Finding the perfect gift for someone who’s tough to shop for can be a challenge. Consider giving the gift of greenery, such as a houseplant that can be enjoyed throughout the year. According to Donna Letier, CEO and Co-Founder of Gardenuity, presenting someone with a lush green plant is a thoughtful and beautiful way to express your care.
Letier is particularly fond of giving potted amaryllis bulbs as holiday presents. However, there’s a wide array of houseplants that make excellent gifts. If you’re unsure which plant to choose for a certain someone, here are some suggestions for the best houseplants tailored to different types of recipients, guaranteed to be adored.
Surprise your best friend or significant other with a houseplant that boasts heart-shaped leaves, like the heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum). It’s known for its trailing stems and is one of the few climbing houseplants. This gift keeps on giving, as it’s incredibly easy to propagate more plants from cuttings.
Growing Conditions: Thrives in medium indirect light but can tolerate low light; allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Size: Reaches lengths of 3 to 13 feet and widths of 1 to 3 feet.
The resilient snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is ideal for the busy individual, as it can withstand the occasional missed watering. It adapts well to various conditions, including low light and humidity, making it a versatile addition to any space.
Growing Conditions: Grows quickest in bright light but can handle low light; water when the top inch or two of soil becomes dry.
Size: Grows to heights of 1 to 3 feet and widths of 6 to 36 inches.
Note: Snake plants are toxic to pets and young children if ingested.
For pet owners, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) is an excellent choice, as it’s non-toxic to both cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA. Additionally, this festive plant often blooms with colorful flowers in red, pink, purple, orange, or white, making it a favorite during the holiday season.
Growing Conditions: Prefers bright indirect light; water weekly in spring and summer, none in fall, and resume weekly watering once the blooms emerge.
Size: Grows to heights of 6 to 12 inches and widths of 1 to 2 feet.
A grow kit is a fun and educational gift for parents to introduce their children to gardening. These kits can include plants like microgreens, kitchen herbs, or sunflowers, as well as terrarium and hydroponic systems. There are also kits that let kids witness root growth in a transparent planter.
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a robust and low-maintenance houseplant that can thrive in diverse conditions and survive through periods of drought. It’s perfect for first-time plant owners, as it doesn’t require precise positioning and can tolerate infrequent watering.
Growing Conditions: Tolerates low to bright indirect light; allow the soil to dry out between waterings (usually every couple of weeks).
Size: Grows to heights of 1 to 3 feet and widths of 2 to 3 feet.
Caution: Contact with ZZ plant sap may cause mild irritation to humans and pets if ingested.
The Silver Dragon elephant ear (Alocasia baginda ‘Silver Dragon’) features unique silver-variegated leaves that are bound to impress any houseplant enthusiast. Its distinctive foliage will stand out in any collection, and its compact size suits apartment living.
Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms, suggests these plants for their relatively small size, making them ideal for desks or windowsills without worrying about them growing too large and taking up space.
Growing Conditions: Prefers medium to bright indirect light and high humidity; water when the top couple inches of soil become dry.
Size: Reaches heights of up to 2 feet, but usually remains smaller.
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum spp.) are easy to care for and can tolerate the low light often found in office settings. With their glossy green leaves and ability to produce white flowers year-round in bright indirect light, they make a popular choice.
Growing Conditions: Tolerates low to bright indirect light and normal to high humidity; water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Size: Grows to heights of 1 to 3 feet and widths of 1 to 6 feet.
Note: Peace lilies are toxic to pets and young children if ingested, making them a safer office plant.
For those who love adding a pop of color to their decor, Calathea plants come in a range of patterns and hues. The ‘Holiday’ variety, with its pink, green, and cream leaves, is a stunning example. Hancock recommends the ‘Pink Star’ Calathea for its vibrant pink leaves with a dark green edge, adding a colorful accent to any indoor space. This variety maintains its vivid color when placed in bright light.
Growing Conditions: Prefers medium to bright indirect light but can handle low light; keep the soil slightly moist.
Size: Grows to heights and widths of up to 18 inches.
The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is an excellent choice for apartment residents, as it stays small and can thrive in the low light common in many apartments. Its vibrant leaves can brighten a dark corner during the day and fold up attractively at night.
Growing Conditions: Tolerates low light to bright indirect light; water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Size: Grows to heights of 6 to 18 inches and widths of 6 to 24 inches.
We believe that everyone can successfully nurture a houseplant if they find the right match. But for those friends who have given up on their gardening attempts, consider gifting a high-quality artificial plant. Some faux plants are incredibly realistic and can bring a touch of nature into their space without any maintenance required.
