For right now’s submit, I’ve put collectively a high ten of my favorite houseplants to offer as presents. Crops make wonderful presents for all types of milestone moments, however in addition they cater for these on a regular basis gestures of gratitude too. Congratulatory needs sit alongside ‘thank yous’ or ‘pondering of you’ sentiments, wrapped up in a plant pot-sized providing of your selection.
And that brings me on to the topic of the submit – and a query I’m often requested on-line and in actual life too. Listed here are some belongings you’ll need to contemplate when giving houseplants as presents, (together with ones to doubtlessly keep away from!), alongside my tried and examined high ten picks.
Let’s get into it…
Crops as Presents: Some issues to contemplate…
The three important facets to consider concern the recipient, the situation and mild. Listed here are some questions to consider earlier than you make a purchase order…
The recipient
Are you aware the particular person properly, or is it an outdated buddy, a brand new acquaintance or a piece colleague? Have you ever any concept what vegetation they could have already got, if any? If that’s the case, do you discover a theme in any respect – maybe they’re into cacti or possibly its leafy vegetation they love. Have they expressed an curiosity in any of your vegetation, or ones you’ve seen when at a store/restaurant/botanic backyard and so forth.?
TIP: Maintaining a notes checklist in your telephone for issues like this could present inspiration for gifting concepts. That is notably helpful in case your thoughts tends to go clean if you enter a store like mine does typically!
The placement
Take into consideration the area. Is the plant for someones office or workplace? If that’s the case, are you aware if there are home windows in that room? How about if it’s air conditioned? Is the place taken care of through the holidays, or will the plant must fend for itself for durations of time?
Mild
Most of the time, I’ll purchase somebody a plant for his or her house. If that’s the case, take into consideration their lighting situations at the beginning (if you already know them). An area with respectable mild ranges will make it simpler for any plant to thrive. If the room doesn’t get quite a lot of mild, or if it’s a darker location, I’ve bought a devoted blogpost with plant ideas right here.
If it’s a brand new house and also you haven’t seen it but, attempt to confirm what the sunshine ranges are like with some basic questions. Then again, you may understand it’s, say, West going through. In case you are selecting for a selected area, then I’ll hyperlink just a few particular posts I’ve put collectively that you need to discover useful right here as additional inspiration:
10 of My Favorite Houseplants To Give As Presents
1. Crassula ovata / Jade plant
When enthusiastic about houseplants to offer as presents, alongside aesthetics, there are a lot of cultural traditions that may affect the choice making course of. A Crassula ovata, or Jade plant actually falls into that class. You may know this plant as a cash plant, a fortunate plant or perhaps a friendship tree. From these nicknames alone, you get the concept why they’re a beautiful selection as a plant current.
This can be a plant that at all times makes me consider my Acupuncturist from after I lived in Wales. She educated in Japan and at all times had just a few Jade vegetation round her studio. The ovate (oval formed) leaves resemble jade cash or stones and in Feng Shui, these vegetation are deemed to be symbolic of wealth and prosperity and provides off the constructive power ‘chi‘. As such, Jade vegetation are a wonderful selection as a present for somebody who’s beginning a enterprise enterprise, or goes by way of a transitional interval. They’re thought-about to encourage progress and renewal and are an emblem of excellent luck.
In sensible phrases, a Crassula ovata is an effective choice for a succulent lover, or somebody who has a sunny windowsill. They’re sluggish rising vegetation that may be propagated and shared over time so are excellent for small area dwelling.
2. Pilea peperomioides
Maintaining on the theme of symbolic vegetation for a second, a Pilea peperomioides is a characterful selection of houseplant to reward. Generally generally known as a Chinese language cash plant or coin plant, these are believed to convey prosperity to house owners. They’re additionally nicknamed pancake vegetation and UFO vegetation – for purely aesthetic causes I would add! One in every of their hottest names although is the friendship plant. Pilea vegetation are famend for producing offsets, or plantlets across the base of the plant because it matures. As you may think about, these pups make for excellent presents as a gesture of friendship.
I at all times name this one the plant that retains on giving and is one among my favourites to reward! Whether or not you select to reward somebody a bigger, extra established plant, or a bit of Pilea you’ve propagated I believe it’ll be properly acquired.
3. Philodendron brasil
Subsequent up is a trailing plant choice and it’s a Philodendron brasil. This can be a plant that’s attention-grabbing to have a look at, with a mixture of mid-green and chartreuse variegated foliage. It’s a bit of completely different to the ubiquity of golden Pothos you come throughout – don’t get me flawed I love these. However I believed I’d supply another for this submit.
