5 Festive Plants to Deck the Halls: A Quick Care Guide For My Top Holiday Houseplants

'Tis the season for houseplants!

I am beyond thrilled to continue the festive momentum hand in hand with my holiday partner, Bachman's Floral and Garden. Together, we're unwrapping the magic of the season, cultivating a lush landscape of festive legacy, inspiration and joy.

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the melodic world of festive foliage together!

#1 - The Timeless Startlet: Poinsettia

Care Tips

• Sunshine Red Alert: Poinsettias love their sunlight, so make sure they bask in the glory of bright, indirect light. Trust that a bit of direct sun won't hurt during the festive season.

• Watering: Don't be a Grinch when it comes to watering. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Think holiday spirit – balance is the key!

• Temperature: Poinsettias appreciate cozy warmth, around 65-75°F. Keep them away from drafts and cold windows – they're more of a tropical vacation kind of plant.

Style Tip: Group several poinsettias of different sizes and colors in decorative pots for a vibrant centerpiece. It's like a living bouquet that steals the show.

#2 - Cool & Colorful: Holiday Cactus

Care Tips

• Light: Place your Holiday cactus in bright, indirect light for the ultimate holiday glow. It's not a fan of scorching sun or dark corners – find that perfect balance.

• Watering: Unlike Santa's cookies, these guys don't like to stay soggy. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry, and be generous, but not too generous. Think of it like a holiday toast – just the right amount!

• Temperature: Keep it cool! Holiday cacti thrive in temperatures between 60-70°F. It's basically a winter wonderland for your plant.

Style Tip: Place your Holiday cactus in a hanging planter adorned with Ribbons, bows (hello #coquetteaesthetic), or ornaments. Let Them drape down gracefully, creating a festive cascade of holiday cheer.

#3 - Evergreen Elegance: Norfolk Island Pine

Care Tips

• Indoor Delight: The Norfolk Island Pine loves bright, indirect light, making it a perfect indoor companion. Keep it away from drafts and heating vents.

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid waterlogging – it's not a fan of soggy roots.

• Humidity Help: Norfolk Island Pine enjoys a bit of humidity. Misting the plant occasionally or placing a tray of water nearby can create a cozy environment.

Style Tip: Dress up your Norfolk Island Pine in miniature holiday ornaments and tiny twinkling lights. It's your indoor Christmas tree, adding a touch of Seasonal charm to any room!

#4 - Aromatic Ambiance: Lavender and Rosemary Trees

Care Tips

• Sunny Personality: Lavender and Rosemary trees loves the limelight, so place them in full sun to part shade and soak up those rays for a fragrant holiday treat.

• Well-Drained Dance Floor: Provide well-draining soil for your tree. It doesn't want wet feet – think of it as the plant version of a dance-loving guest.

• Pruning: Trim the spent blooms to keep the plant looking fresh. We love a spa day!

Style Tip: Display your Lavender and Rosemary Trees in stylish ceramic pots, and let the soothing fragrance set the tone for a cozy and relaxed holiday ambiance.

#5 - Bulb-tastic Beauty: Amaryllis and Paperwhites

Care Tips

• Bulb-tastic: Both Amaryllis and Paperwhites grow from bulbs. Plant them in well-draining soil and watch the magic unfold.

• Sunshine Splash: Place them in a sunny spot to encourage robust growth and vibrant blooms. It's their time to shine, after all!

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Bulbs don't like soggy parties – keep it classy!

Style Tip: Plant Amaryllis and Paperwhites in a row of decorative containers on your windowsill. It's a blooming parade of elegance that brings the outdoors in.

Deck The Halls!

There you have it – my top of mind go-tos for keeping your holiday houseplants thriving, merry and bright! May your home be filled with the beauty and joy of these jolly green decor giants, all season long.

Big, big hugs!

xx Shayla

About The Plant Penthouse 

The Plant Penthouse is a flora-inspired interiors and lifestyle brand founded by Minnesota native, Shayla Owodunni. Since Shayla's early days as a boisterous kindergartner insistent on wearing neon knee-highs with brightly-printed dresses, curating vibrant juxtapositions (like a tropical oasis in Minneapolis) has become a joy-filled way of life.

Through plant care education, home décor inspiration and tastemaking tidbits, this is our residence to reimagine ‘posh’ penthouse concepts for life’s everyday moments—because here, we believe there is opulence to embrace in each dwelling space; regardless of size, location or circumstance.

Shayla has contributed to The Jason Show, Twin Cities Live, Artful Living, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Wit & Delight; with features by HGTV, HomeGoods, Apartment Therapy, Star Tribune, Midwest Home, Mercury Mosaics and The Wall Street Journal.