The best Christmas plant gifts are Christmas cactus (pet-safe and lives for decades), poinsettia (the classic), amaryllis bulb kits (huge blooms in 6–10 weeks), a rosemary tree (smells like the holidays and you can cook with it) and a moth orchid for an elegant, pet-safe gift that blooms for months.
Cut flowers are beautiful for a week. A plant can be part of someone’s home for years, and at Christmas, when gardens are asleep and days are short, a living green gift feels especially welcome. Plants also make wonderful host gifts, teacher gifts and Secret Santa presents because they feel personal without being complicated.
Here are fifteen ideas, from the traditional to the unexpected, with a note on each so you can pick the right one.
Classic holiday plants
1. Christmas cactus
Pink, red, white or coral flowers through the holidays, and it can live for generations. It is also non-toxic to cats and dogs. Read our Christmas cactus care guide to pass on with it.
2. Poinsettia
The unmistakable Christmas plant, in red, white, pink or marbled varieties. Buy it close to the date and keep it warm on the way. Our poinsettia care guide shows how to keep it going. Mildly irritating to pets if chewed.
3. Amaryllis bulb kit
A big bulb, a pot and soil in a box. Plant it and watch a thick stem shoot up and open trumpet flowers 6 to 10 weeks later. Give it in late November for blooms around New Year. Toxic to pets.
4. Paperwhites
Fragrant white narcissus that bloom indoors in a few weeks, even in a bowl of pebbles and water. Some people adore the scent; others find it strong, so know your recipient. Toxic to pets.
5. Cyclamen
Swept-back flowers in red, pink and white that love cool rooms. Lovely on a chilly windowsill. Toxic to pets.
Living Christmas trees
6. Rosemary tree
Rosemary trimmed into a little cone shape. It looks like a tiny Christmas tree, smells wonderful, and you can snip it for roast potatoes. Pet-safe, too.
7. Norfolk Island pine
A soft, tiered evergreen that makes a charming mini Christmas tree and a long-lived houseplant afterward. Decorate it lightly with small ornaments. Mildly toxic to pets.
8. Dwarf Alberta spruce
A cone-shaped conifer for a porch or doorstep. After the holidays it can be planted outdoors in suitable climates.
Pet-safe Christmas plants
9. Moth orchid
Elegant, long-flowering and non-toxic to cats and dogs. A white orchid in a red or silver pot is instantly festive.
10. Bromeliad
Bold red or orange flower spikes that last for months, and non-toxic to pets.
11. Air plant ornament set
Air plants (Tillandsia) need no soil and can sit in glass globes or hang on the tree. Fun, unusual and pet-safe.
Wrap plants for the cold. If you are carrying a plant outside in winter, wrap it in a paper or plastic sleeve, even for a short walk. Tropical plants can be damaged by a few minutes below 50°F.
Gifts for plant lovers
12. Indoor smart herb garden
Fresh basil on the counter in January. A gift that gets used every single day. See our hydroponics for beginners guide.
13. Ginseng ficus bonsai
A living sculpture and the easiest bonsai to keep indoors.
14. A rare houseplant
A variegated pothos, a string of pearls or an unusual hoya from a local nursery feels special to someone who already owns the classics.
15. A plant with a stylish pot
A simple snake plant or ZZ plant becomes a premium gift in a beautiful ceramic pot. Toxic to pets, but nearly impossible to kill.
Which Christmas plant is right?
| Gift for | Best pick | Pet-safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Home with cats or dogs | Christmas cactus, moth orchid, rosemary tree | Yes |
| Host or hostess gift | Poinsettia or rosemary tree | Rosemary yes |
| Teacher or coworker | Christmas cactus or air plants | Yes |
| Plant lover | Bonsai or a rare houseplant | Varies |
| Someone who cooks | Rosemary tree or smart herb garden | Yes |
| Something to watch grow | Amaryllis bulb kit | No |
Our favorite Christmas plant gifts
Prices change often, so check the store for today's price.Christmas cactus in bloom
Festive flowers, safe for pets, inexpensive and capable of living for decades. Few gifts offer so much for so little.
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Blooms every year
- Easy care
- Downside: Buds may drop if it is moved a lot
How to use it: Keep it in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Amaryllis bulb gift kit
Everything comes in one box, and the speed of growth is genuinely thrilling. Great for kids and adults alike.
- Huge, dramatic blooms
- All-in-one kit
- Can rebloom next year
- Downside: Toxic to pets
How to use it: Plant with the top third of the bulb above the soil, water lightly and keep in a bright, warm spot.
Rosemary Christmas tree
A tiny, fragrant, edible Christmas tree that is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- Smells wonderful
- Use it in the kitchen
- Pet-safe
- Downside: Needs lots of light indoors
How to use it: Give it the sunniest window you have and let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
FAQ
What is the best Christmas plant for a home with cats?
Christmas cactus, moth orchid, bromeliad, rosemary and air plants are all non-toxic. Avoid lilies, which are extremely dangerous to cats.
How do I keep a Christmas plant alive?
Most holiday plants want bright, indirect light, no drafts and watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. Remove foil wrappers so water can drain.
When should I buy a poinsettia?
Close to when you will give it, ideally within a few days, and from a store that keeps them away from cold doors.
