One of the easiest ways to improve your interior design is with plants. Plants are a simple and easy way to cheer up any space during the holidays because they add life and color plus, they provide a fresh breath of air. Holiday flowers and plants make our homes beautiful and some of them might even purify the air.
People who live in homes with plants are found to be happier and less stressed than those without. The use of plants in your home to make things more cheerful has been going on for centuries. In the last few decades, scientists have been studying how plants affect our moods and found that they can have a positive effect on physical and mental health. The presence of plants in your home can help you relax by reducing stress levels.
Check out these 6-holiday flowers and plants that can make your home pretty and cheerful:
Amaryllis - Amaryllis is a flowering plant that is native to South America. The most common type of Amaryllis is the "Hippeastrum." These plants are known as the “naked ladies” because their flowers grow on a naked stem. The Amaryllis is a beautiful and stunning flower. It is a perennial bulb plant and can grow up to two feet tall. The plant originates from the subtropical and tropical areas of South America. It has an amazing aroma, and it is a popular houseplant in the United States. A symbol of the New Year, the amaryllis blooms in December each year. Namely, December 21st- January 20th. The flowers are usually white or pink, and the plant can be grown indoors. The leaves of the Amaryllis are flattened with parallel veins. These plants need plenty of light to grow well indoors, so they should be placed near a window facing south to west. Amaryllis plants are popular for their short lifespan, flowering six weeks after planting. They can be grown indoors or outdoors (with some care). You can also grow them in water vases if you want to keep them for a longer period of time.
Christmas Cactus - The Christmas Cactus is one of the most popular houseplants for the holiday season. They are easy to propagate and maintain, and they add a festive touch to any room. The plant, also called Schlumbergera, can survive in low-light conditions with reduced watering. A Christmas Cactus is a succulent that has symmetrical, waxy leaves that grow in clusters from a central stem. They bloom from Thanksgiving to Christmas and the best part about them is that they come back every year! The star-shaped flowers are found in pink, red, scarlet, orange, gold, cream, and white — as well as bi-colors where an individual flower blooms in multiple shades at the same time. The plant's leaves are green and grow in clumps at the base of its stem. It can be propagated by taking two or more leaves and then attaching them to a pot filled with soil, then water well. One should never remove any leaves from the original plant, as this will cause it to stop flowering.
Cyclamen - Cyclamen is a perennial and one of the most popular ornamental plants available. They are native to Southern Europe, Africa, and Western Asia. These plants can be found in a variety of colors and shapes, and they typically bloom in the winter. The flowers are available in pink, purple, red, and white. Currently, there are many different varieties on the market that span from dwarf varieties to taller ones that grow more than two feet tall. The flowers typically last for about six weeks and then they die back which will leave you with beautiful green foliage that will provide color throughout the year. The leaves of the cyclamen plant grow in a spiral pattern around the stem, resembling a corkscrew of sorts, but they can also be heart-shaped if left to grow on their own. The leaves have waxy coats that help prevent them from drying out or being damaged by excessive heat or cold.
Mistletoe - Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on trees and shrubs. The plant has leaves, stems, and berries. Mistletoe is an evergreen plant with light green leaves and white flowers. Mistletoe plants have been associated with the traditions of the winter solstice in many cultures, especially because of their evergreen berries and their relation to the return of light and warmth. In ancient Rome, mistletoe was seen as a symbol of peace and a sprig would be brought to a new house when colonizers would take over from another culture. In modern-day cultures, kissing under the mistletoe is seen as an act to wish each other well in love and life. It has been used in many cultures throughout history for its medicinal properties, especially as a treatment for infertility. The Mistletoe’s berries are poisonous to humans, but they are eaten by birds such as the European mistle thrush, redwing blackbird, chaffinch, and others.
Paperwhites – Growing paperwhites is a cheap and easy way to bring a little natural beauty into your home. Paperwhites are popular for their fragrant, whispery white flowers, and delicate foliage. The flowers are star-shaped and grow on tall stems. These winter-blooming annuals are grown for their showy but short-lived flowers. They are grown in the home for Christmas decorations. Paperwhites are grown from bulbs, and they are often called the "winter flower" because they bloom in the dark months of winter when most other flowers have long been asleep. They make a great plant for people who live in particularly dark apartments, don't have space for a garden or live-in colder climates without much sunlight. Paperwhites bulbs do not need to be pre-chilled. Just plant them in a container on top of stones or use soil or a soil material. They will bloom in 4-6 weeks.
Poinsettia – Poinsettia plants are a popular Christmas holiday plant. It is also called the Mexican flame leaf, flor de Noche Buena, or simply Red-leafed Plant. It has a dark green leaf and a stem with thin pointed leaves. These plants can be found in many colors, such as red, pink, purple, maroon, orange, and bi-colors. They are often used to decorate the Christmas tree or placed on the mantelpiece. It is important to trim the plant as it grows to maintain a healthy shape. You can use scissors or a sharp knife to cut off any damaged or dead leaves and flowers. The lifespan of an indoor potted Poinsettia depends on how often it is watered and how much light it receives. An indoor potted Poinsettia will live longer than an outdoor one, which only lasts for six weeks or so. Some tips to keep in mind when growing them are they require about 12 hours of sunlight per day and make sure that the pot has drainage holes and add gravel to the pot for this purpose.
Why not try adding some cheer to your home with one of these plants!
