Christmas Plants

Searching for an earth friendly gift for the Christmas holiday? Christmas plants offer the best solution to keeping gift giving eco-friendly.

When searching for a plant to give as a present for family and friends in colder climates look at plants that require little light in the winter months.

The poinsettia remains a popular Christmas plant. This red flowered Christmas plant makes an attractive plant to own not only because of the large, flowers and green leaves represents Christmas colors, but because it requires little light to grow. Native to Mexico, poinsettias come in other colors including white, pink and yellow.

Known as the sacred plant to the roman god, Saturn, a Christmas holly plant shares special significance with the winter holiday season. In Christianity, the holly plant leaves symbolize the crown of thorns put on Jesus' head during crucifixion and the red berries represent the blood he shed for the world.

For those missing their "green thumb", a Christmas cactus plant, known as succulents, might be an excellent gift. Buyers get a large choice from a vast variety of Christmas cactus plant genus and species. Very little care of a Christmas cactus plant is needed, just water when soil feels dry. Winter months require less water, usually once or twice a month. The yellowed flowered Christmas plant variety of cactus is harder to find than those that bloom pink, red, white or fuchsia flowers.

Florists, grocery stores, and department stores all offer Christmas cactus plants for sale. Want to learn more? Search online for more information on Christmas cactuses, including what light they like, when to water, and what they look like inside by viewing an enlarged picture of a Christmas cactus plant.

Just a word of warning on Christmas plants. Some Christmas plants, such as the poinsettia, mistletoe, and holly are poisonous to eat. Avoid around pets and children. While a cactus may be safe, some animals love the juicy insides and suck them dry until the cactus dies.

Want a plant safe to eat? Buy potted herbs of oregano, basil, peppermint, spearmint, and lavender. While their flowers remain dormant in winter months, each of these thrives well inside with southern exposure. They make great gifts for the home gardener, cook, or for apartment dwellers.

A Norfolk Island pine requires little light and grows year round without problem. Keep indoors throughout the winter months and bring outside in the spring.