A Philodendron brasil is a splendid selection for a ebook lover, or somebody who has quite a lot of cabinets. It seems to be stunning because it begins to tumble off in a beautiful leafy approach! I at the moment have mine trailing off the facet of a bookshelf and it breaks up the expanse of paperbacks properly. The benefit of a leafy trailing plant equivalent to that is that it could possibly develop with the recipient over time. If it will get too lengthy it may be chopped and propagated, or educated round a door body à la instagram.
4. Aloe vera
Most likely essentially the most well-liked plant I see folks decide up for presents come within the type of this juicy succulent. An Aloe vera is a considerate reward for a eager prepare dinner, a gardener or somebody that works with their fingers. Aloe vera is a therapeutic houseplant with anti bacterial properties which may also help to assuage burns, scrapes and scratches.
It’s an exquisite choice for somebody with a sunny windowsill that appears prefer it may use a plant or two. As I write this, I’ve the urge to get one for my kitchen window within the new place! I gave my plant to a buddy earlier than I moved home, however now I’m enthusiastic about it, I do miss rising an Aloe. As Aloes mature, they’ll look fairly sculptural and may develop into dynamic, mood-enhancing vegetation.
5. String of Hearts / Ceropegia woodii
String of Hearts, or Chain of Hearts are a kind of houseplants which are persistently well-liked. Granted, it’s arduous to not fall a little bit in love with these heart-shaped leaves. They’ve a fragile look and are diminutive in scale in comparison with different houseplants, which makes them a thoughtful selection for somebody with a smaller area. When enthusiastic about houseplants to offer as presents, do contemplate the particular person’s area (if you already know it) and decide accordingly. Ceropegia woodii additionally make a beautiful mixture reward with a bit of hanging planter in case your funds permits.
In my expertise, they’re cherished by all ages, however appear to be having a second with a youthful wave of recent plant lovers. So if you’re enthusiastic about a gift for a houseplant loving sibling, niece or nephew, it is a fascinating selection. PS. I’ve bought an enormous submit on how I take care of my String of Hearts right here if you wish to level the recipient in direction of that if they’re a houseplant beginner!
6. Fishbone cactus / disocactus anguliger
For a cheerful wanting plant with numerous persona, you may’t go flawed with a Fishbone cactus for my part. These are pleased houseplants to offer as presents as a result of their distinctive type actually could make the recipient smile. I believe it’s a great one to offer to somebody that loves design because it’s a really sculptural plant with a graphic type. It’s additionally one for lovers of extra uncommon houseplants! They’re enjoyable to develop too – their ‘zig zags’ or ‘fishbones’ spring out from the pot far and wide!
Regardless of its title, Disocactus anguliger is just not a real desert cactus however a sort of epiphytic jungle cactus. This implies it has a straightforward going progress behavior that’s fairly sluggish so can stay fortunately in the identical pot for a few years. It’s an ideal housewarming reward that will look nice on a sideboard or entryway. There’s a Fishbone cactus Care Information right here FYI.
7. Cereus forbesii spiralis / Spiral cacti
Cacti make for wonderful houseplants to offer as presents for the recipient who’s a bit of forgetful at watering their vegetation! They’re extraordinarily forgiving and would make a sensible choice for somebody who travels often or doesn’t spend numerous time at house. Simply ensure that they’ve a sunny place as these won’t be pleased in shade.
While you may decide up numerous fairly generic wanting cacti, it is a fairly particular one. Plus, it at all times sells out every time I’ve inventory of those so I can attest to it’s reputation! It’s a Cereus forbesii spiralis, generally generally known as a spiral cactus and it seems to be like a helter skelter. Resulting from its distinctive progress behavior, this assertion cactus will captivate the one that receives it.
8. Asparagus fern: Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’
One thing for the romantic sorts subsequent, this explicit kind of Asparagus fern is a beautiful choice to offer as a gift. Different sorts of Asparagus fern can shed a bit of, however I’ve discovered this one is especially sturdy compared (extra on that right here in the event you’re ). The whimsical, feathery plumes add an actual softness to an area.
They might make a considerate reward for the person who likes extra delicate vegetation like ferns, however with out the headache of one thing like a Maidenhair. Asparagus ferns aren’t truly true ferns however are a part of the Lily household and are simpler going in consequence. Whereas larger-leaved vegetation can typically dominate, this one is so fairly for smaller areas. They’re adaptable and forgiving to develop too so an excellent selection for a present.
