15 Best Holiday Plants to Brighten Your Home

Bringing plants to life from cuttings and bulbs during the holiday season is a simple yet rewarding way to add warmth and cheer to your home. These winter-friendly plants thrive indoors, filling your space with vibrant colors and a festive vibe that’s hard to resist.

Each type has its own little quirks when it comes to care, but with just a bit of effort, they’ll flourish beautifully. Their blooms often carry a sense of renewal and joy, perfect for the holiday spirit.

Why not give one of these 15 gorgeous options a try and make your celebrations even cozier?

Essential Tools and Supplies for Plant Propagation

Setting up for successful plant propagation starts with the right tools and supplies. From pruners to rooting mediums, here’s what you need to grow healthy plants:

• Clean, Sharp Scissors or Pruners: Use these to cut stems cleanly without damaging the plant. Make sure they are sharp to avoid crushing the stems.
• Small Pots or Containers: Choose pots with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling. Recycled containers, like yogurt cups, work well too if you poke holes in the bottom.
• Potting Mix: Use a well-draining soil mix designed for propagation. For some plants, you can mix sand or perlite with the soil to improve drainage.
• Rooting Hormone (Optional): This powder or gel helps cuttings grow roots faster. Dip the cut end of the stem into the hormone before planting.
• Spray Bottle or Watering Can: A spray bottle is great for gently misting cuttings without overwatering. A small watering can also works if you pour lightly.
• Clear Plastic Bags or Domes: Covering cuttings with plastic helps keep humidity high, which is important for root growth. Make sure there’s airflow to avoid mold.
• Labels or Markers: Use these to label your pots with the plant name and date. This helps you track progress, especially if you’re propagating multiple plants.
• A Bright, Warm Spot: Most cuttings and bulbs need bright, indirect light to grow. A sunny windowsill or a table near a window works perfectly.

15 Plants to Start from Bulbs and Cuttings

Bring life to your holiday décor with plants grown from bulbs and cuttings. These 15 choices are perfect for adding color and warmth to your festive celebrations. Let's check them out:

Poinsettia

Poinsettias are known for their bright red and green leaves, making them a classic symbol of the holiday season. Growing them from cuttings is a fun way to add festive cheer to your home or garden.

Steps to propagate Poinsettias:

• Choose a healthy stem cutting from an existing poinsettia plant.
• Dip the cut end into rooting hormone for better success.
• Place the cutting in a pot with well-draining potting mix.
• Keep the pot in a bright, indirect light area to encourage root - growth.
• Water lightly, avoiding soggy soil, and watch it grow into a stunning holiday centerpiece.

Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus is loved for its colorful flowers that bloom just in time for the holidays. Propagating this resilient plant is easy and rewarding, even for beginners.

Let's find out how to propagate Christmas Cactus:

• Snip a healthy segment with at least two to three leaf joints.
• Let the cutting dry for 1–2 days to prevent rot.
• Plant the dried cutting in a well-draining soil mix.
• Water sparingly and keep it in a bright spot without direct sunlight.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a traditional holiday plant known for its greenery and symbolic meaning. Propagating mistletoe can be a unique way to add charm to your garden.

Here is how:

• Collect ripe berries gently from an existing mistletoe plant.
• Place the seeds onto the bark of a deciduous tree, pressing lightly to secure them.
• Ensure the area receives enough light and moisture for germination.
• Allow time for the mistletoe to establish itself naturally.

Holly

Holly plants, with their shiny green leaves and red berries, are a timeless choice for winter gardens. Propagating holly is an enjoyable project that enhances your outdoor and indoor spaces.

Check out how to propagate Holly Plants:

• Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early autumn.
• Use a mix of sand and compost as the planting medium.
• Place the cuttings in a sheltered spot to encourage root development.
• Water lightly and keep the soil moist but not wet.

Once rooted, holly plants can bring vibrant color to your garden and provide festive decorations for your home.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a show-stopping plant with large, colorful blooms that brighten up the winter months. Growing new amaryllis plants from offsets is a simple way to expand your collection.

Below is the detailed guide to multiply Amaryllis:

• After the main bulb has bloomed, gently remove offsets from the base.
• Plant each offset in nutrient-rich soil, leaving the neck above the surface.
• Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and water sparingly.
• Wait for roots to establish, and enjoy vibrant flowers year after year.

Amaryllis adds elegance and cheer to your home, making it a must-have for the holiday season.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen adds a playful touch to gardens with its charming flowers, perfect for the holiday season. These plants are low-maintenance and grow beautifully from corms.

How to grow Cyclamen from corms:

• Let the corms dry out after the flowers fade.
• Plant the dried corms in a mix of potting soil and sand for good drainage.
• Place them in cool, shaded spots to encourage healthy growth.
• Water lightly to keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering.

Christmas Rose

Christmas roses, also known as hellebores, are perfect for adding charm to your garden during the winter months. With their delicate flowers, they bring a quiet beauty to shaded spots, making them ideal for areas with little direct sunlight.

Here is how to grow Christmas roses from seeds:

• Select a shaded area with well-draining soil. These plants love cool, sheltered environments.
• Plant seeds directly into the soil or start them in pots for better control.
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering can hinder germination.
• Germination can take several months, but the wait is worth it. Once they bloom, their graceful flowers will reward your efforts.

Caring for these elegant plants not only enhances your garden but also brings a sense of accomplishment as you nurture them to life.

Christmas Fern

Christmas ferns are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a plant that stays green and vibrant throughout the colder months. Their lush fronds add life to your garden, even in the dead of winter.

