The ruby red poinsettia may reign supreme as the classic Christmas plant, but there’s more than one way to deck the halls with nature’s beauty.
Here at Leaflike, we like to think creatively, and that means stepping outside of tradition – there’s a whole forest of festive flora waiting to be discovered! We’ve rounded up five stunning, low-maintenance alternatives that bring seasonal beauty to foyers, meeting rooms, and guest suites.
If you’re ready to swap out your poinsettia for something a little more inspired, read on.
1. CHRISTMAS CACTUS (Schlumbergera × buckleyi)
Few plants capture the spirit of the season quite like the Christmas Cactus. Celebrated for its vivid, tubular blooms that burst into colour just as winter sets in, this elegant indoor plant adds a festive flourish to any interior.
Its gracefully arching, segmented stems create a soft, cascading silhouette—perfect for hanging displays or elevated shelving where its natural form can shine. Unlike traditional cacti, the Christmas Cactus is free of spines, making it an ideal choice for welcoming, people-friendly environments such as hotel lobbies, meeting rooms and guest suites.
With a flowering period that peaks around Christmas and lasts for weeks, it offers enduring seasonal beauty and a vibrant touch of biophilic design when it’s needed most. Christmas Cacti bloom in a variety of colours; choose a red cultivar to nod to the season.
2. CYCLAMEN
With its delicate blooms in shades of white, crimson, and magenta, cyclamen brings a joyful burst of colour to interiors during the darker months.
Whether tender or hardy, cyclamen varieties are versatile additions to a seasonal display. Tender Cyclamen persicum is a favourite for indoors, thriving in cool, bright environments such as unheated foyers, atriums, conservatories, or windowsills away from radiators. Hardy cyclamen, meanwhile, make excellent temporary pot plants—perfect for decorating tables or ledges for several weeks before transitioning outdoors.
3. CHRISTMAS ROSE (Helleborus niger)
For an elegant, nature-inspired alternative, Helleborus niger, known as the Christmas rose, is a winter gem worth celebrating. Native to the mountainous regions of southern and central Europe, this hardy perennial thrives in shaded, well-drained spaces and brings a serene beauty to indoor and outdoor schemes alike.
Its crisp white blooms—sometimes blushed with pink—appear from midwinter into early spring, offering a graceful contrast to the bold reds of traditional Christmas decor. Named for its tendency to flower around Christmas, it’s a subtle yet striking way to infuse biophilic design with seasonal charm.
Whether nestled into a winter installation or used to soften a festive tablescape, the Christmas rose is a timeless choice for those seeking something a little more refined this holiday season.
4. AMARYLLIS (Hippeastrum)
Bringing dramatic flair to hotel interiors, Amaryllis is the epitome of festive elegance with its tall, sculptural stems and bold, trumpet-shaped blooms in rich shades of red, white, and pink. Its commanding presence makes it a natural centrepiece for lobbies, reception desks, or seasonal floral installations, where its architectural form can truly shine. These bulbs are remarkably reliable indoors, thriving in bright, indirect light with minimal watering—making them ideal for busy hospitality environments. Their blooms last for weeks, often well into the New Year, offering enduring beauty throughout the festive season.
For a contemporary twist, Amaryllis pairs beautifully with moss, textured foliage, or metallic containers, adding depth and sophistication to any display. At Leaflike, we often incorporate Amaryllis into biophilic schemes that celebrate the season while maintaining the refined aesthetic expected in luxury hotels. It’s a bold yet graceful alternative to the traditional poinsettia.
5. MOTH ORCHID (Phaelaenopsis)
Phalaenopsis orchids are a hallmark of refined elegance, making them a natural fit for luxury hotel interiors. With their graceful arching stems and delicate, moth-like blooms in shades of white, blush pink, and soft lavender, they bring a serene, sculptural beauty to guest suites, executive lounges, and reception counters. These orchids thrive in stable indoor conditions, preferring indirect light and minimal watering—perfect for the controlled environments of high-end hospitality spaces. Their long flowering period, often lasting several months, ensures lasting visual impact with minimal maintenance. Unlike more temperamental festive plants, Phalaenopsis orchids retain their foliage and form, offering a spa-like calm and understated luxury throughout the season.
Whether used as a standalone statement or paired with textured foliage, orchids elevate festive installations with grace and timeless appeal.
Don’t forget, Leaflike can support with all your Christmas needs – from seasonal planting, to fabulous floral displays, to statement trees, lighting and installation. Just give us a call and let us take care of it – while you get back to taking care of your guests.