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Bringing holiday cheer with houseplants

Discover how to bring holiday cheer by using houseplants for your holiday celebrations. From festive decorations to thoughtful gifts and plant care tips, bring nature indoors this Christmas and brighten your home.

Roelof Jan Elsinga - Plant care for Beginners Author

Written by Roelof Jan Elsinga

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The holiday season is the time for spending time with your family and chosen family! To make this time of year even better, why not combine it with your favorite hobby? Houseplants of course!

If it's winter for you during the holiday season, you'll know that this time of year is the toughest for your houseplants, because they won't grow very much and seem to have frozen in time. That's because they've gone dormant for this part of the year, but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun with them during this amazing season.

In this post, I'm going to give you some ideas on how you can make your holiday season even better with the help of houseplants. You and your family are going to love this!

The benefits of houseplants during the holiday season

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Houseplants do much more than making our homes look inviting. They improve indoor air quality by filtering out toxins and releasing oxygen. In winter, we often spend more time indoors with the windows closed. Having plants can help us breathe easier and create a more pleasant living space.

But more importantly, houseplants can boost our mood and reduce stress. The holiday season can be hectic, and having greenery around can create a calming environment. Studies have shown that when you're around plants, it improves our overall well-being, making them perfect companions during this busy time.

Let's be honest, we all love our family very much, but cooking and preparing can be a bit stressful. In the past few years, I've collected quite a few houseplants and this really has helped me to stay more relaxed and happy in this busy and dark time of year. If it works for me, it might work for you too!

Tips for choosing the right houseplants for Christmas

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If you're looking to get some new houseplants for the holidays, I've got 4 suggestions for you:

  • Poinsettias: If you think about the holidays, there is a good chance this gorgeous plant pops up in your head too! This plant is iconic and really embodies "Christmas". This plant does need a bit more attention and care, so if you're a beginner, it's a good idea to skip this plant for now.
  • Christmas Cactus: An easier, but not less iconic option is the Christmas cactus! It has amazing colors that are perfect for the holiday season, and it's a cactus, meaning it's quite easy to take care of.
  • Snake Plant: Because you might be quite busy during the holiday season, you might want a low-maintenance plant. The Sansevieria (or snake plant) is a tough plant and can survive with little light and water, making it great for beginners and busy people.
  • ZZ Plant: And the last tough plant is the ZZ plant. It's one of my favorites and is another easy-care plant that thrives in low light conditions, perfect for areas of your home that don't get much sun. Which makes it perfect for the winter.

So if you're looking for a new plant, I can highly recommend these 4 plants. They will all help you feel calm while making your house look elegant and inviting.

Creative ways to use houseplants in holiday decor

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Now that you've got a few nice houseplants for the holiday season, we can have a look at how you can use these amazing plants to improve your decor. Even if you're not having guests over for the holidays, it's still a nice feeling to make your home look inviting and cozy for yourself.

The first way is to use your plants as table decor. You can do this in 2 ways, depending on how much space you have and need: a large centerpiece or several small plants. If you're going for several small plants, wrap some fairy lights around the plants for a warm and cozy feeling around the table.

Another amazing way to help your home feel warm and inviting is by including hanging plants around your home. Here's just an idea: A hanging fern with fairy lights in corners or around the dinner table is going to look incredible!

A bonus idea if you're looking to entertain your family: Decorate plant pots! The easiest way might be to get some plastic or ceramic pots and some paint. This can entertain your guests for a while, and you're spending quality time together.

Plant gift ideas for the holiday season

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If you're celebrating the holidays with a gift exchange, you can very easily share your love of plants by gifting some easy-to-care-for plants.

The classic choice for a plant gift is a succulent, because they're so easy to take care of. You don't have to have a green thumb to take care of them, you just have to avoid watering it too much. I think it's a great type of plant to give to those that might not have a lot of experience yet.

