Christmas plants either bloom over the holidays or decorate the house in December. The classics are poinsettia, Christmas cactus, amaryllis, paperwhites, holly, and mistletoe. Many are toxic to pets, so check before you bring one home. Here are the 22 Christmas plants I like best, with care tips and a pet safety note for each.
1. Potted mini Christmas tree
A potted mini Christmas tree gives you a real tree without the hassle of a full-size one. Garden centers sell them each December as tabletop trees. Most are young spruce, fir, or cypress. Keep the soil moist and the pot away from heat vents. Indoors, most last the season. Read my mini Christmas tree guide.
2. Poinsettia
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is the classic Christmas plant. The red parts are bracts, not petals. The true flowers are the small yellow buds in the center. Give it bright light and keep it above 60°F (16°C), away from drafts. Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Don’t let it sit in water. It is a tropical shrub, so you can keep it for years. Getting it to color up again takes 14 hours of full dark each night for about eight weeks in fall. The sap can irritate a pet’s mouth and stomach. The toxicity is mild, not deadly, per the ASPCA plant list.
3. Mistletoe
Mistletoe (Phoradendron and Viscum spp.) is the sprig you hang in a doorway to kiss under. It is a parasite that grows on tree branches, so you buy it cut from a florist. Mistletoe is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. European mistletoe is the more dangerous of the two. Hang it high and pick up any fallen berries.
4. Paperwhites
Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) are white, fragrant narcissus you force indoors. They need no cold period. Set the bulbs in gravel or soil with water just below the base. They bloom in about four to six weeks. Start a pot every two weeks from November on for blooms all winter. The bulbs are toxic to pets. Read all about the paperwhite flower.
5. Holly
Holly (Ilex spp.) has glossy, spiny leaves and red berries. Only female plants make berries, and they need a male nearby. Cut sprigs stay fresh for about a week indoors. They last longer outside in the cold. The berries and leaves are toxic to pets and kids.
6. Amaryllis
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) makes huge trumpet flowers in red, white, pink, or striped. Pot the bulb with the top third above the soil. It blooms about six to ten weeks after planting. Each stalk holds its flowers for a few weeks in a cool room. After it blooms, cut the stalk, keep the leaves growing, and give it a rest in fall to rebloom next year. The bulb is toxic to pets.
7. Christmas cactus
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) is a forest cactus from Brazil, not a desert one. It blooms in late fall and winter in pink, red, white, or orange. It likes bright, indirect light and more water than a desert cactus. Cool nights and long nights in fall set the buds. A healthy plant can live for decades. It is non-toxic to pets per the ASPCA plant list.
8. Rosemary
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) sold at Christmas is often sheared into a small cone. It smells like pine when you brush it. Give it your sunniest window and let the soil dry a little between waterings. Overwatering kills more indoor rosemary than anything else. Rosemary is non-toxic to pets. See how to grow rosemary and my list of Christmas herbs and spices.
9. Ivy
English ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen vine. People have brought it indoors in winter since before Christmas. In the old carol it pairs with holly. You can grow it in a pot or trail it through a wreath. Outdoors it is invasive in many areas, so I keep mine in containers. Ivy is toxic to pets. Read more about ivy plants.
10. Red twig dogwood
Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a shrub with bright red stems that show once the leaves drop. It has small white flowers in late spring. Cut stems look great in winter planters and swags. Prune out the oldest stems each spring. The new growth has the best color.
11. Lemon cypress
Lemon cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’) is a golden form of Monterey cypress, which is native to California. It has a cone shape and smells like lemon when you touch it. Indoors it wants bright light, cool air, and soil that never dries out. Many drop needles in a warm, dry house.
12. Christmas rose (hellebore)
Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) blooms in winter with white flowers that fade to pink. ‘Snowbells’ is one variety. It is a long-lived perennial for shade under trees. Plant it once and leave it. It doesn’t like to be moved. All parts are toxic to pets and people.
13. White Christmas caladium
White Christmas caladium (Caladium ‘White Christmas’) has white, heart-shaped leaves with green veins. The name comes from its color, not its season. It is a tropical tuber that grows in summer and rests in winter. Grow it as a houseplant in bright, indirect light and warm air. Outdoors, plant it after nights stay above 60°F (16°C). Caladium is toxic to pets.
14. Snowdrops
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) have small white hanging bells. In the garden they bloom in late winter as the snow melts. They are one of the first flowers of the year. Plant the bulbs 3 inches deep in fall in part shade. See more about snowdrops.
15. Yuletide camellia
Yuletide camellia (Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’) is an evergreen shrub with single red flowers and yellow centers. It blooms from late fall into winter. It likes part shade, acid soil, and shelter from cold wind. Camellia is non-toxic to pets per the ASPCA plant list.
16. Cyclamen
Florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) has swept-back flowers in red, pink, or white over marbled leaves. It blooms from late fall into spring. It wants a cool room, 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C), and bright light. Water from below and keep water off the crown. It goes dormant in summer, and you can bring it back in fall. The tuber is toxic to pets. Read more about cyclamen plants.
17. Maranta
Maranta (Maranta leuconeura), or prayer plant, has deep green leaves with red veins. The leaves fold up at night. Its red and green look festive next to other holiday plants. Keep it in bright, indirect light and humid air. Use filtered water if the leaf tips brown. Prayer plant is non-toxic to pets. Read all about prayer plants.
18. Anthurium
Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) has glossy red spathes and dark green leaves. Each spathe lasts for weeks. It is a tropical houseplant, so give it bright, indirect light and warm air. Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings. Anthurium is toxic to pets. Read about caring for anthurium.
19. Christmas fern
Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is native to eastern North America. It got its name because it stays green through winter. Each leaflet is shaped like a tiny stocking. Plant it in shade and moist soil. It is hardy and needs little care. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to pets.
20. Gardenia
Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) has white, fragrant flowers and glossy leaves. It blooms in late spring and summer, not winter. People give it as a holiday houseplant for its green leaves and buds. It is fussy indoors. It needs bright light, humid air, and acid soil. It drops buds if moved or kept too dry. Outdoors it is hardy only in warm zones. Gardenia is toxic to pets per the ASPCA plant list.
21. Tiny Tim tomato
Tiny Tim tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Tiny Tim’) is a dwarf cherry tomato. The name comes from Tiny Tim in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The plant stays about 12 to 18 inches tall, so it fits a sunny windowsill. Indoors in winter it needs a grow light to fruit. The leaves and stems are toxic to pets. Read all about the Tiny Tim tomato.
22. Boxwood
Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves. Holiday wreaths and tabletop trees use the cut stems. Fresh boxwood lasts weeks indoors. In the garden it takes shearing well. Good picks include Japanese boxwood and Winter Gem boxwood. Both give you trimmings for holiday decor. Boxwood is toxic to pets.
FAQs about Christmas plants
What are the most popular Christmas plants?
Poinsettia, Christmas cactus, amaryllis, paperwhites, holly, and mini Christmas trees.
How long does a poinsettia last?
Most keep their color for six weeks or more with bright light and steady warmth. As a tropical shrub it can live for years.
Which Christmas plants are safe for cats and dogs?
Christmas cactus, rosemary, prayer plant, camellia, and Christmas fern are non-toxic per the ASPCA plant list. Mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, and paperwhites are toxic.
Are poinsettias poisonous?
Poinsettia toxicity is mild. The sap can cause drooling, vomiting, or skin irritation in pets. They are not deadly.
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