Best holiday houseplants – 7 plants ideal for festive decor that aren't all Christmas cacti

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than adding a few more seasonal, botanical accents to our homes?

Refreshing, vibrant and invigorating, there are a plethora of benefits to increasing the amount of greenery in a space, especially during the holidays.

Whether you're seeking the best indoor plants to add to your home or to gift to friends and family, there's bound to be something appealing - and even a little unusual - to spruce up your festive tablescapes this year. We talked to indoor plant experts to hear their top recommendations.

1. Purple Waffle Plant

We've gone and thrown you a curve ball straight off the bat with this choice, but bear with us. Purple waffle plants are known for their distinctive purple leaves with a waffle-like texture - making a refreshing change from traditional red and green festive palettes. Bold in color and intricate in design, they would add visual interest to any home, and what's more, they are an ideal way to pair plants with on trend paint colors for 2025.

Ofra Gaito, CEO of plant company Verdant Lyfe, says, 'Purple waffle plants are a great plant for so many reasons. Their mesmerizing leaves are vibrant, blending rich purple and lush green hues. The vibrant foliage not only adds a pop of color to your decor but also creates a unique visual texture that’s sure to attract attention.'

Purple waffle plants are also a safe choice to give as a gift as they are typically low maintenance, as well as a pet-safe indoor plant. 'They're perfect for expanding your indoor garden and for gift-giving,' says Ofra.

Ofra Gaito

In 2020 Ofra Gaito founded Verdant Lyfe, an e-commerce company born to help and share live plants with both plant lovers and new plant beginners. The company packs and ships hundreds of orders every week to homes and businesses all over the USA. At the head office in South Florida, Ofra and her team conduct workshops every six weeks that involve the plant world. Ofra hosts live radio program Grow Your Lyfe every Friday at 1:45 pm EST on 101.9FM Omega radio.

2. Bonsai Mint

A bonsai mint plant, otherwise known as plectranthus ernstii, is a unique-looking plant that is sure to add a twist to the holiday spirit. Emitting a subtle mint smell and blooming into little blue flowers, it will serve as the perfect pop of color among all of the traditional greens, reds and golds of Christmas.

Al Klein of Botanic Wonders says, 'This species of bonsai radiates a minty smell and thrives near a bright window. With the right care, including adequate sun and light watering when the soil feels dry, it will grow delicate spikes of tiny blue flowers.'

If you're not feeling confident when it comes to watering your plants, we recommend investing in a moisture meter, such as the 4-in-1 soil moisture meter from Amazon. This handy device won't only keep track of the water levels in your soil but also other important readings, including sunlight levels and the PH of your plant's soil.

3. Norfolk Island Pine

This small variety of tree couldn't be a more perfect Christmas houseplant.

'A Norfolk Island Pine plant isn't actually a pine tree, but instead a slow-growing, tropical plant native to Norfolk Island near Australia,' says Ofra. 'This gorgeous evergreen brings an outdoor woodsy feel to your indoor space, and it can be decorated too.'

To keep a Norfolk Island Pine alive, ensure that its soil is kept moist at all times, but not soggy. The plant will also require frequent misting, low light, and to be kept away from cold drafts.

Investing in a plant heat lamp such as the LBW grow light with a stand from Amazon could be really useful, especially during colder months when your plant would otherwise suffer. The lamp is adjustable, energy efficient, and comes with a variety of light-intensity settings.

4. Red Anthurium

Red anthurium naturally combines a blend of greens and reds, making it a seamless addition to holiday decor. Its flowers are bold and striking as well, serving as a great alternative to the more traditional poinsettia.

'In my experience red anthurium are a favorite among gift recipients,' says Patrick. 'They provide the perfect pop of holiday color, ideal for mantels or as a centerpiece for the table.'

It's important to note that to care for an anthurium plant, they need to be kept in a more humid environment, even during winter months. But achieving this isn't impossible with the right tools.

The HoMedics portable ultrasonic humidifier from Target is budget friendly and a good option for those looking to try out a humidifier for the first time. If you're seeking an upgrade though, the Levoit 200S dual smart top fill humidifier, also from Target has amazing reviews.

5. Trichodiadema Bulbosum

Trichodiadema bulbosum (also known as African bonsai) is a small indoor succulent indigenous to South Africa, and another more unusual suggestion for a festive plant. Although this plant blooms in the summer months, during the rest of the year it looks like a perfect miniature tree.

'This beautiful tiny succulent will reward you with pretty fuchsia colored blooms during the summer months, but even without its flowers, it looks like a mini tree,' says Al.

Al recommends trimming your African bonsai using pruning shears such as the ergonomic pruning shears from The Sill to ensure your plant grows into a uniform shape.

Al Klein

Al's interest in the natural world started in his childhood and, after moving to California at the age of 17, he found his passion in plants. Botanic Wonders specializes in growing and selling of rare and exotic plants, including succulents, cacti, and cycads.

6. Schlumbergera truncata

A Schlumbergera truncata, otherwise known as a Christmas cactus, is a much more common plant loved around the holidays. Coming in a variety of bright colors, they are also relatively easy to propagate.

Patrick Coleman, founder and CEO of PlantInTheBox, says, 'This winter bloomer can delight a space with vibrant pink or red flowers, perfectly timed to add festive charm to shelves, windowsills, or tabletops.'

The blooming of your Christmas cactus is triggered by the shorter daylight hours between the months of November and February, but it's still recommended to ensure that a Christmas cactus has access to natural lighting all year round.

7. Sansevieria moonshine

A moonshine snake plant, also called a sansevieria moonshine, is a tall plant with long, elegant leaves that stand upright. They come in different shades of green but the moonshine variety has an almost frosted appearance on the surface of each leaf, fitting with the spirit of winter.

'Featuring soft, silvery-green leaves with a frosted appearance, this sleek variant of snake plant brings understated elegance to modern spaces,' says Patrick.

Knowing how to care for a snake plant is easy, and having a tolerance for most light conditions, it is a prime pick for those in your life who are new to cultivating a green space.

Patrick Coleman

Patrick is the founder of PlantInTheBox.com, combining his background in technology and logistics with a passion for plants. He's brought together a team of nursery and plant care experts to offer premium houseplant gifts and high-quality plants, ensuring quick and safe delivery to homes across the country.

Now you know which houseplants will up the festive factor of any home, why not think about bulbs that can flower in time for Christmas? The best bulbs for Christmas flowering are sure to spread joy to all who see them, and provide some subtle, natural scent in your home, too.