Get ready to sleigh the holiday season with some botanic brilliance! Poinsettias, paper whites, amaryllis and even houseplants are a few of the festive plants that’ll add a pop of color to your home. Our top-secret intel on the best holiday plants will have you brimming with ideas as you get ready to deck those halls.

Poinsettias are the unrivaled champion of festive flair and creativity. Feast your eyes on the vibrant bracts, ranging in color from salmon to pink and even snowy white. Liven up wreaths or garlands by tucking in fresh flowers. Grab those pruners and cut the poinsettia flowers with at least three to four inches of stem. Here is a pro-tip -seal the stems with a touch of flame to prevent any murky water.

Keep your blooms perky by tucking them in floral water picks, snuggled behind the wreath’s greenery. To keep your plant thriving indoors, place it near a south- or west-facing window to soak up the sunlight. Keep the soil moist and let it drain freely. No need to feed it during the holidays, but if you’re making it a permanent plant display, fertilize it with a half-strength, all-purpose houseplant solution when you spot new growth. Feed it every three to four weeks, and watch it flourish!

Spruce up your holiday decor with the magic of bare root bulbs! From paper whites to amaryllis, these festive beauties can be planted in all kinds of whimsical containers – think burlap bags or anything that tickles your fancy. Make sure to pick out big, plump bulbs for maximum flower power. Plant them into a premium potting soil and leave the top third of the bulb exposed. Give it good watering and place it in a bright location. Water once the top inch of the soil is dry. They double as show-stopping cut flowers, perfect for pairing with some seasonal greenery like pine or cypress.

Transform your holiday tree into a whimsical wonderland by adding arid-friendly air plants as decorations. Tuck them snugly between the branches or hang them amongst your favorite festive trinkets for a joyful vibe. Craft a one-of-a-kind holiday tree by placing your air plants on a wire form for a charming table decoration. Nestle Spanish moss to fill in the gaps. To keep your air plants in tip-top shape, shower them with water every 14 to 21 days (about 3 weeks) by giving them a long, luxurious soak in water for at least two to three hours. Snag these low-maintenance air plants Tillandsia xerographica or T. palacea to get the most bang for your buck.

Transform your houseplant into a festive superstar. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). Dress up your plant with dazzling ornaments from twinkling stars to vibrant ornaments. Lightly drape lights around your houseplants but keep an eye on those leaves, so they don’t burn. The ZZ plant is a breeze to grow. Just give it a drink of water once a month during spring through summer and sprinkle some granulated fertilizer at least three times a year.

To celebrate the holidays, the Garden is offering a special pricing for two popular Desert Landscape School classes.

Drip Irrigation Short Course – $45.00 ($120.00) online

Planting and Maintenance – $250.00 ($400.00) onsite

Special pricing available through Dec. 31. For questions, contact us at dls@dbg.org.

And don’t forget about our two festive botanic Adult Education classes.

On Nov. 16 and Dec. 14, join us for our Floral Design class from 5-7 p.m. Design seasonal cut floral arrangements with Dr. Morgan Anderson to acquire technique and refined artistry within botanical design. Each student will design an arrangement to take home. Florals and a vase will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own vase. Garden admission is included in the price.

On Dec. 7, join us for our Holiday Houseplants class from 5:30 – 7 :30 p.m. Learn how to grow and care for seasonal houseplants with gardening expert Carol Stuttard. Get into the festive spirit by planting your own houseplant and decorating a container to bring some seasonal botanical cheer to your home. Garden admission is included in the price.