Holiday plants bring color, texture and a little gardening enjoyment into our homes just when we need it most. They also make thoughtful gifts—for a host, a favorite teacher, a plant-loving friend or someone who could use a cheerful surprise.

From flowering cyclamen and Christmas cactus to orchids, miniature Norfolk Island pines and unusual foliage plants, there are plenty of ways to give something that keeps growing. The key is choosing a plant that suits the person and the place where it will live.

Cyclamen: Color for a Cool, Bright Room

With flowers rising above patterned, heart-shaped leaves, cyclamen makes a beautiful accent for the holidays. Shades of red, pink, white and purple offer choices for traditional decorating or something a little different.

Cyclamen appreciates a cool room with bright light, away from heating vents and fireplaces. Keep the potting mix lightly moist without letting it become soggy. Water carefully around the edge of the pot, or water from below and allow the container to drain afterward, keeping water away from the center of the plant.

Gift idea: Pair a flowering cyclamen with a simple decorative pot that lets its flowers and patterned foliage stand out.

Christmas Cactus: A Holiday Tradition Worth Sharing

A Christmas cactus can become a much-loved plant that returns to the holiday celebration year after year. Its arching stems and colorful flowers look especially attractive on a plant stand or in a hanging container.

Plants sold during the holiday season may be Christmas cactus or the closely related Thanksgiving cactus. Both appreciate bright, indirect light and well-drained potting mix. While plants are budding and flowering, keep the mix lightly moist without leaving the roots sitting in water. Avoid cold drafts and large changes in conditions, which can contribute to bud drop.

Gift idea: Give one with a handwritten note inviting the recipient to make it part of their annual holiday traditions.

Norfolk Island Pine: A Little Living Christmas Tree

A Norfolk Island pine brings the look of a miniature Christmas tree to a tabletop, apartment or sunny corner. Its soft-looking branches and graceful shape are attractive long after the decorations come down.

Give it plenty of bright light, and water thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry. Let excess water drain away. Dry indoor air can be challenging, so keep it away from heating vents and consider a humidifier nearby. If you decorate it, choose lightweight ornaments and small ribbons that won’t weigh down the branches.

Gift idea: Add a few lightweight decorations for a festive presentation the recipient can personalize.

Kalanchoes: Small Plants with Plenty of Color

Kalanchoes offer clusters of flowers above thick, glossy leaves. Their compact size makes them easy to tuck into a bright windowsill or small-space display.

These flowering succulents appreciate bright light and a potting mix that drains well. Allow the soil to dry between waterings without letting the plant wilt. A decorative outer pot is fine, but empty any water that collects inside it after watering.

Gift idea: Choose a flower color that suits the recipient’s home and finish the pot with a festive ribbon.

Orchids: An Elegant Holiday Gift

An orchid is a lovely choice when you want a gift with a little extra presence. Its sculptural flowers and graceful stems can make even a simple container feel special.

For someone new to orchids, ask our staff about a moth orchid, also called Phalaenopsis, and the care it will need in its new home. Orchid care varies by type and potting medium, so getting advice for the particular plant is more useful than following a general houseplant watering routine.

Gift idea: Pair an orchid with a clean, understated pot and include its care instructions. Let the flowers be the decoration.

Specialty Houseplants: Something for the Plant Enthusiast

For someone who already loves houseplants, consider a plant with unusual leaf patterns, interesting texture or a distinctive growth habit. A thoughtfully chosen foliage plant can feel just as special as a flowering gift.

Before choosing, think about the recipient’s available light, space and interest in plant care. A beautiful plant is a better gift when its needs fit the home where it will grow. Ask our staff for suggestions from the current selection and help matching a plant to its new surroundings.

Gift idea: Pair the plant with an attractive container and a personal note explaining why you chose it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which holiday houseplant makes a good gift for a beginner?

A kalanchoe can be a good choice for someone with a bright spot who prefers to let the soil dry between waterings. A holiday cactus is another option for someone who enjoys flowering plants. Tell our staff about the recipient’s home and experience so we can help you choose.

Can these plants stay in their decorative pots or foil wraps?

They can, provided excess water can escape or be emptied after watering. Remove the growing pot to water it, let it drain, and return it to the decorative container. Never leave the roots standing in collected water.

Will my Christmas cactus flower again next year?

With proper care, holiday cacti can live and bloom for many years. Shorter days and cool nighttime temperatures help encourage flower buds. Ask our staff about preparing your plant for another season of flowers.

Can I plant my Norfolk Island pine outdoors after the holidays?

In Massachusetts, keep it as a houseplant. Norfolk Island pine is a tropical tree and cannot survive our winters outdoors.

How often should I water an orchid?

Ask for instructions for your particular orchid and its potting medium. The container, growing conditions and type of orchid all affect watering needs, so avoid assuming it should follow the same schedule as your other houseplants.

What should I consider when choosing a specialty houseplant as a gift?

Start with the light available in the recipient’s home, the space the plant will need and how much care they enjoy providing. Share those details with our staff so we can help you make a suitable choice.

Find a Gift with Growing Possibilities

Whether you’re drawn to colorful flowers, a little living tree or distinctive foliage, a houseplant adds something personal to holiday giving. Visit Nunan’s Garden Center in Georgetown to explore the seasonal selection and ask our staff for help choosing a plant, pairing it with a container and getting it off to a good start.