9 Winter Houseplants That Look Their Best in December

Some houseplants sulk in winter. Others quietly hit their stride when the air is cool and the light is softer. Those are the ones you want front and center when everything outside is bare and your Christmas decor is doing most of the work.

Here are winter houseplants that tend to look especially good in December.

1. Christmas cactus

Christmas cactus is made for the season. The blooms show up right when the tree goes up, and the plant still looks good once the flowers are done. It handles cooler rooms well, likes bright but indirect light, and doesn’t need constant watering.

2. Cyclamen

Cyclamen actually prefers cooler temperatures, which makes winter its time to shine. The bright blooms and patterned leaves hold up well on coffee tables, desks, and counters. Keep it away from heating vents and direct sunlight, and water when the soil feels barely dry.

3. Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a holiday favorite because the blooms look dramatic with almost no effort. In December, the tall stalk and oversized flowers become a natural focal point on any table or sideboard. Give it bright light, steady watering, and rotate the pot a bit so it doesn’t lean.

4. Paperwhites

Paperwhites are some of the easiest winter “plants” to grow. The bulbs shoot up quickly in pebbles and water, which lines up perfectly with early winter timing. They bring height and movement to mantels and window ledges just when your house needs it.

5. Norfolk Island pine

Norfolk pines love consistent indoor temperatures and bright, indirect light—exactly what most living rooms offer in December. They look great beside the tree or in corners that feel empty once other decor is done. They also handle January and February without looking tired.

6. Snake plant

Snake plants don’t care that daylight hours are shorter. They keep their structure and color with very little attention. They’re ideal for darker corners that would otherwise feel dead once the Christmas lights go off each night.

7. ZZ plant

ZZ plants stay glossy and green even when winter schedules get busy and watering gets inconsistent. They work well in rooms that don’t get a ton of natural light, like hallways or bathrooms, and they keep the space from feeling flat.

8. Pothos

Pothos keeps trailing and filling in shelves, cabinets, and stands no matter what the season does. In December, it pairs well with twinkle lights and garlands, adding a layer of living green that can stay long after the decor comes down.

9. Peace lily

Peace lilies hold up well indoors during winter and can still send up blooms if they’re getting enough light. The combination of big green leaves and white flowers cuts through all the red and metallic decor and makes a room feel calmer.