Indoor plants are the best alternative to bouquets of cut flowers, because, unlike the latter, “living bouquets” can delight you for years. And even the most seasonal options can bring a lot of joy! Choosing a houseplant as a gift requires an individual approach. But there are some examples that everyone will like. Blooming or sporting unique leaves, whimsical or cute, these 10 houseplants make great gifts.
10 Best Houseplants for Gifts
An individual approach to choosing a houseplant as a gift
You can give a “living bouquet” instead of the usual one for literally any occasion. A traditional pot of lush flowering bushes for a birthday, bright flowers for your favorite spring holidays, touching bulbous ones for Easter or unexpected accents for winter holidays, little surprises and family celebrations...
The choice of plants themselves that can be presented as a gift is even more extensive than the list of “reasons”. After all, in fact, absolutely any indoor plant can become a gift - the only question is who is giving it to and whether they can provide it with proper care:
- Flower growers who are passionate about growing rare species can be given exclusive new items or plants that they collect.
- For those who keep a large collection of plants, any “reliable” species that does not require special conditions will do.
- For those whose interiors have a strict style, a gift in the spirit of “furnishings” is more suitable.
- If you have sparse landscaping at home, it is better to choose real “Spartans” who are content with minimal care.
- If a houseplant is literally replacing a bouquet, the choice should be made in favor of beautifully flowering species covered with flowers.
- For men, it is always better to prefer decorative deciduous species, shrubs and small-sized trees (for example, bonsai). But representatives of the fair sex are often presented with flowering or extravagant plants.
Indoor plants are chosen as a gift in the same way as a regular bouquet - taking into account your favorite colors, the symbolic meaning of the plants and, if desired, even the influence of Feng Shui or “energetics”. The simplest advice always works: choose indoor plants that make you smile.
When buying indoor plants as a gift, they often forget about the purely practical side. Having chosen a spectacular option, try to get “instructions” about its cultivation and requirements. It is better if the information is written down or printed out for you (if there are no accompanying cards for the plant). The new owner will not have to clarify various little things himself. And you can always find out whether the plant is suitable or not, and make the final choice.
Let's take a closer look at ten “gift” favorites.
Orchid
The orchid is charming, sexy, charming, mysterious and somewhat whimsical. It symbolizes harmony and perfection, feminine delicacy and beauty.
Any representative of the fair sex will be happy to receive a housewarming gift in the form of blooming orchids.
An orchid will add aesthetics to the room. But it also requires attention, so it's worth spending a little time caring for it.
For the first time after purchasing, the orchid should be left alone, not fertilized, not watered, and protected from direct sunlight.
Phaleopsis flowering can continue almost all year round. And plants often feel more comfortable in cold winters than in hot summers.
If flowering begins in the fall and continues throughout the winter, phaleopsis plants look like floating fairies or butterflies. They look especially good in festive decorations, adding charm and liveliness to the interior.
In winter, the orchid must be kept under humidity control and protected from radiators, otherwise the flowers will not last long.
Phalaenopsis out of competition
The popularity of these most unpretentious and indoor-cultivating butterfly orchids does not seem accidental. Phalaenopsis (Phalaenopsis) with minimal care delights with extremely long-lasting, colorful and elegant flowering. All you need to do is water them correctly (by immersing them in water) and occasionally feed them during the period of leaf growth. A large selection of colors and sizes of different varieties allows you to find a beautiful gift for any occasion. And its versatility and modest requirements will easily keep the plant on any windowsill.
Phalaenopsis
What indoor flowers should not be given to a woman - 5 worst options
When thinking about what indoor flower to give to your mother, wife or sister for a memorable date, you need to remember that there are plants that are not presented because of their natural characteristics. The TOP 5 taboo presentations include:
- ivy;
- vines;
- palm trees;
- curly;
- poisonous.
It is believed that climbing, creeping and creeping plants absorb good energy in the house and parasitize on the vitality of their owners. Palm trees are usually associated with messengers of sadness and grief, and poisonous specimens can harm the body if the juice gets on the skin or mucous membranes. In addition, there are plants that produce false fruits; they cannot be eaten, and children suffer from them. You can give indoor flowers with the listed qualities if you don’t believe the arguments of experts.
Pelargoniums in a new guise
Boring and familiar zonal pelargoniums have long been replaced by colorful hybrids and varieties of large-flowered pelargonium (Pelargonium grandiflorum). Under simple, semi-double or double flowers - large or miniature, capable of competing in color and sophistication of form with orchids - the cushion of bright leaves is almost invisible. At the same time, fragrant pelargoniums remain unpretentious and are content with standard care. They are luxurious and always appropriate, because such a gift can even be taken out to balconies and gardens during the summer.
