Unpopular opinion: I don't like poinsettias. I won't deny their bright colors are gorgeous and they definitely do make me feel festive, but my problem lies with how difficult they can be to care for and their often short-lived nature. That's why I'm choosing something different for my festive plant displays this year: orchids.
I have a number of moth orchids in my large houseplant display, so I'm already well-versed on orchid care and can't get enough of the sophistication they bring to my interiors. You can only imagine my excitement to learn there are a range of Christmas orchids that will bloom during the winter months.
Christmas orchids are simply those you can get to flower during the festive season, with colors and shapes that radiate joy for the holidays. They're a perfect alternative to classic holiday houseplants if you're seeking something a bit different to poinsettias, amaryllis and Christmas cacti. Plus, they make gorgeous Christmas gifts that will keep on giving. Here are my top five picks of Christmas orchids to grow this year.
5 Christmas orchids
You can just picture it, the most beautifully curated holiday tablescape with these Christmas orchids taking center stage. There's no arguing that your guests will be impressed at such a sight. A bonus is some of these varieties make the list of easiest orchids to grow.
Something to note, however, is some of these orchids don't flower during winter in their outdoor natural habitat, so you may have to make some adjustments to create the optimal indoor growing environment to get them to bloom - here, experts share how:
1. Star of Bethlehem Orchid
You might already know this shapely orchid as Darwin's orchid among other common names, but the Star of Bethlehem (Angraecum sesquipedale) is a classic Christmas orchid choice.
'As its name suggests, Star of Bethlehem is a showstopper species for the holidays. Its flowers have elegantly slender petals that radiate into six points, giving it its characteristic stellar-shaped blooms,' says Melvin Cubian from PlantIn.
Native to the coastal forests of Madagascar, this is a tropical indoor plant that can be used for festive decorating. Plus, they're a great choice as an indoor plant to make your living room smell nice:
'Once opened, the white flowers also emit an enchanting fragrance, creating another ambiance to winter evenings,' Melvin adds.
Take it a step further by pairing these orchids with scented foliage for Christmas decorations.
'To care for the Star of Bethlehem orchid indoors, it is best placed in the north-facing window where it can enjoy bright indirect light. Weekly watering, a well-draining potting medium, and a stable environment are also necessary for it to prolong its bloom,' Melvin advises.
2. Percival’s Cattleya Orchid
Another popular Christmas orchid choice, Percival's Cattleya is a charming choice, loved for its pink and white hues and unique labellum shape. They also lean towards being more cold-tolerant houseplants, making them a good choice for this time of year.
'Being a cool-growing species, it makes it easier to raise in wintry environments when cold drafts or temperature fluctuations are inevitable,' notes Melvin.
They're native to regions of Venezuela and Colombia and these indoor flowering plants tend to bloom for a few weeks at a time through fall and winter - the perfect Christmas plant.
'Water these orchids when the moss or bark dries,' advises Julie Bawden-Davis, indoor plant expert at Healthy Houseplants. 'Provide extra humidity via misting or with a humidifier,' she adds.
There are a few ways to increase humidity for houseplants, like using a cool mist humidifier (from Walmart), as Julie notes. For Percival's Cattelya, aim for humidity levels of 50%.
Other cattelya varieties of orchids are also available and just as beautiful, like this pink cattelya orchid from Walmart.
3. Winika Orchid
Another winter bloomer, the dainty Winika (Dendrobium cunninghamii) brings charm to the home for the holiday season.
'Native to New Zealand, this orchid’s snowy white flowers with pale lavender to yellowish lips set the tone for a festive season, not only because of its stellate bloom, but also because its flowering coincides with the holiday season,' says Melvin.
These epiphytes grow in rainforests on trees, logs, and even rocks. They prefer moderate indoor temperatures: 'It is important to keep them in spaces without heating,' says Melvin.
They would work well as bathroom plants for this reason, meaning you can bring festive joy to all areas of your home. Plus, they thrive best in higher humidity levels.
You may notice this orchid wilt or drop leaves when it isn't receiving sufficient light, so make sure to place it in a spot with plenty of access to bright light, too.
4. Mayflower Orchid
Native to regions of Mexico, the Mayflower orchid (Calanthe triplicata) is a beautiful alternative to some of the best indoor bulbs to force for Christmas, like paperwhites. Despite its name, these orchids actually typically flower from March through to fall. However, you can also get them to flower for Christmas.
'In order to successfully bloom in December, it needs high humidity, around 60-70%, making it a good plant to place in the bathroom. Just ensure it is placed next to the window with indirect light and that it is watered only when its growing medium is dry,' says Melvin.
I find the best way to know when to water houseplants is by using this moisture meter from Amazon. It's also best to use orchid bark (from Amazon) for all of these Christmas orchids, providing good drainage and preventing issues like orchid root rot.
5. Oncostele Midnight Miracles Orchid
If you're after a Christmas orchid with a bit more color, there is no choice better than the Oncostele Midnight Miracles Orchid, or Rhynchostele bictoniensis x Oncidium cariniferum.
'A hybrid of two species, its beautifully patterned maroon flowers with contrasting yellow centers will surely complement golds, silvers, and reds, adding depth and drama to holiday arrangements,' says Melvin.
Flowering in fall and winter, this unique type of orchid will undoubtedly wow guests over the holiday season. Its deep purple-red hue also makes it an obvious choice for an alternative to some other red houseplants used for Christmas decorating.
'Regarding its care, displaying it close to a north-facing window is ideal. Moreover, water at least once a week, allowing the excess to pass through the drainage holes,' Melvin advises.
FAQs
Do moth orchids flower in winter?
Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are popular indoor plants that typically flower during the warmer seasons of spring and summer. However, they are actually indoor plants that flower all year round. You do have to create a specific indoor growing environment to encourage blooming during the colder months. This includes providing plenty of bright indirect light and warmer temperatures.
Discovering this range of unique Christmas orchids has certainly inspired me to think outside the box when it comes to using plants for in my decorations this year. There are even Christmas tree alternative plants to choose from and Christmas cactus alternatives to consider.
