Festive and Bright — We're Sure Holly Plants Will Elevate Your Christmas Decor, Here's How You Can Grow Your Own
Expert tips on how you can care for this ravishing houseplant in your home this holiday season


If you ask me, holly is the epitome of Christmas foliage. Don't get me wrong, I love the striking red flowers on a poinsettia and the intriguing trails of a Christmas cactus but holly is definitely the most iconic of them all in my book. Whether you know them from all the Christmas-themed paraphernalia or from the corners of festive invites, this pointy-leaved red-berried plant has made an appearance in your life at some point.
And contrary to what you may have heard, they can actually be grown indoors. Adopting holly as a houseplant is the perfect way to introduce a touch of Christmassy foliage to your home in the most natural of ways. By simply popping these winter houseplants up onto empty spots on your table or by your mantel place, you can enliven the seasonal energy in any room.
Now, if you're curious to know more about how to grow holly indoors and follow through with proper care practices, our experts have plenty of valuable information in store for you. And having spoken to them myself, I can tell you firsthand that these cheery plants are worth every bit of effort.
How to Grow Holly Indoors
In conversation with gardening expert Tony O'Neill, he tells us that there are a couple of important factors to consider when growing holly indoors. They are as follows:
Light: "Place holly in bright, indirect light," he advises. "While it can tolerate some shade, it thrives with several hours of indirect sunlight each day."
Temperature & Humidity: He points out that holly prefers cooler indoor temperatures, ideally between 60-70°F (15 - 21°C). "And it also benefits from higher humidity levels," he adds. "So consider misting occasionally or placing a tray of water near the plant."
Soil: He recommends using well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.0 - 6.0). "A mix of standard potting soil and sand or perlite works well," he shares. This Plantonix Perlite Bliss Premium Horticultural Grade Perlite from Walmart is a brilliant buy that will come in handy when growing holly and other houseplants too.
Water: While he does recommend keeping the soil consistently moist, he warns against letting it get overly soggy. "Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings," he says. "And avoid overwatering, as holly is sensitive to root rot."
So if you've been under the impression that holly is made to be grown outdoors. relegated to their reputation as fall privacy plants, we're here to bust that myth and have you bring them indoors instead.
I'm Tony O'Neill, a gardening expert and best-selling author. I am an educator with a thriving YouTube channel that has 426,000 subscribers and receives over 1.4 million monthly views. Through my award-winning website, simplifygardening.com, I share my passion for gardening and sustainability. I've authored books including "Composting Masterclass," "Your First Vegetable Garden," and "Simplify Vegetable Gardening," empowering individuals to cultivate their own green spaces.
How to Care for Holly Indoors
Whether they're grown outdoors as living privacy fences or indoors as beautiful little houseplants, holly needs its own share of regular care. However, the routines in these alternate environments remain to be drastically different.
So if you have grown them in your backyard and are now inclined to bring them to life indoors, these are the tips you should follow.
Fertilizing: "Firstly, feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season, spanning spring and summer," he says. "And avoid fertilizing your holly in fall and winter."
This Espoma Organic Holly-Tone 4-3-4 Plant Food from Amazon caters to holly's nutrient needs, making your job of feeding them so much easier.
Pruning: Tony tells us that it's best to trim holly lightly to maintain its shape and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
Pests: He also tells us to watch for pests like spider mites or aphids. And on the off-chance that you do encounter them, he recommends treating them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
We found this Mighty Mint Neem Oil & Peppermint Plant Spray from Walmart that's highly-rated and perfect for pest treatment.
Repotting: "Remember to repot every two to three years or when roots outgrow the container," he adds. "And use fresh soil and a slightly larger pot for healthy growth."
If you're short on Christmas decor and interested in mixing it up, you can't go wrong with a couple of potted holly plants. Aside from being beautifully festive all on their own, you can also pair them with a Christmassy planter to commit to the season.
And with Tony's brilliant tips on how to grow and care for these wintry houseplants, you won't have any problem keeping them in the pink of health. As for when the festive season ends, you can always swap them into a more versatile planter and keep them around for next year's decor.