If you're looking for a plant gift for someone who loves to cook, you can't go wrong with herb plants. Plants like basil, mint, sage, and rosemary are easy to take care of and make perfect gifts for those (aspiring) chef's!

And one last unique plant gift is a terrarium! Terrariums might seem a little intimidating, but I can tell you from experience, that these are by far the easiest types of plants to take care of. Yes, even easier than succulents. The only thing you need to do to take care of plants in terrariums, is to clean the glass 2 times per year and mist it when you do.

The terrarium helps to water the plant, so you don't have to water it at all.

Combining holiday traditions with plant care

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And now my personal favorite part of combining the holiday season with plants: creating new traditions and memories. If painting the plant pots isn't enough entertainment for your guests, you can get them involved in taking care of plants. This is a great conversation starter and is also a fun activity for kids.

You can get kids involved by showing them how to water the different plants and how to take care of them. This might teach them something about responsibility, and it could pique their curiosity when it comes to nature. To me, that is a win-win!

I hope you've found some great ideas by reading this post, and I truly hope it helps to make your holiday season even better!

Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.

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About the Author

Roelof Jan Elsinga - Plant care for Beginners Author

Meet Roelof Jan Elsinga, a passionate and knowledgeable plant care enthusiast. With 6 years of personal experience, Roelof Jan has gained a wealth of knowledge on indoor plant care. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced plant owner, Roelof Jan's practical advice and deep understanding of various plants and their needs can help you become a successful plant caretaker.

Although Roelof Jan may not have formal gardening credentials, his expertise has been cultivated through caring for many plants and providing valuable guidance to fellow plant lovers just like you.

Roelof Jan is always eager to expand his knowledge. He dives into many different sources to deepen his understanding, stay up-to-date with the latest findings and is always happy to receive feedback. He takes great care to ensure that the recommendations he provides are not only practical, but also accurate.

Roelof Jan's main focus is to offer reliable and easy-to-understand information and support to all plant lovers out there, helping them confidently navigate their plant care journeys with success.

Frequently asked questions

How can houseplants bring holiday cheer?
Houseplants can add a touch of nature and life to your holiday celebrations. They brighten up your home with their greenery and can be used in festive decorations.
What are some festive decorations using houseplants?
You can use plants like poinsettias, Christmas cacti, or small pine trees as part of your holiday decor. Placing them in colorful pots or decorating them with lights can make your home feel extra festive!
Can houseplants make good gifts during the holidays?
Yes! Houseplants can be thoughtful gifts because they bring joy and can last a long time. You can choose easy-to-care-for plants or even create a cute plant arrangement to give to friends and family.
What plants are best for holiday decorations?
Some popular plants for holiday decorations include poinsettias, holly, and miniature evergreens. These plants have fun colors and festive looks that fit perfectly with the holiday spirit.
How can I care for holiday houseplants?
Make sure to give your plants the right amount of water and light. Check for specific care tips for each plant, like how much sunlight they need and how often to water them, to keep them healthy during the holidays.
Can I use houseplants to create holiday-themed centerpieces?
Absolutely! You can use gathered houseplants, candles, and other decorations to create lovely centerpieces for your holiday table. Using small plants can add a fresh, festive touch.
How do houseplants improve the holiday atmosphere?
Houseplants can help make your home feel more inviting and cozy. Their natural beauty and vibrant colors can lift your spirits and create a warm, festive atmosphere.
Are there any easy houseplants for beginners during the holiday season?
Yes! Some easy houseplants to care for include pothos, snake plants, and peace lilies. They're low-maintenance choices that can thrive even if you're busy during the holiday season.
How do I make a plant arrangement as a gift?
To make a plant arrangement, pick a few small plants and a nice pot. Arrange them in the pot, adding decorative stones or ribbons to make it special, and you’ll have a lovely gift to share!
Why should I consider having plants indoors during the holidays?
Having plants indoors during the holidays can improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Plus, they bring a bit of the outdoors inside, making your celebrations feel more vibrant and cheerful!

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