Check out how to propagate Christmas ferns by division:

• Divide the plant in early spring when new growth begins.
• Choose a moist, shaded spot with rich, well-draining soil.
• Gently separate the fern into smaller sections, ensuring each piece has roots and fronds.
• Place each section into its new spot and firm the soil around the roots.
• Keep the soil damp, especially during the first few weeks, to help the plants establish themselves.

With their evergreen nature, Christmas ferns add year-round beauty to your garden and create a welcoming atmosphere during the holiday season.

Paperwhite

Paperwhite bulbs are a wonderful choice for adding charm and fragrance to your home during the holidays. These flowers are low-maintenance and perfect for indoor gardening.

Follow these steps to grow paperwhite bulbs:

• Place the bulbs in a pot with well-draining soil or even in a shallow dish with pebbles and water.
• Keep them in a sunny location, like a windowsill, to encourage growth.
• Ensure the soil stays moist but not soggy.
• After the flowers fade, collect the small offsets to plant later.

Their sweet scent and delicate blooms make them a great addition to your holiday decor, while their ease of care makes them perfect for any gardener.

Winter Jasmine

Winter jasmine is a bright and cheerful addition to any garden. Its sunny yellow flowers bring life to outdoor spaces during the colder months, making it a favorite for gardeners.

Here is how to grow winter jasmine from cuttings:

• Choose a healthy stem and cut it just below a leaf node.
• Use a mix of potting soil and sand for good drainage.
• Insert the cutting into the soil, ensuring at least one node is buried.
• Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering.
• Winter jasmine thrives in full sun or partial shade.

This hardy shrub is easy to care for and will brighten up your garden, even on the dullest winter days.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a versatile herb that’s perfect for gardens of any size. Its fragrant leaves are a joy to harvest and can be used in cooking or simply to enjoy their fresh aroma.

Check out its process:

• Snip a 4–6-inch piece from a mature plant.
• Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting.
• Use a well-draining potting mix or sand.
• Place the prepared stem in the soil, ensuring it’s stable and upright.
• Keep the soil slightly damp, but don’t overwater.

Rosemary is easy to grow and thrives year-round, making it a delightful herb for beginners and experienced gardeners.

Norfolk Island Pine

The Norfolk Island Pine is a charming addition to any indoor space. Its soft, green needles and symmetrical shape give it the appearance of a miniature holiday tree.

Here is an easy way to grow Norfolk Island Pine from cuttings:

• Choose a strong stem from a mature plant.
• Use a mix of peat and perlite for good drainage and aeration.
• Insert the cutting into the soil mix, ensuring it stands upright.
• Place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight.
• Keep the soil lightly moist, but avoid waterlogging.

With a bit of patience and care, this evergreen will grow into a stunning centerpiece for your indoor plant collection.

English Ivy

English ivy is a versatile plant that adds elegance to any space. Its cascading vines create a natural, serene vibe and are perfect for hanging baskets or trailing over shelves.

Here are the steps to propagate English Ivy from cuttings:

• Cut a 4–6-inch segment just below a leaf node.
• Strip the leaves from the bottom part of the stem.
• Either place the cutting in water to root or plant directly in moist, well-draining soil.
• Keep it in a bright, shaded area, away from direct sunlight.
• Roots should form within a few weeks.

Not only does English ivy bring visual charm, but it also purifies the air, enhancing the ambiance of your home.

Winterberry

Winterberry is a standout choice for holiday gardens. Its bright red berries bring festive cheer and can be used in both indoor and outdoor decorations.

Let's find out the ways to grow Winterberry from cuttings:

• Collect healthy branches during late winter.
• Mix sand and compost to create a nutrient-rich medium.
• Insert the cuttings into the soil, ensuring they stay upright.
• Place the pots in a protected area, like a greenhouse or indoors.
• Water gently to maintain consistent moisture.

Theeseberries will add a pop of color to your garden and holiday decor, making winterberry a festive favorite.

Juniper

Juniper’s hardy nature and evergreen appeal make it a fantastic plant for winter gardens. Its rich green tones complement the cool charm of the season, bringing life to outdoor spaces.

Check out the process to propagate Juniper from cuttings:

• Take a 6-inch cutting from a mature juniper during the cooler months.
• Prepare a pot with sandy, well-draining soil.
• Insert the cutting into the soil, ensuring at least 2 inches are buried.
• Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering.
• Root growth may take several weeks, but the results are worth the wait.

Junipers add a classic, enduring touch to your garden and are perfect for holiday landscapes, blending seamlessly with seasonal decor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing from Cuttings and Bulbs

Growing plants from cuttings and bulbs can be tricky if you're not careful. Learn about common errors and how to avoid them for the best results:

• Overwatering: Too much water can make the soil soggy and cause the roots to rot. Water lightly and only when the topsoil feels dry. Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.
• Poor Lighting: Without enough light, plants may become weak or fail to root. Place your cuttings and bulbs in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry them out too quickly.
• Using the Wrong Soil: Heavy soil can hold too much water and prevent roots from growing properly. Use a well-draining potting mix, and for better drainage, add sand or perlite.
• Planting Cuttings Too Deep: Burying the stem too deeply can lead to rotting. Insert only the bottom part of the cutting (just below a leaf node) into the soil and leave most of the stem above ground.
• Not Keeping Enough Humidity: Dry air can cause cuttings to wither before they root. Cover the plants with a clear plastic bag or use a humidity dome, leaving a small opening for airflow to prevent mold.
• Ignoring Temperature Needs: Extreme temperatures can stunt growth. Keep plants in a stable environment, ideally between 65–75°F (18–24°C). Avoid placing them near cold drafts or heating vents.
• Rushing the Process: Frequently disturbing the cuttings or bulbs can disrupt root formation. Be patient and wait until the roots are well-formed before moving or repotting them.