Holiday decorations brighten the dimly lit days of fall and winter. Twinkly lights, feathery green wreaths and the smell of pine soothe, but gaudy commercial-looking decor can lead to holiday burnout. If we add a few subtle pops of color, our plant-filled homes can be a respite from the Christmas chaos. Here are three festive plants to add cheer to your home without bellowing “Merry Christmas” every time you round the corner. No offense to the Norfolk pine or poinsettia, which are just lovely. 

1) Croton

Crotons sport a beautiful mix of primary colors. Harvest-like yellow, orange, and red tones set against deep green mimic the color scheme on a Christmas tree. This plant is often mixed with others in container designs, but a simple croton with a red bow would be just right for the holiday season. Native to Asia, the croton grows vertically and needs bright light. They like slightly dry soil, and start to droop if too wet. A south or east-facing window will provide enough light throughout winter, and make sure to keep it away from radiators or heating vents. Note; this plant is not pet safe. 

2) Christmas/Thanksgiving Cactus

If you don’t want a Christmas tree, you may want a Christmas cactus. Their magenta and orange flowers dangle from textured stems like ornaments! Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti look similar, but you can tell them apart by their shape. These jungle cacti come from Brazilian rain forests and like more moisture than most succulents. Dark nights and cool temperatures create bright flowers, which makes them perfect for this time of year. 

3) Bromeliad 

Bomeliads add a fun pop of color with a tropical feel. These festive plants are actually related to pineapples and you can see it in their fountain-shaped leaves. The spray of green surrounds orange, yellow, or magenta flowers that come in textured waffles or rosettes. Since they’re native to the tropics, they do best in bright light and warm temperatures. Bromeliads grow well as air plants or with a shallow soil mix of orchid bark or sphagnum moss. Too much water will cause root rot, so make sure to let your bromeliade dry out between waterings and provide as much humidity as possible. 

Us plant lovers adore a room full of pure green, but sometimes a pop of color adds contrast. Colorful houseplants add a little magic to the season. The three plants listed above will not only give you a festive feel, but remain keepers in your collection.