Pelargonium grandiflorum
Good and bad omens
Even people who are not prone to superstitions often want to believe that this or that plant can bring good luck, prosperity, and love to the house . It is believed that the same cacti, for example, neutralize electromagnetic radiation from a computer and household appliances, and anthurium, popularly called “male happiness,” is a symbol of masculinity and strength, freedom and attractiveness for beautiful women.
Anthurium
For women, a “good” flower will be spathiphyllum, which, by analogy with anthurium, is called “women’s happiness.” It is generally accepted that this flower is capable of successfully marrying off girls who have stayed too long, and providing married women with a long-awaited pregnancy, husband’s fidelity, and mutual understanding in the family.
Spathiphyllum
For those who want to find harmony and tranquility in life, and who listen to the teachings of Feng Shui, it is recommended to give a miniature bonsai tree or an entire mini-garden in a special glass florarium. Bonsai creates a special atmosphere in the room, a feeling of unity with nature: such a mini-tree will become not only a spectacular part of the interior, but also a companion.
Bonsai tree
Why can’t you give flowers in a pot, as many people think? Well, it seems like, together with the potty, you pass on some of your problems, illnesses, and melancholy. Sometimes it comes to the point that a flower bought in a beautiful, quite decent pot is dug up and given as a gift in a plastic bag. Most likely, the microclimate is disturbed, the roots may be damaged, and the flower itself may be damaged during such an operation. Or there is an opinion that when giving a flower to a sick person, you involuntarily want to grow into the ground (i.e. die), by analogy with flower roots. If you really believe in such signs in all seriousness, maybe you should give up the idea of a flower gift, so as not to tempt fate, and come up with something else?
Miniature clouds of rhododendrons
Unlike capricious camellias or gardenias, indoor rhododendrons (Rhododendron), or azaleas, as they are called according to the old classification, can be grown by anyone. The inflorescence shields of romantic flowers decorated with long graceful stamens hide beautiful leathery dark leaves collected in whorls. The beauty of rhododendrons in potted format is in no way inferior to spectacular garden forms. Their luxurious palette of white, pink and purple colors seems to have been created by nature for a luxurious gift.
Rhododendron
Gerbera
Gerbera is a flower with positive energy. They symbolize happiness, so they are presented in such a way that joy, fun and a carefree life reign in the new apartment.
Gerbera in a pot is a good gift idea. She gives maximum smiles, joy and fun, everything that many people lack in everyday life. A sunny flower - this is the taste of the beautiful gerbera in the heart. It fits perfectly into any interior.
bay tree
Among the “useful” houseplants, there is no better candidate for a gift than the bay tree, or Laurus nobilis. And it’s not just that the dried leaves of the plant can be used in cooking. Fragrant, always elegant, with beautiful classic leaves, inimitable matte color and very beautiful bark, the laurel tree will be an excellent addition to any interior and style. This is a gift for decades - and much less capricious than the “gift” citrus fruits, figs, coffee or pomegranates that require conditions and care.
Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
Is it possible to give flowers in pots, and which flower to choose - the truth and lies of superstitions
Despite the popularity of some plants, popular rumor ascribes negative qualities to them. For example, waxweed, or hoya, is called “widow’s tears” because when it blooms, it secretes juice and “cries.”
It is believed that presenting an anthurium to a girl is a bad omen, since the flower has a “masculine character.” Popular rumor also does not like the orchid, considering the plant to be a vampire that steals energy from those sleeping.
Practice shows that superstitions are born from the fact that one or another representative of the flora is poisonous or not familiar to the inhabitants of the country, hence the mistrust. You can give any indoor flowers when the recipient does not believe in superstitions and superstitions.
Anthuriums for every taste
The impeccable favorites of modern interiors are so elegant that they are suitable as a gift for any occasion. This plant has a brilliant appearance in every sense. Large leaves and multi-colored spathes around funny ears of inflorescences, the ability to choose colors to suit your taste and enviable hardiness are just a few of the advantages of this truly universal plant. And Anthuriums will not need complex care. This is one of the “safest” options for a living gift.
Anthurium. © ProMed
Balsam
Balsam, which has been known since ancient times for its powerful magical properties, can be equally effective for cleansing the home aura.
Other names for this plant: touch-me-not, light, Vanka wet. This is a flower that can get rid of negative emotions and replace them with a good mood, stop arguments and soften misunderstandings.
