🪴HOW TO & TIPS
Now that December is officially here, it’s safe to say we’ve entered the season of two things:
- Panic-buying Christmas gifts
- Pretending we aren’t panic-buying Christmas gifts
A few weeks ago, I mentioned how meaningful it can be to propagate a plant to give as a Christmas present. I still stand by that, it’s one of the most personal gifts you can give.
But let’s be honest… propagation isn’t for everyone.
Not everyone has the time… or the patience… or the desire to babysit a jar of water on the windowsill for 7 weeks.
Sometimes, you just want the finished product.
So this week, as winter tightens its frosty grip on Sheffield, I sat down and thought up five perfect Christmas-y houseplants that would make amazing gifts.
Let’s get into it.
1. Purple Waffle Plant
(Hemigraphis alternata)
If you want to break away from the classic red-and-green Christmas palette, this is the plant to do it with.
Its metallic-purple leaves look like something straight out of a holiday cocktail bar.
Why it’s gift-worthy
• It’s pet-safe, so you won’t accidentally ruin Christmas for someone’s cat.
• It brings colour without screaming “I’m a Christmas decoration.”
• Perfect for contemporary homes and maximalist interiors.
Origin
Native to Indonesia and tropical Southeast Asia which explains why it loves humidity like I love stuffing my face with mince pies.
Care
• Bright, indirect light
• Keep the soil lightly moist
• Loves bathrooms, kitchens, and anywhere humid
• Pinch back leggy growth to keep it dense and vibrant
2. Bonsai Mint
(Plectranthus ernstii)
This one’s a little magical.
A tiny bonsai tree… that smells like peppermint.
Why it’s gift-worthy
People always ask about it which makes it perfect as a host gift or for anyone who enjoys something a bit quirky.
Origin
Native to South Africa, found growing on rocky cliffs and slopes. No wonder it likes bright light.
Care
• Bright windowsill = best
• Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Occasionally pinch new growth to maintain its cute bonsai shape
• Leaves give off a refreshing minty scent that feels incredibly festive
3. Norfolk Island Pine
(Araucaria heterophylla)
A tropical evergreen masquerading as a Christmas tree.
Think of it as the mini-Christmas tree for plant people.
Why it’s gift-worthy
• You can decorate it with small lights or tiny baubles
• Feels like Christmas without being too “novelty”
• Lives for years (unlike certain supermarket mini-trees I won’t name)
Origin
Native to Norfolk Island in Australia. And no, despite its name, it’s not a pine at all.
Care
• Bright light and warm temperatures
• Rotate weekly for even, symmetrical growth
• Keep soil lightly damp, never bone dry
4. Christmas Cactus
(Schlumbergera)
Yes, it’s obvious.
And yes, I’m including it anyway because it’s a legend.
Why it’s gift-worthy
It blooms exactly when everything else outside looks miserable.
Plus, the flowers come in gorgeous shades of pink, red, white, and peach.
Origin
Native to Brazilian cloud forests — they cling to trees and soak up filtered light and mist.
Care
• Bright, indirect light
• Let soil dry 50% between watering
• Cooler nights help trigger more blooms
• Avoid blasting it with hot, dry radiator air
5. Calathea ‘White Fusion’
(Stromanthe houseplant’s dramatic cousin)
You asked for a fifth plant, so I’m giving you one with enough drama to carry its own Christmas special.
The ‘White Fusion’ has swirling mint-green, cream, and pink variegation — like a marble peppermint sweet in plant form.
Why it’s gift-worthy
• It feels luxurious and festive without being cliché
• Perfect for someone who loves patterned leaves
• Pairs beautifully with minimalist winter décor
Origin
Native to tropical Colombia so, again, humidity is your friend.
Care
• Medium to bright indirect light
• Moist (not soggy) soil
• High humidity = no crispy edges
• Rotate regularly so it grows symmetrically
Your turn…
Are you gifting a houseplant to someone this year?
Or hoping someone gifts you one?
Hit “reply”. I’d love to hear what you’re giving (or secretly wishing for).