Whether you’re looking for ways to transform a small space this Christmas, want to put greenery at the centre of your festive interiors, or are searching for sustainable gifting options for loved ones, Christmas houseplants will give a traditional Yuletide feel.
From timeless Poinsettias to contemporary planted bowls for a unique centrepiece, you can make indoor greenery merry and bright. Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer, Claire Bishop talks us through some ideas and gives a glimpse into what you can expect at Dobbies this Christmas.
Festive
You can’t get more festive than a classic red Poinsettia, and Claire believes this popular plant is more versatile than you might think. Claire says: “The Poinsettia is a staple in traditional Christmas décor and instantly evokes feelings of nostalgia with its signature red bracts. Styled in an elegant gold pot, the Poinsettia will add festive flair to any room on its own, however, if you really want to make an impact, cluster it together with other plants for a burst of seasonal vibrancy. White Phalaenopsis Orchids will offer a colour contrast, while smaller red Cyclamens will bring a contemporary touch to displays while still fitting in with the classic colour scheme. (Keep pets away from poinsettias as they are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Lilies should always be avoided as they are highly toxic to cats).
“Anthuriums are another festive favourite thanks to their glossy red spathes and work well as a modern alternative to the Poinsettia. Perfect for gifting or brightening up an empty space, these tropical plants offer a unique take on traditional décor and are priced from just £12.99.”
Put your plants at the centre of celebrations this year by adorning them with lightweight wired lights for a twinkling Christmas effect. Not only will this help brighten up any dark corners in your home with a lovely glow but the lights will illuminate your houseplants’ leaves and enhance their natural beauty, creating a captivating display.
“Whether you opt for warm white lights for an elegant look and feel, or go retro with a playful coloured variety, the result is sure to bring your interiors to life. Choose a tall green plant like a Strelitzia nicolai to really make a statement, and pair with smaller succulents for a sparkling botanical display.”
For those looking to make a statement with minimal fuss, Claire notes that Dobbies’ new planted bowls and light up planters are a great choice. Claire says: “If you like the idea of festive greenery but want to keep things simple, consider our new planted bowl with Kalanchoe. This charming display requires little to no maintenance and will add a unique touch to your coffee table or shelves.
Statement
“If you like the style of the planted bowl but are looking for something with a bit more height, our limited edition light-up Kalanchoe planter is really special and makes a great gift or statement piece for your home. Simply place in a bright spot out of direct sunlight and water every couple of weeks.
“Other houseplants that will make an impact include the elegant Stephanotis floribunda with its beautiful white flowers and dark glossy leaves. Grown on a hoop, this plant works well on its own to make a statement, or as a showstopping gift for green-fingered loved ones.”
Decorations
If you’re short on space, Claire says you can still embrace the magic of Christmas without a tree and instead adorn houseplants. Claire says: “Large green plants like the Ficus Mahori Alii Hydro Plant act as a wonderful base for your Christmas decorations in compact areas of your home. Create a festive scene by wrapping your houseplant in wired lights, and hanging paper decorations and small baubles from ribbons to personalise it to your style. Just remember when creating your display to use LED lights as these don’t omit heat, meaning your plant will be safe.
“Two trees is a huge trend for Christmas 2023, but who says your second one can’t be a houseplant? Use decorations to achieve the same effect and when Christmas is over, simply undress your plant to put it back to normal – all the festive magic without the effort of putting up and taking down another tree!”
To browse Dobbies’ entire range of houseplants, gifts and other seasonal products for Christmas 2023, visit www.dobbies.com.
See also: More Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Recipes for Christmas