Dazzling Kalanchoe
A unique succulent with fleshy leaves, compact bushes and dense umbrellas of flowers of the most cheerful colors looks like a real bouquet. Kalanchoe - plants are so neat that they will be appropriate in any environment. Their flowering is long-lasting and colorful, and their leaves, which can store water, allow for minimal maintenance. Among the abundantly flowering plants, there is no species that would be closer to the status of “indoor Spartan” and “living bouquet” at the same time.
Kalanchoe. © Jacques Rollet
Zamioculcas
This indoor flower has similar properties and is called by its second name the dollar tree.
This plant gives status and prestige to its owner, works wonders in financial matters, brings good luck and wealth
Rosemary in pot format
Thanks to its woody shoots and beautiful bush shape, rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) looks stunning in decorative containers. Its pubescent, silvery, flat-needle-shaped leaves, sitting tightly on the branches, and colorful spikelets of inflorescences are equally fragrant. Rosemary can be placed in the kitchen and used in culinary experiments. This natural aromatherapist easily forgives mistakes in care and only needs warmth and bright lighting.
If the idea of rosemary seems interesting, you can take a closer look at other herbs - from marjoram and tarragon to mint, lemon balm and even lavender and santolina.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Geranium
Geranium has long been considered a flower with positive energy. Just think about village windows, where geraniums always bloomed profusely, bringing comfort and coziness to your home. Crushing its fragrant leaves in your hand makes you feel good.
Interesting article: How to make a florarium with your own hands: types and styles of florariums, step-by-step instructions
Geranium can help relieve stress and depression, as well as reconcile quarrels. But most importantly, it serves as a talisman and amulet for love.
Give white geraniums to a young couple who does not yet have their first child - white geraniums attract attention during pregnancy. You can also bring red geranium into your home where guests are always welcome.
There is not a single bad omen associated with this flower, so feel free to buy geranium as a gift! She is not at all capricious in her care, and her flowers can decorate any windowsill all year round.
"Unkillable" Sansevieria
Whatever type of sansevieria you choose - the usual “pike tail”, rosette types or the fashionable “stick” cylindrical sansevieria - you will give a gift that will withstand almost any care failures. A large selection of varieties with bright stripes will allow you to find plants that are far from boring. But still, the main advantage of Sansevieria is its endurance.
Sansevieria
Spathiphyllum or Women's Happiness
A popular unpretentious plant with white flowers and glossy leaves, it is considered a symbol of happiness and prosperity.
Interesting article: Coffee grounds as a fertilizer - which plants are suitable for and how to use
Ideal as a welcome gift, which, according to popular belief, brings joyful emotions to the home.
Legend has it that unmarried girls who received spathiphyllum as a gift will soon meet their soulmate, and married women will improve family relationships and feel the joy of motherhood.
Bonsai never loses its relevance
The most prestigious category of indoor plants are true works of art, into the formation of which a lot of time, love and effort have been invested in the formation of miniature plants. Inimitable silhouettes of myrtles, elms, and olives in the form of bonsai are the first candidates for the role of a status gift for a special occasion. You should choose bonsai wisely, because they can be either not capricious or very whimsical. But you won’t find a more elite version of gift plants.
Bonsai myrtle. © Kristi Sauer
Azalea
It has been noticed that in a house where there is an azalea, the amount of household waste is significantly reduced.
This plant not only has a positive effect on a person’s mental state, but also regulates the functioning of energy channels and cleanses the paths of subtle energies, which leads to the normalization of the functioning of internal organs.
The powerful positive energy of azalea makes this plant an indispensable inhabitant of the home, and even more so a wonderful housewarming gift.
Maintaining a warm, friendly atmosphere creates favorable conditions for the peaceful resolution of most everyday conflicts and disputes.
Gift boxes “Grow yourself”
On the shelves of souvenir shops, flower and stationery stores and even supermarkets today you can find do-it-yourself kits with everything you need for growing indoor plants, annuals, herbs, herbs, creating succulent gardens and even forcing bulbs on the windowsill.
Pots or original vessels, tools, drainage, substrate and detailed instructions allow even a child to grow his own pet. From special gift boxes to funny figurines stuffed with herbs and “pencils” with seeds of your favorite herbs, the choice is simply huge. Stimulating creativity, allowing you to discover a new hobby, cheerful, such a gift is no less appropriate than a beautiful plant in a pot.
Cyclamen
This indoor flower is a powerful magician and wizard, filling the house with happiness and joy. It reliably protects its owners from bad wishes, removes bad wishes and curses, and neutralizes black magic spells.
A pot of cyclamen placed in the bedroom will protect against bad dreams, as well as maintain ardent passion and increase the fertility of lovers.
