MERRY PLANTMAS
Holiday decorating with houseplants
By Phyllis Elmore | Victoria County Master Gardener Dec 1, 2023
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY PHYLLIS ELMORE/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER
Aluminum foil and ribbons are used to decorate plants.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY PHYLLIS ELMORE/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER
Berries and stems can be added to houseplants to make them more seasonal.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY PHYLLIS ELMORE/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER
Curly ribbons can also decorate plants.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY PHYLLIS ELMORE/VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER
A gift bag is used to decorate this potted plant.
Tis the season to: Fa La La La or Ba Humbug. Which one describes you?
Since we have not learned to master time, the holidays are upon us. Let us use houseplants to decorate our homes for the holidays.
I have a confession. I did not have any indoor plants prior to this article. What? How does a Master Gardener not have any houseplants? Well, that is another article for another time. Just let me say, Victoria has several places to find and buy plants. Problem solved.
First, use what you have. I will not be using Christmas cactus, poinsettias or Norfolk pines in this article. I want you to use nontraditional plants for my holiday displays and hope you do, too. If you have a colorful croton, embrace the color. If not, an azaleas, cyclamens or an orchid would be spectacular.
I decided to use green plants. Any plant is waiting to be embellished. I am a big fan of red and green. If those colors do not work in your color scheme, use what you like. Consider pink, teal or even white. Stretch your imagination.
This time of year is the opportunity to go big. In my opinion, the Griswold’s Christmas decorations were underdone. As a young girl raised in the South, I was taught to remove one piece of jewelry before leaving the house. In contrast, my personal philosophy is to add three more pieces. Liberace is the perfect example of more being more. I am sorry Momma, but I like gaudy.
You can buy colored containers for your plants. You can spray paint your pots whatever color you desire. If you use a plastic vessel, be sure to use a special paint that will bond to the plastic.
On the other hand, you can improvise using fabric or a blanket. Try using a gift bag or wrapping paper. If need be, you can laminate the paper with waxed paper to make it water resistant. Remember, that if you water your plant, you will need a saucer or a plate to catch the water and not ruin your furniture.
In the photo with the ivy, I used a red t-shirt. I used plain aluminum foil for the bird nest ferns. I crumpled it first before applying it to the pot with tape. Use glasses or bowls for adding dimension with different levels. Add lights, decorations, ribbon and of course, bling.
Twigs or berries will add a festive touch. Greenery, real or artificial can work wonders. Greenery can hide missing leaves. It can create the illusion of a full healthy plant. If you like, you might want a rustic look using wood or rope for a more natural effect. However, that is not my preference. The important thing is to do what makes you happy.
An additional idea is to display gifts and plants on a ladder. I was too lazy to find a ladder and wrap presents. Many places can provide inspiration. Local craft stores and floral shops will soon be decorated for your approval and imitation.
You cannot go wrong with decorating magazines or websites like Pinterest. Use your phone to document what you like. Then you can recreate the look in your own home. Remember “imitation is the highest form of flattery!”
Now is the time to make your home as festive as a holiday outfit. This year I encourage you to incorporate houseplants in your holiday decorating. Make it colorful. Make it fun. Celebrate the season with your plants as the stars of your holidays.
The Gardeners’ Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or [email protected], or comment on this column at VictoriaAdvocate.com.