Trust me, it's the seasonal houseplant that keeps on giving and nothing compares to this combination of rich red berries and pointed waxy leaves.
Price: $30
Size: 1 Gallon
Adding this Dwarf Burford Holly Live Plant from Amazon to your cart is the easiest way to have holly growing indoors without having to sow from scratch.
FAQs
How Long Does Holly Last Indoors?
Once the holiday season wraps up, we're quick to cast festive plants aside and refocus our attention on other blatantly evergreen houseplants. However, while some of these houseplants may be tied to the Christmas vibe, they can actually last well beyond the winter season.
"With proper care, holly can last indoors for several months, making it a great addition to your holiday decor," Tony confirms. "If kept in optimal conditions year-round, holly can thrive indoors long-term."
Can You Root Holly Cuttings in Water?
If you end up growing holly indoors and adore it so much so that you'd like to extend your living plant into multiple saplings, you may consider rooting them in water.
However, while holly cuttings can survive in water for a short time, Tony finds that they root more successfully in a moist, well-draining soil mix. "Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a potting medium," he advises. "And be sure to keep them warm and misted until roots develop."
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Amiya is a Home Wellness Writer at Livingetc. She recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and has lent her words to beauty, fashion, and health sections of lifestyle publications including Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Health. Her experience as a research analyst has equipped her with an eye for emerging trends. When she’s off the clock, she can be found reading, listening to music, or overanalyzing her latest Co-Star update.
-
These Privacy Screens From QVC Are Just What You Need to Make Any Outdoor Space Feel More Secluded
Your outdoor space should feel like a secluded sanctuary. With privacy screens from QVC, you can make that happen in the most stylish way possible
By Devin Toolen Published
-
70s Color Palettes That Work for 2025 — 4 Designer-Approved Color 'Recipes' That Feel Modern Enough for Homes Today
It's time to bring out your paisley print and disco shoes — the golden yellows, olive greens, and deep purples of 70s color palettes are making a comeback
By Olivia Wolfe Published
-
The 52 Weeks Decluttering Challenge Is a Year-Long Process to Tidying Your Home — Here's How to Complete It
If you appreciate an in-depth, detailed approach to home organization, this 52 week challenge will help you maintain a consistently tidy living space.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
Burning Palo Santo Is the Scenting Ritual Feng Shui Practitioners Recommend for Home Healing — These Are the Benefits
Burning palo santo isn't just about infusing your home with that classic woody aroma, it's also about cleansing in Feng Shui. And here's why you should try it.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
Should You Buy an IKEA Kitchen? Here's What a Professional Designer Thinks of This Budget Kitchen Brand
Are IKEA kitchens worth it? We weigh up the pros and cons of the Swedish furniture brand's kitchen offering, so you know what to expect
By Faiza Saqib Published
-
Balcony Storage Ideas — 6 Concepts to Transform Your Deck into an Organized Outdoor Space
If you have a balcony holding outdoor gear and miscellaneous items, these expert tips will make sure your belongings are organized with nifty storage solutions.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
5 Things That Are Disrupting Your Garden's Feng Shui That You Might Not Know About
If you're interested in getting your garden Feng Shui ready for spring, adopt these expert dos now. Also, remember to avoid the don'ts for a harmonious space.
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
8 Actually-Stylish Utility Room Countertop Ideas — Because, Yes It Needs to Be Practical, But You Want It to Look Good, Too
Layouts and materials that will make your daily chores more enjoyable
By Seraphina Kyprios Published
-
6 Easy Things You Can Do Today to Feng Shui Your Front Door — And Supercharge Your Home's Good Energy
Set the bar for good first impressions by enhancing your front door with the power of Feng Shui. It's simple with these tips from practitioners
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
Heating a Kitchen Should Be Chic and Stylish — Here Are 4 Brands Making a Statement
Transform your kitchen’s heating with these stylish brands
By Seraphina Kyprios Published