The Best Holiday Succulents of 2023 • Indoor Succulent Care

How To Decorate With Succulents

The holiday season has arrived! And with it often comes joy, warmth, and festive decorations. While traditional ornaments and lights have their charm, there’s a growing trend that brings a touch of nature into our homes—holiday succulents. These unique and resilient plants not only add a fresh and modern aesthetic to your decor but also come with several benefits. Let’s dive into the topic of holiday succulents and discover how they can transform your space in a creative way.

Popular Holiday Succulents

Remember that the appearance of succulents can vary based on factors such as growing conditions, age, and care practices. These holiday-like succulents can add a festive touch to your home or make thoughtful gifts during the holiday season.

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.):

Plant Characteristics:

Flat, segmented stems with scalloped edges.
Bright, colorful flowers that bloom in winter, often in shades of red, pink, or white.
Epiphytic nature, meaning it can grow on other surfaces.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller):

Plant Characteristics:

Thick, fleshy green leaves arranged in a rosette.
Toothed edges on the leaves.
Aloe vera is known for its medicinal properties and is often associated with soothing properties, making it a comforting plant.

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata):

Plant Characteristics:

Thick, glossy green leaves that resemble small, round coins.
Tree-like growth habit with a woody stem.
Symbolizes good luck and prosperity, making it a popular gift during holidays.

Christmas Aloe (Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’):

Plant Characteristics:

Rosettes of triangular, green leaves with red margins.
The red color intensifies during stress or sunlight exposure.
Compact and suitable for indoor settings, making it a festive addition to holiday decor.

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana:

Plant Characteristics:

Clusters of small, colorful flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, or yellow.
Thick, succulent leaves with scalloped edges.
Compact and easy to care for, often blooming during the winter months.

Golden Sedum (Sedum ‘Golden Glow’):

Plant Characteristics:

Low-growing succulent with trailing stems.
Fleshy, needle-like leaves that are golden-yellow in color.
Clusters of small, star-shaped yellow flowers in late summer to fall.
Drought-tolerant and easy to care for, making it a resilient and festive addition to holiday displays.

Benefits of Decorating with Succulents

Low Maintenance and Longevity

Holiday succulents are not only visually appealing but also practical. Unlike traditional holiday plants that require meticulous care, succulents are known for their low maintenance. With the right conditions, they can thrive throughout the festive season and beyond.

Unique Aesthetic Appeal

The unique shapes, colors, and textures of succulents bring an unconventional charm to your holiday decor. Whether used as centerpieces, wreath accents, or table arrangements, succulents add a contemporary and stylish flair.

Environmental Benefits

Succulents contribute to a healthier environment by purifying the air. During the holidays, when indoor spaces are often filled with various decorations, having plants that naturally improve air quality is a valuable bonus.

Choosing the Right Holiday Succulents

When selecting holiday succulents, consider factors such as size, color, and care requirements. Opt for plants that complement your existing decor and ensure they receive the right amount of sunlight. Additionally, choose succulents that can withstand the conditions of the festive season.

To ensure your succulents thrive during the holidays, follow these tips:

Check Light Requirements: Different succulents have varying light preferences. Some thrive in bright, indirect light, while others prefer direct sunlight. Assess your home’s lighting conditions before choosing the right succulent. You can browse succulent grow lights here if you need a little help making it through the dark winters.
Water Sparingly: Overwatering is a common mistake. Succulents store water in their leaves, making them drought-tolerant. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Learn how to water your succulents here.
Provide Well-Draining Soil: Succulents dislike sitting in waterlogged soil. Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot and ensure optimal growth. These are the recommended succulent soils.

Creative Ways to Display Succulents

There are endless possibilities when using succulents to craft creative displays. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer ready-made options, here are some ideas to showcase these charming plants during the holidays:

Innovative Container Ideas

Hollowed Logs: Arrange succulents in hollowed-out logs for a rustic and natural look. There’s some stunning examples of this at the link provided.
Vintage Teacups: Transform vintage teacups into mini succulent gardens for a whimsical touch. This could be done with anything really, but vintage teacups provide a classic way to repurpose a timeless family piece, or thriftstore score!