9. Snake plant
Snake vegetation are resilient houseplants to offer as presents for the absent-minded plant waterer! They’re tremendous easy-going and actually can tolerate durations of neglect with aplomb. At present you will get a great deal of completely different varieties to go well with most tastes too. Two explicit favourites of mine are Black Coral, which is a deeper inexperienced color and Moonshine, a lightweight, minty hue. Each are a bit of completely different to the extra widespread sorts if you’re searching for a twist on a traditional. There’s a photograph beneath of each of mine for reference and a care information right here.
Snake vegetation are excellent for windowsills or smaller areas as a result of their upright progress behavior. They’re additionally sluggish rising and don’t require frequent repotting both. Even smaller pots could be impactful in an inside as a result of their attention-grabbing, sculptural type. A really fuss-free plant decide to offer as a gift.
TIP: Snake vegetation, which had been generally referred to as Sansevieria have been subsumed into the Dracaena genus in recent times. Plant labelling can take some time to replicate these botanical shifts so in the event you see your labels altering when plant looking, that’s why!
10. Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana / Rabbits tracks Maranta
Lastly, now we have a decide for sample fanatics. Prayer vegetation or ‘Marantaceae‘ as a bunch embody the favored jazzy-looking leaves of the Stromanthe, Maranta, Ctenanthe and Calathea. The foliage of this plant gang are ever so fairly however they are often notoriously tough to maintain pleased in typical family situations. Not what you need to give somebody as a gift!
Saying that, out of this vibrant group a Maranta is the simplest going of all, adopted by a Stromanthe, in my expertise. Consequently, I’d advocate the green-blue tones of the number of Maranta which is often generally known as Rabbits Tracks. And sure, the botanical title within the subheading is kind of a mouthful isn’t it!
This cultivar is an actual eye-catcher and appears equally pretty in opposition to each darkish and lightweight partitions. The leaves are marked with brown splotches (therefore the nickname, rabbits tracks) which differ in depth relying on the sunshine situations. What’s extra, at night time the foliage lifts up and closes, as if in prayer! The underside of the leaves have a dusky purple hue too – a serendipitous shock to note in a night. It may possibly additionally sometimes bloom with delicate white flowers (see beneath). These make for really attention-grabbing houseplants to offer as presents I believe, and one thing a bit of completely different.
Some vegetation to doubtlessly keep away from…
When gifting houseplants, there are just a few that you simply may contemplate steering away from. As a disclaimer right here – I’m not saying to categorically dismiss these vegetation with out thought. However as form gestures to acquaintances, I’d doubtlessly keep away from the extra excessive upkeep diva vegetation. That is notably the case if it’s a gift for somebody you don’t know properly, if they’re a more moderen plant lover otherwise you don’t know their environmental situations and so forth. There’s nothing worse than giving a plant to somebody to later uncover that it was a headache to take care of, or worse, that it died after just a few weeks!
Usually, I’d say that diva vegetation are ones like: Calathea – fairly leaves however arduous to take care of, particularly those with numerous vibrant variegation. Issues can get actually crispy actually quick. Ferns – I’m speaking true ferns, with delicate fronds. Maidenhairs is usually a handful until your recipient could be very attentive. Alocasia – one other houseplant with leaves which are wild. Particularly those like Dragon Scale, Silver Dragon, Cuprea Pink Secret and Zebrina. You actually need respectable humidity for these. An Alocasia Amazonica Polly might be essentially the most forgiving. However progress could be sporadic and typically irritating. String of Pearls are stunning, however could be troublesome in the event that they don’t obtain sufficient mild!
Apart from extra troublesome vegetation, I wouldn’t counsel shopping for somebody a big plant until you might be assured they’ll adore it. I’m used to being surrounded by some sizeable vegetation, however that’s my private selection. Not everybody likes huge vegetation. I’ve realized that first hand! Fairly lots of people will desire a smaller scale providing that may develop with them over time.
Conclusion
As with all the most effective presents, plant gifting is just not about what’s the most costly or flashy selection – these implications appear irrelevant in some way, it’s far more concerning the thought. That’s additionally why sharing one among your propagations is at all times a beautiful reward – passing on a plant you’ve nurtured has an inherent kindness I believe. On a private stage, there may additionally be vegetation that share a significance with buddies or households in fact. It could be a particular plant that has a narrative for you or a cherished one which is able to at all times make for a considerate current. I hope you preferred seeing ten of my favorite houseplants to offer as presents right now and that it’s offered some inspiration or concepts for you. I’ve actually loved placing this one collectively. Listed here are some pins to avoid wasting or share :