Christmas Plants & Gifts

Amaryllis, cyclamen, the Christmas cactus (ours is the Thanksgiving cactus, Schlumbergera truncata) and the Norfolk Island pine are the classic choices, because they look festive in December without any extra decoration. An amaryllis gift box comes ready to plant, Cyclamen persicum 'Illusia' is in flower now, the Thanksgiving cactus flowers from November through December, and the Norfolk Island pine works as a small living tree.

If the recipient is new to houseplants, choose something more forgiving, such as Pilea peperomioides or Pachira aquatica.

Amaryllis flower 6 to 10 weeks after planting, so pot the bulb in late October or early November for flowers around Christmas. A bulb planted later in November will usually flower in January, which still makes a good gift.

Plant it with the top third of the bulb above the compost, stand it on a bright windowsill and water sparingly until the flower stem is growing. Our amaryllis gift boxes include the bulb, pot and compost.

Keep it cool and bright. Cyclamen persicum flowers longest at around 10 to 15°C, so a cool windowsill, porch or spare room is better than a warm living room. Heat from a radiator is the main reason cyclamen collapse early.

Water from below by standing the pot in a saucer of water for 15 to 20 minutes, then let it drain. Avoid pouring water into the centre of the plant, as this can rot the tuber. Pull off faded flowers at the base of the stem to keep new buds coming.

Yes. Ours is Schlumbergera truncata, the Thanksgiving cactus sold in the UK as Christmas cactus. It is a forest cactus, so it likes more water than a desert cactus. Water when the top few centimetres of compost are dry and keep it in bright, indirect light.

Once buds have formed, leave the plant where it is. A sudden change in light or temperature is the most common reason a Christmas cactus drops its buds.

Yes. The Norfolk Island pine has the tiered shape of a fir and is strong enough for light decorations such as small baubles and battery fairy lights. Avoid heavy ornaments, which can bend the branches.

After Christmas, take the decorations off and keep it as a houseplant in your brightest spot, away from radiators. Turn it a quarter turn every week or two so it grows evenly.

Not all of them. Amaryllis, cyclamen and hellebores are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep them out of reach. The bulbs and tubers are the most toxic parts. Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti (Schlumbergera) are generally considered non-toxic to pets, and the Norfolk Island pine can cause mild stomach upset if chewed.

For a pet-safe gift, Pilea peperomioides, Pachira aquatica and Areca palm are all considered non-toxic.

Yes. Enter the recipient's address at checkout and add a personalised gift note to go in the box.

If you would rather they choose their own plant, the e-gift card is sent by email.