Plant Gift Giving During the Holidays
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Time to read 6 min
The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than to gift your loved ones a gift that keeps giving?
Houseplants can boost moods, productivity, and creativity while purifying the air and adding colour to any space. Their ability to provide a therapeutic and rewarding hobby for their caregiver is another reason houseplants make great holiday gifts. However, before gifting a houseplant, it's crucial to consider the recipient's lifestyle and lighting situation, as well as any potential pet hazards or preferences for colour of foliage. Matching the plant with the right care instructions and environment is essential for its success.
With these things in mind, let’s dive into some of my favorite recommendations!
BUSY LIFE, RESILIENT PLANT
We all have busy friends or family members who are always on the go, but still want to enjoy the benefits of having plants. Here are some of my favorite resilient houseplants that can handle a bit of neglect.
Pothos
Pothos are one of the many types of low-maintenance plants that are tolerable to both sunnier and darker lighting conditions. It’s important to mention that while these varieties are tolerant, they would prefer to thrive in their ideal lightning condition while receiving good care.
A Golden Pothos (a.k.a. Devil’s Ivy) is excellent for low-lighting situations. They also do well in bright light by producing variegation on their leaves through yellow and various green-colored marks. For someone with slightly more experience and light, a great gift would be a Neon Pothos, Marble Pothos, or a N’Joy. The easiest and most accessible option would be the Golden Pothos, but if you want to gift something different, try a Neon Pothos to add some color.
Spider Plant
You have most certainly heard of this plant before! Spider plants are pretty effective at cleaning the air by absorbing toxins, and their colorful green and white leaves are a great addition to any home. They are incredibly resilient plants with easy care instructions that would make them a perfect gift for a beginner plant parent.
In extraordinary situations, as the spider plant matures, it will give baby spider plants that they can later root and plant. A perfect 2-for-1 gift!
Spider Plant
FORGET ME IN A CORNER
As the title might suggest, some plants thrive on neglect. These plants are perfect for anyone who is rarely home, forgetful, or doesn’t want to take on too much responsibility. The fundamental aspect that sets these houseplants apart is their lighting requirements and their need for occasional watering.
Cacti
Contrary to popular belief, cacti DO NOT make great beginner plants. They need a lot of bright indirect or sometimes direct sunlight to thrive, which many beginner plant owners may be unable to provide.
However, if the lighting requirements are met, gifting a cactus can be a great way to add uniqueness to a home. If you plan to give a cactus as a gift, make sure the lighting conditions are suitable beforehand. Some great and easy-to-care-for cacti include the Bunny Ears or Angel Wing Cactus, Rattail Cactus, and Bishop Cap Cactus.
Sansevieria
While Sansevieria may not sound familiar, snake plants should ring a bell. Sansevierias come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors, making them one of the easiest and most versatile genera of plants to take care of.
According to feng shui, they can enhance the energy of a space and improve mental health. With over 70 varieties, you're sure to find the perfect gift. Here are my top 5 favorites: Sansevieria Laurentii, Trisfasciata, Moonshine, Whale Fin, and Cylindrica.
Sansevieria Moonshine
Sansevieria Whale Fin
According to feng shui, they can enhance the energy of a space and improve mental health. - Sansevieria
HAPPY PET, HAPPY PLANT
If you didn’t know this, you know it now - most plants are toxic to pets. So before you set your heart on a gift, research if the recipient shares their home with a curious pet.
Just because the recipient has a dog or cat does not mean that there aren’t a variety of houseplants that would be perfect for their home.
Pilea
The Pilea plant (a.k.a Chinese Money Plant) is versatile. They are great for your furry friends, and they are also a great beginner plant gift. Their coin-shaped foliage and ease of care have made them popular as beginner plants in the plant community. If the recipient can provide indirect light, occasional watering, and fertilizing, they are more likely to thrive in their care. Additionally, Pilea plants are known as the “friendship plant” because healthy Pileas produce offshoots which can later be propagated and shared amongst friends and family.
Air Plants
Air plants are out worldly-looking things! They are unique in their care and their look. They are also one of the plant varieties that are non-toxic to pets, meaning that this plant would be a perfect gift for someone with a furry friend at home.
While they are non-toxic to pets, their funky leaves may be mistaken for a pet toy, so be sure to keep them somewhere safe and out of reach.
Pilea Peperomioides
HELICOPTER PLANT PARENT
Like how we all know a busybody who doesn't want to be burdened with too many responsibilities, we also know someone who likes to overly invest in whatever they are doing - in this case, it would be taking care of plants. There is nothing wrong with giving extra attention to your plants; some houseplants even thrive off of this attention.
Monstera Deliciosa
Despite being considered easy-to-grow beginner plants, Monstera Deliciosas love attention, sunshine, and a good bi-weekly watering. While they can tolerate low light, they thrive off extra care, such as wiping off dust and providing a trellis or a moss pole for support to grow big and strong.
One key thing to remember about these plants is that they can grow BIG, so ensure that the gift recipient can provide ample lighting and space as they mature.
Alocasia Frydek
As an Alocasia - specifically Frydek - enthusiast, I cannot begin to recommend this plant to someone enough. They are beautiful plants with stunning foliage, but their demanding nature and pest issues can be a deal-breaker for some. Frydeks require a lot of light and water, making them a good choice for someone with a nurturing personality. However, for true beginners, it's best to avoid this plant.
Monstera Deliciosa
Philodendron
Philodendrons are incredibly versatile plants, with over 450 varieties worldwide ranging from beginner to difficult and needy. They can thrive in any lifestyle and light conditions, making them an excellent choice for any plant parent. A Burle Marx, Moonlight, or Birkin would be a great gift for those with a lot of light, while the Heartleaf or Scandens Philodendron are best for those with less light.
They can thrive in any lifestyle and light conditions, making them an excellent choice for any plant parent - Philodendron
BRING ON THE COLOUR
Let’s say you are unsure what plant to gift for the holidays; perhaps you are not sold by the plants I have recommended, or the scenario just doesn’t fit what you have envisioned to give. So here are a couple of my favorite houseplants that will surely wow the recipient.
Scindapsus Exotica
The Scindpasus variety all have intricate patterns and colors that have won the hearts of many plant parents. As a great beginner and easy-to-care-for plant, this variety makes an excellent gift for a friend or loved one this holiday season.
The care instructions are relatively simple, and they can tolerate slightly lower light but do best when placed in bright indirect sun. The Exotica produces gorgeous large leaves that can look great trailing down a shelf or climbing a wall making it a perfect plant gift.
Peace Lillies
Peace Lillies are gorgeous, slightly needier plants that can add nice and bushy greens to any space. If you wish to gift your friend or family member something that can compliment their colorful or neutral home, a Peace Lily is a perfect plant. Depending on the home and lighting conditions, you can take it up a notch by getting them a Variegated Peace Lily. As a Variegated Peace Lily owner, I can tell you that the only difference in care between the regular and the variegated one is their need for a lot of light. Variegated plants need a lot of natural light, so if the recipient can provide a well-lit space, this uncommon plant might be it.
Scindapsus Exotica
It is safe to say that there are a variety of plants that suit everyone’s personality and lifestyle. So it’s best to pick the right fit for your friend and loved ones! That personal touch of picking out the perfect plant makes houseplants a wonderful holiday gift. Nothing says “I care about you” more than gifting a houseplant.