10 Festive Plants That Make A Great Alternative To The Christmas Cactus

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration for many. One of the ways that we express that festive spirit is by decorating our homes. And for many, the Christmas cactus is a key part of that tradition. But did you know there are some other popular houseplants that can bring a little cheer to the season? And no, we're not just talking about Poinsettia. There are plenty of beautiful, non-traditional houseplants that can be just as well-suited to the holidays as the Christmas cactus or Poinsettia. If you want to add a little drama and color to your home, you could choose anthuriums, azaleas,  or even a Norfolk Island pine, just to name a few.

Houseplants are one way people add a little greenery to their homes to help deal with the long, dark winter season, and cheerful red and green houseplants are a great way to elevate your holiday decor. Often, you might get gifted a Poinsettia or Christmas cactus this time of year. Everyone knows once you have one plant, you have to get it a friend, and you'll soon find yourself researching the secret to getting your Christmas cactus to bloom at the right time. Then, before you know it, you're hooked and you've become a full-fledged plant parent. But now you want to find some beautiful red and green plants that will add a little more drama to your holidays. To that end, our list of Christmas cactus alternatives is sure to inspire you.

Many people know that azaleas are a great plant to have in their gardens, but they also make lovely houseplants. They are a little more of a challenge due to their needs when they are indoors. But if you keep their soil consistently damp (not soaked) and keep them in a cooler room, they can thrive. Red azaleas are a great alternative to the Christmas cactus thanks to their beautiful red blooms and deep green foliage.

If you're looking to add a little drama to your holiday decor this season, the anthurium is the way to go. These plants have lovely glossy, deep-green leaves and heart-shaped spathes (a modified leaf) that can be very vivid in color. It is not difficult to properly care for your anthurium. This tropical plant needs indirect bright light and moist, not constantly wet, soil to be at its best. You can let the soil dry out briefly between waterings. It also prefers a little humidity, if possible. Be cautious with these plants if you have pets, as they're toxic.

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is an adorable houseplant with succulent-style leaves and dainty four-petaled flowers. They make a wonderful addition to any holiday decor with their bright and plentiful blooms. It is relatively easy to grow and take care of a kalanchoe. They require bright light and well-draining soil, and as they are a type of succulent, you can let their soil dry out slightly between waterings.

The Phalaenopsis orchid, also known as the moth orchid, is one of the easiest varieties of orchid to grow. These elegant plants are a beautiful addition to any holiday setting. Because they are much easier to care for than the more traditional orchids, they make a lovely houseplant for a beginner. They require bright, indirect light, a warm home environment (60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), and damp soil. If you have pets, you will be happy to know these orchids are not poisonous.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a well-known herb grown in many gardens, but it can also be quite a fun little houseplant. Because it is an evergreen shrub, it's the perfect option to help decorate your home for the holidays. Not only can it make a wonderful indoor plant, but you can also use it to help season the holiday meal. Rosemary plants do best in sunny locations that stay on the cool side. It is also important to make sure it stays watered, as indoor conditions in the winter can cause it to dry out.

The red nerve plant (Fittonia albivenis 'Red') is another plant on our list that will absolutely bring drama to the holidays. With its dark green leaves lined with deep red veins, it's sure to be a conversation starter at your next gathering. This is another easy-to-maintain plant.  It isn't picky when it comes to its light needs — it does well in anything from low-light to indirect bright sun. It even prefers that you let its soil dry out down to about 2 inches between waterings, then water thoroughly and let it drain out the bottom of your pot.

If you have failed with houseplants in the past, you need a red Aglaonema. This plant, also known as a Chinese evergreen, can take neglect. Not only does this variety have a lovely red tinge to its leaves (perfect for a holiday-themed decor) and is easy to care for, but it also purifies your air. There are only a few things to remember: Keep it out of direct sunlight, allow it to dry out between waterings, and make sure it has good drainage. Other than that, it is most likely more chill than your college roommate.

Want to have that wonderful pine scent in your home year-round? Get yourself a Norfolk Island pine. These pines won't outgrow your home and are easy to care for. You could even use it as a Charlie Brown Christmas tree if you like. Just keep the soil moist (not wet), keep it near a sunny window in the winter, diffuse light in the summer, and you have yourself an indoor Christmas tree. And, is there anything more wonderful than the gentle scent of pine on a winter's afternoon?

Caladiums are a beautiful, big-leafed houseplant species that make a wonderful addition to any holiday-themed decor. These plants are a little pickier due to the fact that they are tropical plants. They love humidity and warmth. Water them once a week, but only if the soil surface is dry. Do not have your plant sitting near a heat vent because the warm air can cause it to dry out. However, a Caladium is not a good choice for people with pets or small children, as it can be extremely toxic when eaten.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) plants are probably one of the easiest bulbed flowers to grow. They are another dramatic, showy flower that would make the perfect table centerpiece for a beautiful holiday dinner. They have multiple large blooms that form on each stalk. The white and red varieties would be best for festive decor. Amaryllis thrive in bright light; be sure to rotate the plant every day so it doesn't lean. Water one to two times per week if the top of the soil is dry.