11 Indoor Plant Ideas That Clash with Christmas Decor

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Decorating the halls with Christmas cheer is one of the loveliest Christmas rituals. It’s magical, twinkling lights, shimmering ornaments and that unmistakable scent of pine. However, if your indoor plants then decide to steal the show, what next? Some festive decor can be so spectacularly clashed with greenery that it feels like they’re auditioning for a comedy sketch.

Our plants are loved because they add life and vibrancy to our homes year round. Although, not every leafy character is a good match for tinsel and garlands. In this article, we will discuss 11 Indoor plant ideas that turn your merry and bright into a merry mess.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

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It’s the trendy plant, the plant that will always have to be the center of attention. It has massive leaves and, when combined with twinkling lights and ornaments, it’s two competing stars in one film. Your Christmas tree doesn’t need to be in a fight, and the Fiddle Leaf Fig is not big on stepping aside.

Snake Plant

Snake Plant’s sharp, upright leaves aren’t necessarily what you’d expect from a cozy winter wonderland. It’s great for the rest of the year, low maintenance, but it can be cold during Christmas, especially if you have warm rustic Christmas decor. It’s like the minimalist shows up for your sweater party in all black.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is the ultimate healer, but not so much for mixing with tinsel and stockings. It’s spiky leaves and muted color make it appear to have missed the memo about holiday cheer. Also, something about having it near a poinsettia doesn’t seem quite right.

Rubber Plant

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Rubber Plants are deep green, waxy leaves with a strong, silent type. Although, on Christmas day they can be sitting in a corner looking like they’re brooding and judging your glitter obsession. Rather, they’re better suited to sleek, modern interiors instead of spaces drenched in garlands and red bows.

Croton

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The Croton has colorful, variegated leaves which are a showstopper, but not the kind you want for Christmas. Oranges, yellows and reds are so bright they stand out against the more muted, traditional holiday palette. It’s like trying to put leopard print with plaid together. Bold? Yes. Festive? Not quite.

Boston Fern

The Boston Fern looks like something fluffy and dramatic at first. However, once it begins to shed those teeny tiny leaves all over the place (that’s right, all over the place), you’ll regret putting it next to your Christmas decor. While you’re cleaning up pine needles and fern debris, perhaps this is one plant you can gift to someone else.

Monstera

Monstera’s split leaves are all about drama and elegance. During the holidays, however, it’s as if you have a celebrity guest who won’t play by the dress code. It’s bold, it’s tropical, and that can seem so misfitting with cozy flannels and cinnamon scented candles.

Cactus

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Cactus, while adorable in their spiky way, aren’t exactly the poster children for Christmas. Desert vibes and snowflake ornaments don’t mix, and for heaven’s sake, don’t let someone accidentally brush up against one during a holiday party. Ouch!

ZZ Plant

Its glossy, dark green leaves are a little too subdued for the season, but the ZZ Plant is the ultimate low key companion. It’s like putting a quiet introvert on stage at karaoke night.

Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

The beautiful patterned leaves of this plant are striking, but this plant’s leaves bring a tropical, summery vibe that doesn’t jive with Christmas decor. It’s darling, yes, although also a tad baffling, as if you were to flip flop in the snow.

Bird of Paradise

Photo Credit: Leon Brooks/Wikimedia Commons

There’s no doubt that the Bird of Paradise is an exotic beauty. Its tall, dramatic leaves and tropical aura say beach vacation more than silent night. Near your cozy fireplace setup, it feels like hot cocoa with piña coladas, and most people aren’t looking for that vibe.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.