Christmas cactus doesn’t always match the Texas mood, so I started exploring other plants that still feel festive. A few surprised me by handling the warm weather with no trouble at all.
They kept their color, stayed cheerful, and made my place feel cozy through the whole season. These are the ones that truly brought the holiday energy in the best way.
1. Poinsettia
Poinsettias are the classic holiday plant that Texans love for good reason. Their bright red, pink, or white bracts create instant festive atmosphere in any room.
Growing poinsettias in Texas is surprisingly easy since our warm climate suits them perfectly. Water them when the soil feels dry and keep them in bright, indirect sunlight.
Many folks in Texas even plant them outdoors after the holidays, where they can grow into impressive shrubs that bloom year after year.
2. Amaryllis
With trumpet-shaped flowers that can reach eight inches across, amaryllis bulbs make a bold statement during the holiday season. Red and white varieties are especially popular for their Christmas colors.
Plant your bulb in a pot with good drainage, and you’ll see blooms in just six to eight weeks. Texas gardeners appreciate how low-maintenance these beauties are.
After blooming, you can save the bulb and force it to bloom again next year with proper care and storage.
3. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe plants produce clusters of tiny flowers in cheerful shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink that last for weeks. Their thick, waxy leaves store water, making them perfect for busy Texas households.
Bright light helps kalanchoes bloom their best, so place them near a sunny window. They need very little water compared to other flowering plants.
These succulents handle the dry indoor air common in Texas homes during winter without any complaints.
4. Paperwhite Narcissus
Nothing says winter elegance like the pure white blooms and sweet fragrance of paperwhite narcissus. You don’t even need soil to grow them, just water and pebbles in a shallow dish.
Plant the bulbs in early December, and they’ll bloom right around Christmas time. Texas residents love how quickly these bulbs sprout and flower.
Their delicate appearance and lovely scent make them perfect for holiday tables and mantels throughout the season.
5. Cyclamen
Cyclamen flowers look like tiny butterflies dancing above heart-shaped, patterned leaves. Available in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, they bloom throughout the cooler months.
Keep cyclamen in a cool spot away from heating vents, and water from the bottom to avoid rotting the crown. Texas gardeners find them surprisingly hardy.
When spring arrives in Texas, you can plant cyclamen outdoors in shady spots where they might naturalize and return each year.
6. Winter Jasmine
Bright yellow flowers appear on winter jasmine’s arching green stems even during the coldest months. While not a true jasmine, this cheerful shrub brings sunshine to gray winter days.
Plant winter jasmine outdoors in Texas where it can cascade over walls or sprawl as a ground cover. It tolerates our occasional freezes without problems.
Bring cut stems indoors to force early blooms, creating natural holiday decorations that last for weeks in water-filled vases.
7. Azalea
Florist azaleas make spectacular holiday gifts with their masses of ruffled blooms in festive colors. Covered in flowers from top to bottom, they create impressive displays.
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light for best results. Many Texas gardeners transition their holiday azaleas outdoors after blooming.
Plant them in acidic soil in partially shaded areas of your Texas garden, and they’ll reward you with beautiful spring displays for years to come.
8. Oxalis
Sometimes called false shamrock, oxalis features stunning triangular leaves in deep purple or bright green that fold up at night. Delicate flowers in pink or white add extra charm.
Oxalis thrives in bright, indirect light and needs regular watering during active growth. Texas indoor conditions suit them perfectly during winter months.
If the plant goes dormant after blooming, simply reduce watering and wait for new growth to emerge in a few weeks.
9. Schlumbergera Truncata
Often confused with Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus blooms earlier with pointed leaf segments and vibrant flowers. It’s actually easier to grow in Texas than its holiday cousin.
This plant prefers bright, indirect light and slightly more frequent watering than desert cacti. Avoid moving it once buds form to prevent them from dropping.
After flowering, give it a rest period with less water, then resume normal care to encourage blooms the following year.
10. Rosemary Topiary
Shaped into miniature Christmas trees, rosemary topiaries serve double duty as festive decorations and useful herbs. Their pine-like fragrance fills your home with holiday scent.
Rosemary loves bright light and well-draining soil, making it ideal for sunny Texas windowsills. Water when the top inch of soil dries out completely.
Snip sprigs for cooking throughout the season, and plant your topiary outdoors in spring where it’ll grow into a full-sized fragrant shrub.
11. Norfolk Island Pine
Looking exactly like tiny evergreen trees, Norfolk Island pines make perfect living Christmas decorations. Their soft needles and symmetrical branches can even hold lightweight ornaments.
Provide bright, indirect light and consistent moisture for healthy growth. Texas homes with good humidity levels are ideal, though occasional misting helps too.
While they grow slowly indoors, these plants can eventually reach impressive sizes, becoming cherished family traditions that decorate your home for decades.
12. Clivia
Bold clusters of orange or yellow trumpet flowers emerge from clivia’s dark green, strap-like leaves during late winter. Though not traditionally holiday-themed, their dramatic blooms brighten the season.
Clivia prefers shade and tolerates neglect, making it perfect for busy Texas households. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering.
Give your plant a cool, dry rest period in fall to trigger blooming, then watch as stunning flower stalks appear just in time for the holidays.