by Matt Gibson
Plants are a symbol of the untameable glory and mystique of nature, which is why we seem to covet bringing them indoors so much, in an attempt to beautify our homes and offices with living things. Plants are simply elegant, they symbolize growth and good luck, and they are relatively easy to care for, which is why they are loved and appreciated around the world. Giving a plant as a gift is a thoughtful way to share a present that continues to give for a long time after the gifting occasion itself. While a bouquet of flowers might bring someone joy for a couple of weeks, a plant continues to provide enjoyment for months, and even years to come.
Are Plants A Good Gift?
Plants are a great gift, and can be especially personal and touching, depending on the choice of plant and the person you are giving them to. While it may seem like a tall task, it is not as hard as you think to get the right plant for the right person, and the gift is that much more thoughtful if you attempt to match the personality of the person you are getting it for.
A few things to take into consideration when selecting a gift for a friend or loved one are 1) color preferences, 2) ease of care, 3) allergies, and 4) whether or not they have pets.
Color Preferences – If your recipient loves the color purple, getting a potted flower that blooms in purple is a great way to match the plant to their personality. Alternatively, if the recipient dislikes the color orange, it wouldn’t be very thoughtful to give them a pot full of orange marigolds.
Ease of care – A plant’s maintenance needs is another thing to take into consideration when selecting plant gifts for someone. Orchids, for example, are not the easiest plant to keep alive year after year, but if your friend or loved one is a horticulturalist, or has a strong green thumb, an orchid is a fitting choice for a present. For most people who are not steadfast gardeners, houseplants are a great option, because most of them are very easy to care for and require very little maintenance.
Allergies – Is your friend or loved one allergic to flowering plants or sensitive to pollen? If so, houseplants with ornamental foliage, cacti, or succulents are obviously much better choices than flowers.
Pets – Many houseplants are poisonous. If the person you are getting a gift for has pets, you will want to take care to avoid any poisonous plants as a gift option. Select a pet friendly houseplant for your pet loving friends!
What Plants Make Good Gifts?
Peace Lily – A peace lily is a beautiful house plant and it will last for years and years. This is a great choice for someone who has never had success in keeping plants alive, as it is drought tolerant, and very forgiving when it comes to forgetting to water it. Gorgeous white flame-shaped flowers adorn lush, deep-green foliage. The peace lily will bring joy to any room, and to anyone who receives one (Poisonous to Pets).
Succulents – Succulents come in a wide array of varieties, all of which are very easy to care for and keep alive, even if your recipient has had a bad history with plants. As desert plants, succulents only need a very occasional deep watering, as well as a bright, sunny location. Not only are they easy to care for, but succulents are also unique and beautiful, and there is a variety of succulent for every type of person you can think of. Choose several succulents and place them together in the same container for a stunning gift arrangement.
Aloe Vera – A particular succulent that is not only handsome, but practical, aloe vera juice, which comes directly from the center of the leaves themselves (which can be popped off the plant without damaging it’s integrity), can be used to treat sunburns, cuts, scrapes, and other minor skin irritations (Poisonous to Pets).
Cyclamen – Cyclamen is a great choice for cold weather environments. Compact and unique, cyclamen’s bright and vibrant flowers and interesting looking leaves make it a popular choice for a house plant.
Rose Bush – Who doesn’t love the smell of a rose? Rose Bushes can be great for both indoors and outdoors. Though they do require a bit of extra care and attention, for those who don’t mind putting in a little gardening work, they are worth the extra effort
Orchids – Orchids are not always the easiest plant to keep alive, but when they go into bloom, they light up a room like no other plants can. Simply stunning!
Potted Herbs – If your friend or loved one likes to cook, there is nothing like having fresh herbs within arms reach. Rosemary, Basil, and Dill are wonderful herbs to have on hand when a recipe calls for a little extra flavor.
Lavender – A great gift as a houseplant or a garden transplant, lavender produces beautiful purple blooms, and it smells great too!
Amaryllis – A great Christmas gift, amaryllis blooms throughout the winter, and comes back year after year (Poisonous to Pets).
Paperwhites – Paperwhites are low maintenance and high reward plants. They produce fragrant white blooms, and can grow in practically anything.
African Violets – With lots of different varieties and colors available, there is an African violet that is perfect for every type of friend imaginable, and they look great sitting in a windowsill. They do require a bit more care than your typical houseplant, however, so you will want to gift these to recipients who have a bit more experience with plant care.
Snake Plant – A low maintenance succulent with large, slick, vertical leaves, the snake plant is a survivor that will make it in just about any home even if it is neglected for long periods of time. It requires very little water and no pruning, just a bit of sunlight, and the snake plant will thrive and look good doing it (Poisonous to Pets).
Air Plants – Unique and easy to care for, air plants do not require any dirt, which makes them very versatile when it comes to decorating your home with them. They only need sunlight and regular misting to thrive, and they look great just about anywhere you put them!
Lucky Bamboo – No dirt required for this strange houseplant, just a vase full of water and a sunny window. It is not technically a bamboo though, but a lily, and supposedly having one in your home will bring about prosperity.
Are Succulents A Good Gift?
Succulents might be the best possible gift of all houseplant options, especially for those who are new to caring for plants, or those who don’t have the best luck keeping plants alive in the past. Succulents don’t need a lot of attention to thrive. They don’t require frequent watering, and can actually live for a long time without hydration.
So even if your friend or loved one forgets to water them for long periods, or doesn’t ask someone to take care of them while they are out of town, succulents will usually still be doing well when they return. Although they may be a bit thirsty, depending on the amount of time they were abandoned. Succulents really only require lots of sunlight and occasional deep waterings, so as long as they are given a bright sunny windowsill, they will be happy and will provide happiness for years to come.
What Does Gifting A Plant Mean?
Gifting a plant is a special display of affection and can mean a lot to both the gifter and the recipient. The plant symbolizes the care and thought that the giver put into selecting the particular plant especially for the recipient. Giving a plant is symbolic of giving life, luck, and prosperity to someone special, and hoping that your gift continues to bring that special someone joy for years to come.
There is a unique meaning behind each plant that you can give someone, and the selection process is a fun and intimate way to really attempt to get to know someone through the passing on of a living thing that was selected to match the personality of the recipient.
Want to learn more about giving plants as a gift?
Direct Energy covers Best Plants to Give as Gifts
Gardening Know How covers Good Plants to Give as Gifts
Get Busy Gardening covers Gifting Plants
Horti covers Why Plants Make the Best Gifts
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