Embracing the holiday spirit doesn’t always have to involve the classic Christmas tree. Your home can still be infused with the holiday vibe with alternative yet equally enchanting houseplants. These living alternatives not only bring a unique flair to your festive decor but also make perfect gifts for your family and friends. And the best part is when Christmas is over, they still flourish and offer you year-round greenery.
#1. Norfolk Island Pine
With its symmetrical layers of soft needles, the Norfolk Island Pine is a perfect stand-in for a traditional Christmas tree and even boasts a natural conical shape. It loves bright, indirect light and you should water when the top inch of soil feels dry
#2. Ficus
The Ficus, with its glossy green leaves, adds a touch of elegance. It may not have needles, but its grace makes it an excellent alternative. You can add ribbon garlands and lightweight decorations to the ficus tree to make it more festive.
#3. Monstera
If you don’t have enough space for a real Christmas tree, a large houseplant with big leaves like Monstera is a perfect alternative. To get it ready for the festival, just adorn it with sparkling bells and lights.
#4. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Compact and cone-shaped, the Dwarf Alberta Spruce embodies the classic Christmas tree look. It even has tiny needles reminiscent of its larger counterparts, making it perfect for those who adore the traditional tree appearance.
#5. Italian Stone Pine
The Italian Stone Pine exudes Mediterranean charm with its distinctive umbrella-like form, offering a unique and chic alternative. To add a festive touch with a hint of holiday destination flair, you can add rustic ornaments and pinecones to the tree.
#6. Leyland Cypress
Known for its dense green foliage, the Leyland Cypress resembles a slender evergreen tree. This houseplant prefers bright light and consistent watering to show its natural beauty in your living room.
#7. Rosemary
Rosemary’s fragrant, needle-like leaves make it a delightful alternative. It fills your home with the aroma of the holidays. Rosemary just needs some tiny ornaments and ribbons to be on full display for Christmas.
#8. Lemon Cypress
With its lemony scent and vibrant green foliage, the Lemon Cypress is a refreshing substitute for a traditional tree. If you like a zesty twist, decorate the tree with citrus-themed ornaments.
#9. Arizona Cypress
The Arizona Cypress, with its feathery blue-green foliage, brings a touch of the Southwest to your holiday decor. It can be adorned with southwestern-themed decorations for a festive desert vibe.
#10. Colorado Blue Spruce
A mini version of its outdoor counterpart, the Colorado Blue Spruce, with its striking blue-gray needles, offers a cool and classic alternative. It would be more stunning with icy blue and silver ornaments for a wintry feel.
#11. Spineless Yucca
The Spineless Yucca’s architectural beauty brings a contemporary edge to your holiday decor with its spiky, sword-like leaves. Its impressive appearance can make a statement in any space, whether in the garden or your living room.
#12. Wichita Blue Juniper
The Wichita Blue Juniper, with its silvery-blue foliage, adds a touch of elegance and winter wonder to your festive decor. To make it shine on your coffee table, decorate it with icy-blue and silver ornaments.
#13. Yuletide Camellia
Blooming with festive red flowers during the holiday season, the Yuletide Camellia is a living centerpiece. This beautiful houseplant should be placed in partial shade and has the soil consistently moist.
#14. Donard Gold Monterey Cypress
This variety of Cypress with upright branches is another choice for those seeking alternatives to Christmas trees. Its distinctive two-toned foliage adds a striking touch when paired with the cinnamon bark.
#15. Cactus
For a desert-themed holiday, a cactus is a quirky alternative with its unique shapes and textures. Cactus are not fussy when it comes to decorating, so just add some glittering ornaments to spotlight it.
Whether you opt for the classic look of a Norfolk Island Pine or the modern charm of a Spineless Yucca, each houseplant alternative offers a delightful twist to traditional holiday decor. With a touch of care and a sprinkle of creativity, your living Christmas tree alternatives will not only shine throughout the holidays but continue to thrive, bringing green joy to your home all year round.
