The traditional cone shape of an evergreen tree is one of the classic symbols of the holiday season. But that nostalgic form isn’t just for that big tree in the living room. You can spread that nostalgic feeling throughout your home with some our favorite tree-shaped houseplants – Norfolk Island pine, herb cones, Italian stone pine, and lemon cypress. Add a few decorations or just drop one in a decorative pot and add it to your shelf, mantel, or tablescape. Either way, their miniature Christmas tree shape makes them a perfect addition for the holidays.
Norfolk Island Pine
Norfolk Island pine isn’t a real pine – it’s a tropical plant that rocks that evergreen look just as well as any spruce, fir, or true pine does. It’s a seasonal favorite because it’s easy to care for, comes in lots of sizes, is fun to decorate with tiny ornaments, and after the holidays, it sticks around as a beautiful houseplant too.
Norfolk Island pine likes bright, indirect light, well-drained potting soil, and the chance to dry out an inch or so between drinks. A spot away from heat vents and the fireplace keeps the foliage lush too.
Rosemary + Lavender
A Christmas tree you can use in your holiday cooking? It’s possible with one of these adorable rosemary or lavender cones. You’ll trim it occasionally to keep that classic cone shape, anyway – might as well toss a few sprigs of rosemary into your soup or some of that fragrant lavender into your famous sugar cookies or homemade ice cream. And maybe the best part is their lovely herb fragrance that will fill your space.
Both rosemary and lavender like it bright, so keep them in a place that gets lots of indirect light – or even a little direct light too – and allow the soil to dry a bit before giving a thorough drink.
Italian Stone Pine
Italian stone pine, Pinus pinea, is a true pine, native to the Mediterranean and regions close by. In its native land, a mature Italian stone pine can grow to eighty feet tall, but ours are just babies, so they’re perfect for table displays, mantels, and entryways during the holidays.
As a true conifer, Italian stone pine likes lots of bright, even direct light, so a spot in a south or west window is perfect when it’s not being used in your Christmas displays. It also likes life a little on the dry side, so make sure the pot has good drainage and let the soil dry out just a bit before the next watering. If you’re into bonsai, this beauty is a good candidate for that practice too. But hold off on the outdoor landscape plans – our winters are too cold for this Mediterranean native.
Lemon Cypress
For a unique and brightly colored take on the traditional Christmas tree, we love lemon cypress. Like Italian stone pine, lemon cypress is a true evergreen and has a fresh lemony scent that’s even more apparent when you rub the foliage. Lemon cypress is great for adding a pop of spring-like color and fragrance to a tablescape or mantel display.
This lemon cypress is a California native, so in our area it’s restricted to the houseplant life in the winter. But like most evergreens, it needs a lot of light – a place in the house that gets several hours of direct sun is best. And after the threat of frost is gone, lemon cypress would be thrilled to spend the summer in a sunny spot on the patio. Indoors or out, make sure the potting mix stays consistently moist, but drains well so it’s not soggy.
Stop In for Your Own Favorite
Spread some holiday cheer throughout your home with your own tree-shaped houseplants. Stop in to browse our full collection, and if you have questions, just ask. That’s what we’re here for, and we love to help.
