Read by Michael Flamel

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a living plant in Winter. While the world outside lies dormant or dusted in snow, a splash of green indoors reminds us that life is still growing, thriving—and maybe even blooming—right under our noses.

This holiday season, Americans are turning to houseplants like never before to brighten their homes with festive cheer. Whether you have a windowsill, a sunroom, or an ambitious living room corner with dreams of something taller, there’s a holiday houseplant (or tree!) just for you.

The Top Holiday Houseplants in American Homes This Season

1. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

No list would be complete without this classic red-and-green beauty. Native to Mexico, poinsettias thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer slightly moist soil. Keep them away from drafts, and you can extend their color well into the new year.

“My grandma always lined the staircase with poinsettias. Now I do the same, even if I only have room for three on my apartment steps!” — Ashley, Baltimore, MD

Care Rating: Moderate

Fun Fact: The bright “flowers” are actually colored leaves called bracts!

2. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.)

Want a holiday showstopper? The amaryllis bulb delivers! These bold, trumpet-shaped blooms come in red, white, and even striped varieties.

“My kids love checking the amaryllis each morning to see if it’s bloomed overnight. It’s like nature’s advent calendar.” — Marcus, Minneapolis, MN

Care Rating: Easy

Tip: Stake tall stems for support and plant the bulb with the top third peeking above the soil.

3. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)

Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not prickly at all! With a bit of care, this cascading bloomer graces homes with pink, red, or white flowers during the darkest days of Winter.

“My Christmas cactus came from a cutting my mom gave me 20 years ago. It blooms every December without fail.” — Linda, Albuquerque, NM

Care Rating: Very Easy

Pro Tip: Let it dry a little between waterings and keep it cool in the Fall to encourage blooms.

4. Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus)

Elegant and aromatic, these white-blooming bulbs are often grown in shallow containers with pebbles and water.

“We line the dining table with paperwhites each year. Their scent is a holiday tradition all its own.” — Jared, Charleston, SC

Care Rating: Very Easy

Watch Out: The fragrance is strong—some love it, some… less so.

5. Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)

Not a true pine, but a beautiful mini tree you can decorate like one! It prefers humidity and bright light, making it perfect for a sunny window.

“We call ours the ‘ever-living Christmas tree.’ Each of my kids gets to add one ornament to it every year.” — Kim, Portland, Oregon

Care Rating: Moderate

Bonus: It stays green year-round and makes a lovely houseplant after the holidays.

Lesser-Known Holiday Houseplant Gems

Cyclamen: Vibrant, upswept blooms with heart-shaped leaves; Likes cooler temps

Anthurium: Red, waxy blooms that last weeks; Symbolizes hospitality

Kalanchoe: A Winter-blooming succulent in cheerful shades of red and yellow

Olive Tree (yes, really!): Small potted olive trees decorated with ribbons and fairy lights are trending in minimalist décor circles.

“I found a mini olive tree at the nursery and gave it a silver ribbon and some twinkle lights. It’s my Mediterranean Christmas!” — Clara, San Diego, CA

A Living Tree and a Lasting Legacy

Now, for those of you who like to go big—let me tell you about one unforgettable Christmas in our home. Instead of the usual cut tree, our family splurged on a 5-foot-tall Douglas fir with a 4-foot root ball. We wrestled it through the front door and decorated it in a huge, galvanized tub right in our living room. That little tree sparkled with lights, hand-made ornaments, and love for the holidays—and then?

In Spring, we planted it in the backyard.

Every year, as long as our boys lived at home, we’d head out there and decorate it again. And that once-small fir? It’s now over 20 feet tall—a magnificent, living testament to family traditions and gardening ambition. These days, you would need a ladder (and a little nerve) just to hang a few ornaments near the top!

Holiday Houseplant Tips from Your Intrepid Gardening Reporter

• Humidity is key: Most holiday houseplants (except succulents) love moisture. A pebble tray or humidifier can help.
• Avoid cold drafts: Keep plants away from doorways and frosty windows.
• Watch your watering: It’s the season of giving, but don’t drown your plants—roots need air, too!
• Rotate for symmetry: Plants reach for the light. Rotate weekly for balanced growth.

So, whether you’re nurturing a blooming paperwhite, fussing over a finicky poinsettia, or wrestling a root ball into a galvanized tub—know that you’re in good company. All across the country, we gardeners are doing our part to make the holidays merry, bright, and very much alive.

I’m Don Nicholas, your intrepid gardening reporter, reminding you that greenery is a gift you can give yourself, your family, and your home this holiday season.

May your houseplants thrive, your bulbs bloom, and your firs (Douglas or otherwise) grow tall and full of cheer.

Happy Holidays! ❖