Incorporating Succulents into Holiday Decor

Wreath Accents: Add succulent cuttings to your holiday wreath for a fresh and modern twist.
Table Centerpieces: Create eye-catching centerpieces by placing succulents in decorative containers surrounded by candles or fairy lights.

Caring for Holiday Succulents

With so much going on throughout the holiday months, in can be easy to fall off our plant care routine. While succulents are generally easy to care for, it’s crucial to provide them with the right conditions to thrive during the holiday season. Follow these guidelines for optimal care:

Temperature Considerations: Succulents prefer temperatures above 60°F (15°C). Avoid exposing them to extreme cold or drafts.
Monitor Humidity Levels: Keep indoor humidity levels moderate. Succulents are adapted to arid environments and may suffer in overly humid conditions.
Prune with Caution: If your succulent becomes leggy or overgrown, prune it back selectively. Avoid excessive pruning to maintain its natural form.

DIY Succulent Decor Projects

Get creative this holiday season with DIY succulent decor projects. Here’s a simple yet charming project you can try. It’s appropriate for any age and any level of art background (or lack thereof). 😉

Succulent-Topped Mason Jars

Materials Needed:

Mason jars
Potting mix
Assorted succulents
Decorative pebbles
Ribbon or twine

Instructions:

Fill each mason jar halfway with potting mix.
Plant a variety of succulents in each jar, arranging them in a visually pleasing manner.
Top the soil with decorative pebbles for a polished look.
Tie ribbon or twine around the neck of the mason jars for a festive touch.
Place the succulent-topped mason jars on tables or shelves for a unique and personalized decor element.

Succulent Gift Ideas

Looking for the perfect gift for plant enthusiasts or those new to succulents? Consider these succulent gift ideas:

Creative Succulent Pots: These are the best gifts possible because you can propagate a little piece off of your own succulent and then plant it in your new pot before gifting. For easy gift ideas, I have gathered a list of the cutest small succulent pots in one place!
LEGO Succulent Sets: LEGO sets aren’t just for kids anymore! Browse these LEGO succulent sets for a fun activity the whole family will appreciate.
Jaw-Dropping Succulent Arrangements: These babies are both creative and incredibly gorgeous. Check out my favorite succulent arrangements here.
Helpful Succulent Books: There are many useful guides that will teach you how to create a thriving indoor succulent garden. Here’s a list of great books with even better reviews.

LEGO Succulent Set 10329 Artificial Cactus Décor — LEGO Succulent Set

Sustainable Practices with Holiday Succulents

As we embrace the joy of the holiday season, let’s also prioritize sustainability in our decor choices. Here are some eco-friendly practices when it comes to holiday succulents:

Choose Locally Sourced Succulents: Support local nurseries and reduce your carbon footprint by choosing succulents grown in your region.
Opt for Biodegradable Pots: When purchasing succulents, look for those planted in biodegradable pots. This reduces plastic waste and benefits the environment.
Use Excess Drinking Water to Water Your Plants: Instead of dumping the last half of a water glass in the sink, repurpose excess drinking water for your plants. Just make sure its close to room temperature when you offer it to your succulent!

FAQs About Holiday Succulents

Q1: Can I keep holiday succulents alive after the festive season?

Yes, with proper care, holiday succulents can thrive well beyond the holidays. Follow the care guidelines provided to ensure their longevity.

Q2: Are succulents safe for pets?

Most succulents are pet-friendly, but it’s essential to research specific varieties. Aloe, for example, may not be suitable for consumption by pets.

Q3: Can I plant holiday succulents in my garden after the holidays?

Absolutely! Many holiday succulents can be transplanted into your garden. Ensure they are acclimated to outdoor conditions gradually.

Q4: How often should I water my holiday succulents?

Watering frequency depends on factors like humidity and sunlight. Generally, water when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering. Here’s a watering guide that will help you develop a succulent watering schedule.