Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas for Your Home
Looking for a more sustainable Christmas Tree idea this year?
Opting for a sustainable Christmas Tree is not only more environmentally friendly, but it will save you effort too. Trying to dispose of a Christmas Tree in the New Year, can often be difficult, especially if your council doesn't collect, or you can't compost it effectively.
And did you know that around six million trees end up in landfill* each year?!
Is there an alternative?
Absolutely. In this post I want to inspire you to try different décor ideas for Christmas with my list of Alternative Christmas Trees that are still evergreen, festive and fun!
Whether you’re looking for a sustainable tree, something small that packs a punch, or a change from the norm, we’ve got some great alternatives you can dress up, and also have a plants you can enjoy year-round after Christmas is over and done.
These suggestions will also enable you to continue traditions such as decorating with friends and family.
Read on for some of our options - from a sparkly weeping fig to a Christmas terrarium - to make your holiday décor pop.
Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
Also known as a house pine, this is a great plant to have for Christmas.
This is such a beautiful, elegant indoor conifer. It has delicate soft needles and will be happy indoors during Christmas. Hailing from the east coast of Australia, it loves warm temperatures and can be kept indoors all year round. It can take more than 50 years for this beauty to reach its full height of 12 metres!
It's actually a tropical plant and will like lots of light and misting too. If you're potting up try using ericaceous compost as it likes acidic soil.
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
This large, glossy evergreen tree is perfect if you’re looking for an alternative Christmas tree with height. Originating from tropical climates, it thrives in indirect sunlight. However, steer clear if you have pets as it’s toxic to them.
Other large alternatives you could dress up with fairy lights for Christmas, include a Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), Swiss cheese plant (monstera deliciosa), rubber plant (Abidjan), and fiddle leaf fig (ficus lyrata).
Snake Plants
With their dramatic long spikey leaves, snake plants make a statement and are the perfect choice for new plant parents due to their hardy nature.
Native to Africa, Madagascar and Southern Asia, they do well in both indirect light or sunny areas of your home. Dress with baubles or tinsel to make a striking festive display.
Fun fact: not only are snake plants part of same family (Asparagaceae) as asparagus, but they can also help improve the air quality in your home.
Rosemary
This evergreen plant with needle-like leaves makes an adorable miniature Christmas tree, while also providing fresh herbs. It can be easily trimmed into a pyramidal form, and its manageable size also means you can have multiple plants across your home.
It also smells fabulous – and provides a great scented alternative if you miss this element of traditional trees. These plants will thrive best in sunny corners of your home and can be planted outdoors.
Succulent Displays
Succulents are great for creating sculptural Christmas displays. You could try a wreath, or a bowl filled with ornaments, or go BIG with a succulent Christmas Tree. If you want to try a Succulent Christmas Tree, simply cover a cone with moss and plant in your choice of succulents. Not only is a succulent tree a fun DIY alternative you can make with family and friends, but the result is stunning to look at.
Or you could just group some together and drape with fairy lights.
Christmas terrarium
I love a terrarium. At Christmas you could add in some tiny reindeer, or baubles to create a mini winter wonderland. With a round glass bowl, you could even go for snow globe-like feel. Customise your holiday terrarium to match your Christmas home décor.
We've saved lots of great ideas to inspire you on our Pinterest Christmas Houseplants Board here.
We hope that the above ideas inspire you to create a new eco-friendly and sustainable tradition. Whether you turn an existing houseplant into a festive focal point, buy a new one, or make your own DIY tree or terrarium, your alternative tree is sure to help reduce your carbon footprint and bring a fresh look to your Christmas décor.
Need help? Drop into our store at the Banana Block in the Portview Trade Centre in East Belfast to discuss your needs. We can help you choose some large houseplants for your home, or some stunning succulents for your Christmas creations.
Why not share photos of your alternative Christmas trees with us. Tag us on our social media accounts.