The Christmas cactus has earned its place as a beloved holiday decor staple, popular for its vibrant winter blooms and distinctive charm. But why stick to just this one plant when there’s a whole host of alternatives that can bring their own festive flair to your celebrations?
Whether you’re drawn to bright blossoms, like those on the Christmas cactus, to ornamental berries, or to eye-catching foliage, these Christmas plants will help make your seasonal decor exciting and memorable.
We spoke to plant experts who shared their favorite Christmas cactus alternatives that will add a touch of seasonal magic to your home.
1. Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
For those who love incorporating flowers into their Christmas decor ideas or are looking for alternative gift ideas for the holidays, the desert rose is a truly stunning choice.
As one of the best desert plants, it stands out for its trumpet-shaped blooms in red, pink, or white, paired with a sculptural, thickened lower stem – a hallmark of desert flowers – that adds an artistic touch.
Matthew Wilson, horticulturist and CEO of Handy Gardeners shares his expert tips on how to grow a desert rose: 'Expose it to bright, direct sunlight, and water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It thrives in warm conditions above 65°F and prefers low humidity.'
Matthew Wilson, CEO of Handy Gardeners, leads the company with a passion for landscaping and environmental sustainability. Under his guidance, Handy Gardeners has become a trusted name in the industry, providing top-notch gardening and landscaping services.
2. Christmas Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum)
Berries are undeniably synonymous with Christmas, adding a festive touch whether they’re adorning a wreath, woven into a garland, or potted to add a fun burst of color on a mantel.
Matthew Wilson highlights the charm of Christmas cherries, noting, these berries resemble miniature decorations. 'The bright red or orange berries look like little ornament balls, paired with small, glossy green leaves that make the plant appear naturally decorative.'
For extra festive flair, you can decorate your houseplant for Christmas by potting it in a holiday-themed planter with complementary colors, such as this Mija ceramic pot planter from Wayfair, or adding string lights, such as these from Amazon.
To care for your Christmas cherry, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place it in bright, indirect sunlight. Thriving in temperatures between 60 to 70°F, it’s well suited for winter.
3. Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarius)
The goldfish plant might not be a conventional Christmas choice, but its vibrant red-orange blooms and lush green foliage make it a delightful fit for the festive season. As a succulent, it brings an unexpected twist to holiday decor, proving that plants don’t have to be conventional to capture the Christmas spirit.
With its whimsical, fish-shaped flowers, this playful plant remains in bloom during the festive period – making it a must-have for holiday decorators. These two goldfish plants are available at Amazon.
For healthy growth, the goldfish plant prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil, avoiding waterlogging. It thrives in bright but indirect sunlight, making it perfect for spots like kitchens or bathrooms where humidity is higher. Just be sure to let the top layer of soil dry out before watering again for the best results.
4. Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
A fun twist on traditional mistletoe, the mistletoe cactus is a desert-inspired holiday plant that brings a simultaneously striking and playful festive touch, making one of our absolute favorite Christmas cactus alternatives.
This plant can grow anywhere between two to six feet long. 'It has long, thin green stems, and small white flowers that later blossoms into tiny berries that somewhat resemble mistletoe,' says horticulturist and owner of Splendid Landscape, Kaushikan Ganesan. With slender, cylindrical stems that lend it an elegant, architectural look.
The mistletoe cactus can be planted in a pot for a charming tabletop display or hung in a basket within an archway or doorway where its long stems can cascade beautifully, adding an enchanting touch to your holiday decor. Consider using this Napa Home & Garden hanging planter in gray – from Target – to provide a striking backdrop to the plant's naturally lighter hues.
To care for a mistletoe cactus, provide it with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, such as this Miracle-Gro potting mix, a best seller at Walmart. Being a desert plant, it requires minimal watering – allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It thrives in moderate to low humidity, making it well-suited for homes with drier air.
Kaushikan Ganesan is the owner of Splendid Landscape and a dedicated horticulturist. His skills span plant identification, environmental education, gardening, sustainability, and agriculture, all backed by a strong academic foundation – Bachelor’s Degree in environmental horticulture. His passion lies in creating thriving, sustainable landscapes that harmonize nature and design, fostering environments where both plants and people can flourish.
5. Christmas Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
One of the best red houseplants, the Christmas kalanchoe is subtly festive, and with clusters of bright, small flowers, shades of red, pink, or white it can beautifully complement red-themed holiday accents. Its blooming period typically occurs in early spring – around February – which makes it a great Christmas gift rather than a contender for the best indoor flowering plant for your December decor. Still, its rich color and charming flowers bring festive cheer that transitions into the New Year.
As a hardy succulent, the Christmas kalanchoe thrives with minimal care. With the right attention, a kalanchoe can re-flower year after year, making it a reliable and long-lasting addition to your home.
To care for a kalanchoe, place it in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. These plants are quite drought-tolerant, which makes them ideal for those with busy schedules or less-than-perfect green thumbs.
6. Ruby Ball Cactus (Parodia schumanniana var. albispina)
Still obsessed with the idea of having a cactus as part of your holiday decor? We've got the plant for you. Known for its vibrant, spherical shape, the Ruby Ball cactus features a stunning ruby-red ball that is beautifully contrasted by its gentle yellow blooms.
The compact size of a ruby ball cactus makes it ideal for small spaces, shelves, or as a centerpiece in festive displays. With its beautiful red hue and unique shape, it's a perfect example of how a small, unassuming plant can add an element of drama and color to your space, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an unusual alternative to traditional holiday plants.
'Native to South America, the ruby ball cactus is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in bright light and well-draining soil,' explains Kaushikan Ganesan. While it doesn’t require frequent watering, it’s best to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. During the winter months, this cactus remains dormant, making it well-suited for holiday decorations that don’t require constant attention.
Whether you are drawn to Christmas cactus alternatives because they complement your Christmas color schemes, for the fun of switching up traditional Christmas decor ideas, or you are in the market for cold-tolerant houseplants, these unique plants are sure to add charm and personality to your home throughout the festive season and beyond.
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