Using house plants in your home during the winter months has a number of benefits. They add humidity to your home, improve air quality, and can scrub viruses and other toxins from the air. Surrounding yourself with plants can also help improve your mood and overall well-being. Here are our top picks for December. 

Norfolk Pine

Resembling a pine tree, Norfolk Pines make great house plants year-round. These plants are long-lived and can grow 5-8 feet tall indoors. Originally from the rocky and sandy island off the Australian coast called Norfolk Island, these plants like well-draining soil and humidity. 

Light: Keep your Norfolk Pine in the brightest indirect light your home allows. Keep this plant away from drafts or heating ducts. 

Water: Norfolk Pines like to dry out slightly between waterings. Check the soil to be sure the surface is dry before you water. Empty the saucer each time to ensure the plant doesn’t get root rot. If your home’s humidity drops below 50%, mist the plant’s leaves to keep it healthy. 

Fertilizer: Add a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during the spring and summer. Give your plant a boost during the fall and winter by fertilizing once during the dormant period. 

Frosty Fern

Although it is called a fern, Frosty Fern is actually a variety of spike moss with white tips that resemble a frost. These plants grow in popularity during the holiday season but can be grown all year. They are more challenging to grow then other Fern since they require high levels of humidity to thrive. 

Light: Frosty Ferns like bright, indirect light. 

Water: Keep your Frosty Fern’s soil moist. As soon as the top layer starts to dry out, give it a good drink. These plants thrive in 70% humidity, so placing your plant on a water tray, or misting the leaves often can help keep it moist. 

Fertilizer:  Fertilize with a quarter strength liquid fertilizer weekly during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter.  

Poinsettia

Originating in Mexico, Poinsettias have become a traditional Christmas plant. Coming in a variety of colors and styles, these plants are a great way to add some color to your holiday decor. 

Light: Bright indirect light is best for poinsettias. Keep them in a well lit, warm place away from drafts. 

Water: Poinsettias like to stay moist, but not overwatered. Check your plant daily to ensure it is receiving enough water. Water when the top layer of soil starts to dry out. If your plant is near a heat source you may have to water more often. It is better to let it get a bit dry than overwatered. 

Fertilizer: There is no need to fertilize your poinsettia. 

Aglaonema Siam

Also called a “Red Aglaonema,” these plants make a great alternative to the traditional holiday poinsettia. The green foliage is edged in hues of pinks and red making it a great plant to add some color to your space. 

Light: Like other aglaonemas, this plant can thrive in most lighting conditions. For more vibrant foliage place in bright, indirect light. 

Water: These plants can handle some neglect. Allowing the plant to dry out between waterings is best. They can even handle going a few weeks without water but will grow more slowly. 

Fertilizer: Fertilize your aglaonema with a balanced house plant fertilizer every quarter for best results. 

Learn more about caring for your house plants. 

House Plant Watering 

Repotting Your House Plants

For more information on choosing the perfect plant for your home, visit any English Gardens location and speak with an expert.