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Christmas flower are no longer considered as toxic as they once were . But they can still cause sickness , vomiting , and pelt rashes . AtChristmas , the most dear variety of these perennial aboriginal to Mexico boasts brilliant carmine “ flowers , ” which are in reality clusters of modified leaves , or bract , that have tiny yellow heyday at the shopping mall .
If you are still worried about putting poinsettias on showing during the season but still crave color and dazzling foliage , you have options . pick out your new seasonal favourite from this leaning of non - toxic alternatives with vivacious , finger - respectable leafage and fetching blossom .
Christmas Cactus
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As its name evokes the time of year , this showy recurrent succulent take the top of the list . Ironically , the plant that many people have come to know and love asChristmas cactusis actually Thanksgiving Cactus ( genus Schlumbergera truncata ) . You will be hard - press to find real Christmas cactus ( Schlumbergera x buckleyi ) on sales agreement .
Keep these alternatives to poinsettias well-chosen in succulent pot mix , fond shade , and high-pitched humidity .
Inch Plant
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Also known as inch industrial plant ( Tradescantia zebrina ) , this herbaceous perennial has arresting , multicolored parting that well equal those of poinsettias . It also has an impressively long blossom season , offer up its delicate lavender flowers in every season .
Theinch plantsthrives in well - drain soil , average room temperatures , and filtered Lord’s Day . For more vivid colour , bring out it to full sun . In winter , cut back on watering it .
Jewel Orchid
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ImagineChristmas ornamentsas leaves . You will get hold them on Macodes petola , one of several plants known as " gem orchidaceous plant . " A perennial aborigine of Southeast Asia , its in an elaborate way model leaves literally radiate in the sunlight . In winter or a little after , it also bring about some tan - colour blooms , but they take a distant second place to their wonderful leafage .
Jewel orchid need mellow humidity , bright , indirect light , and moist , well - drain soil . Also , treat it to a monthly dose of plant food .
Prayer Plant
Image credit rating : Feey via [ Platform]UnsplashThe other name for prayer industrial plant ( Maranta leuconeura ) — such as herringbone pattern plant and red - veined — celebrate its incredibly decorative leaf . Its leaves can be green , purple or lavender , Au , yellowish and ashen . In the day , these oblong - elliptic leave lay parallel to the ground , but at nighttime , they relieve upwards in a prayer place .
Thisevergreen tropical plantloves a spot in collateral sunshine with draw of humidness and no chilly drafts . Allow the soil to dry out between waterings in winter .
African Violet
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African violet ( Saintpaulia ionantha ) are darlings in the houseplant world . They ’re easy to grow and uphold , and bloom several times a twelvemonth , including in wintertime . Their flowers and leaf fare in a change of cast and colors , adding to their prevail appeal .
To be at their best , African violetsrequire bright Light Within — but not direct sunlight — for between eight and 16 hour a sidereal day . They also need well - drained grime and lots of humidity .
Emerald Ripple Peperomia
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If you require to add a touch modality of wonder and the exotic to your décor this season , considerEmerald ripple peperomia(Peperomia caperata ) . aboriginal to Brazil , this evergreen plant ravish with its heart - shaped , crinkled leaves in greens , purple , reds , and a admixture of colors .
Indoors on the ground , on plant pedestal , or dangle from the cap , emerald ripple peperomia flourishes in medium light and spiritualist to low humidity . permit the soil dry out between watering and protect it from draught .
Coleus
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Once the pridefulness of straightlaced gardens , coleus(Plectranthus scutellarioides ) is a member of the mint family . nurseryman bang it for its leaves that taunt in a miscellanea of hues , let in green , crimson , pinkish , burgundy , gold , Orange River , and cream .
This dish can grow to about 3 invertebrate foot wide and 3 feet tall . It needswell - drained potting land , a bright sunny fleck , and periodic pruning to keep its lush , bushy shape . Its cuttings are also leisurely to grow so you could spread the wealth around your home plate .
Chinese Evergreen
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Originally from southeast Asia , this non - toxic choice to poinsettias is leisurely to care for and flourish in low - light spaces . Its shapely , ornate leaves grow from short root word and make a dumb , sumptuous form that lights up any space it inhabits .
To amp up the seasonal flare pass , skip over the Chinese evergreens with immature - and - silver leaves and choose a motley with red or pink blend with the green — such asAglaonema Siam Aurora . Chinese evergreen plant opt temperatures between 68 to 77 degrees , but it ’s hardy down to 55 degrees . With plentiful potting soil and little watering , it will feel correct at menage .
Nerve Plant
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Also known as mosaic works or jewel plant , heart plant ( Fittonia albivenis ) is covered in punchy , ovate leave with colorful veins in fleeceable , pink , cerise , and white . For that hit of coloration to replace poinsettia’s , prefer a variety with red or pink veins . This portly lulu grows to less than 1 in tall and just over 1.5 inches wide-cut , so it ’s also a perfect choice for smaller indoor space .
This evergreen perennial grows slow . It like well - run out , peaty territory and to be watered about twice week . Keep it in a spot with mottled or collateral sunlight and high humidity .
Polka Dot Plant
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Polka dot plant(Hypoestes phyllostachya ) is aboriginal to Madagascar and tot a profuseness of color wherever it lives . It is full with soft , oval leaves feature splotches of red , pinkish , purple , pick , and white mixed with earthy greens . It also has colourful stems and branches . Snip 4 - column inch - long cuttings and immerse them in water or moist potting intermixture to clone your polka dit plant easily and quickly .
True to its tropic origins , it likes bright , filter short , lots of humidity , and the occasional eating with limpid plant food .
Putting Poinsettias on Pause
It ’s hard to break older riding habit , peculiarly ones as pretty and well - loved as poinsettias . But give it time and any of these non - toxic alternatives can become a traditional choice in your home for theChristmas season .
Keep in head that while a plant might not naturally incorporate toxic compounds , pesticides and other chemical used to grow it can still be severe to humans and pet likewise .
