Tis the season for holiday flowers! Don’t limit yourself to P oinsettias and baby pine trees, instead look at more interesting options such as Mistletoe and Christmas Cactus. These plants can add color and interest to your holiday décor.

Mistletoe: This plant has been traditionally associated with Christmas for centuries and it’s well known what you must do when you find yourself under it with someone! Experts say we’ve been kissing under the mistletoe since the days of Ancient Greece. If you want to decorate with this plant, try and buy the type that has had its berries removed and replaced with fake ones. If you happen to get some with real berries, keep it far out of the reach of kids and pets and be sure to clean up any berries that have fallen right away as they are quite poisonous. Mistletoe looks great hung in a ball shape or bouquet and also adds a nice touch to mantelpieces and floral arrangements.

Christmas Cactus: This plant got its name simply from the time of year it blooms-right around Christmas. The flowers can be red, white, purple, orange or pink. It makes an interesting alternative to the traditional poinsettia. Christmas Cactus can be enjoyed year round, but in order to bloom again it will need 13 hours a day of complete darkness starting in mid to late October. Even the light from a nearby streetlight will disrupt the blooming process. Once it sets buds, move it to a sunny place and keep warm. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.