-draining succulent mix
- Provide 8 hours of indirect light
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Keep away from drafts
11. Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
This charming ground cover offers a festive combination of dark green leaves and bright red berries. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor holiday displays, it brings traditional Christmas colors in a compact form.
Its natural minty fragrance adds another sensory dimension to holiday decorating.
- Plant in partial to full shade
- Keep soil moist but not soggy
- Maintain cool temperatures
- Ensure good air circulation
12. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
With their glossy, heart-shaped flowers and deep green leaves, anthuriums add tropical elegance to holiday displays. Their long-lasting blooms in festive red or pure white make them excellent Christmas plants.
These striking plants can flower for several months with proper care.
- Place in bright, indirect light
- Water when topsoil feels dry
- Maintain high humidity
- Keep the temperature above 60°F
13. Rieger Begonia (Begonia × hiemalis)
Also known as winter begonias, these plants produce abundant blooms in holiday-perfect colors. Their rose-like flowers create a luxurious display during the winter months.
The contrast between dark foliage and bright blooms makes them particularly striking.
- Provide bright, filtered light
- Keep the soil lightly moist
- Maintain moderate humidity
- Avoid cold drafts
14. Winter Rose (Rosa chinensis)
These compact roses bring classic beauty to indoor holiday displays. Their miniature blooms offer continuous color throughout the season. Available in traditional Christmas colors, they make charming additions to holiday decorating schemes.
- Place in a sunny location
- Water consistently
- Prune spent blooms
- Feed with rose fertilizer
15. Christmas Berry (Ardisia crenata)
This elegant plant features clusters of bright red berries against dark green foliage. Its naturally festive appearance makes it perfect for holiday decorating. The berries persist for months, providing a long-lasting Christmas color.
- Grow in partial shade
- Keep soil evenly moist
- Maintain warm temperatures
- Protect from cold drafts
16. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Though not traditionally associated with Christmas, winter jasmine provides cheerful yellow blooms during the holiday season. Its bright flowers appear on bare stems, creating a striking winter display.
The unexpected color adds variety to traditional holiday plant schemes.
- Position in full sun
- Water moderately
- Provide good drainage
- Protect from harsh winds
From traditional favorites to unexpected winter bloomers, these 16 festive plants offer diverse options for holiday decorating. Each brings its own unique charm, whether through vibrant flowers, distinctive foliage, or seasonal berries.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.