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 Christmas
Tree Alternatives that Provide Year-Round Beauty
By Melinda Myers
[November 26, 2025]
When looking for a
unique holiday tree this season consider adding a plant you can
enjoy now and throughout the year. Select a larger specimen to use
as a floor plant, adding dramatic scale to your indoor décor.
Smaller plants can be placed on tabletops throughout the house to
add a bit of extra cheer in any room.
Transform a weeping fig, rubber tree or fiddleleaf fig into a
holiday tree with a few lights, garland and ornaments. All three of
these make great additions to an indoor garden and their tree-like
appearance makes them a perfect substitute for more traditional
Christmas trees. |
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Grow them in bright, indirect light with evenly
moist but not soggy wet soil. Water thoroughly and pour off any
excess water that collects in the saucer. Or place pebbles in the
saucer to elevate the pot above the water, creating a gravel tray.
The excess water will evaporate, increasing humidity around the
plant. Avoid drafts of hot and cold air and be prepared for some
leaf drop on the weeping fig with a change in the seasons or growing
conditions. It will survive and eventually send out new leaves.
Consider a Norfolk Island pine when looking for something that looks
more like a pine tree. You will often find them decorated and sold
for the holidays in garden centers and floral shops. Or add your own
decorations for the festive look you prefer.
Grow Norfolk Island pine in a cool, well-lit location that’s free of
drafts of hot and cold air. Regularly turn the plant to encourage
even growth. Avoid dry air and keep the soil evenly moist to retain
green, flexible and healthy needles and branches. Boost the humidity
around this and other plants while reducing maintenance by using a
gravel tray.
Purchase Rosemary wreaths and tree topiaries for a festive as well
as fragrant and edible addition to the holidays. Just give the
leaves a pet to enjoy the fragrance as it boosts your spirits. Pluck
a sprig or two to add flavor to your winter meals and beverages.
Growing Rosemary indoors can be challenging so don’t let past
failures stop you from trying. Experiment until you find the
location and maintenance routine that keeps your plant thriving.
Grow it in a sunny window or under artificial lights and water
thoroughly as the soil begins to dry. If the plant turns brown, move
it out of sight to the back of your indoor garden. It still smells
good when you give it a pet and only you will know.
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Lemon Cypress makes a great miniature holiday tree,
centerpiece or gift for a friend. The fragrant chartreuse foliage of
this dwarf evergreen continues to brighten your winter décor long
after the holidays are over. Grow it in a sunny window and turn it
occasionally to encourage even growth. You’ll have the best results
if you keep it in a cool location free from cold and hot air drafts.
Investing in one of these plants is sure to brighten your spirits
and holiday décor. With proper care you can continue to enjoy them
year-round and for next year’s holiday celebrations.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books,
including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small
Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything”
instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s
Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and
contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned
by Summit for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
[Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com]
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