3 Alternatives to Poinsettia Holiday Decorations
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The poinsettia is a popular plant traditionally used for decoration during the holiday season. The poinsettia is perfect for many applications, but occasionally something unique is desired. There are several potted plant alternatives to the poinsettia that can be equally festive.
Norfolk Island Pine
Adrian Higgins of the Washington Post recommends the Norfolk Island pine as an alternative to the poinsettia. Higgins states, “Its feathery foliage and graceful form are a plus, but what it really has going for it is its ease of care.”
The Norfolk Island pine can be dressed up with ribbons, a decorative container, ornaments and even lights. The plant prefers bright indirect light, humidity and cooler temperatures. However, it can tolerate variances in its growing environment and still thrive.
The Norfolk Island pine will grow for years. It can be kept in the home until it outgrows its space. According to the Purdue Extension, the tree can grow to 200 hundred feet tall in its natural environment. The Purdue Extension indicates that Norfolk Island pines can be purchased from garden retailers or nurseries in sizes ranging from a small potted plant to a full size Christmas tree.
Amaryllis
TLC Home suggests the amaryllis as a flowering alternative to poinsettias. They have bright red, pink or white flowers that grow on tall stalks. They bloom naturally during the Christmas season. Amaryllis can be found in bloom from growers or sold as bulb kits. The bulbs must be planted in November to blossom in time for the holiday season.
The University of Minnesota Extension advises that you choose large bulbs that are firm and show no signs of mold or rot.
Plant the bulbs in a pot only one inch larger than the bulb. Use a well draining potting mix to cover only the bottom half of the bulb. Amaryllis are often treated as annuals, but they can be moved outside during the summer and will bloom again the following season. Simply cut the flowers off once they are spent, but leave the flower stalk attached until it is yellow. Then give the plant plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Remember to water the plant from below via a sub-irrigation system. Remove it after a few minutes and allow it to drain. Watering from above may cause the bulb to rot.
Guzmania lingulata
The Guzmania lingulata is a bromeliad that offers the brilliant red flower bracts and bright green foliage for an appropriate tropical alternative to poinsettias. The Guzmania lingulata should be potted in a small pot. This makes it easy to slip the pot into decorative holiday containers. The glossy foliage and bright colors naturally complement glitzy holiday decorations. The plants are easy to care for. They require water in their central rosette weekly and some indirect light. Once the flower dies, the plant will produce pups that can be separated and repotted. A single Guzmania lingulata can continue to supply plants for many future holiday seasons. Bromeliad Plant Care Information provides more tips for decorating with a variety of bromeliads during the holidays.
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These are just a few alternatives to decorating with poinsettias. A little creativity can make just about any indoor plant a festive decoration for the holidays. Consider trying something new this year.
Do you have any favorite plants to decorate with for the holidays?
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Melanie is a plant enthusiast and expert contributor at Bromeliads.info and OrchidPlantCare.info. Melanie's experience in internet marketing, business management, and horticulture allows her to bring a unique perspective to the community. Melanie received a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership from Purdue University and is the Marketing Director at NewPro Containers.
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