The Best Houseplants to Give as Gifts

by Jamie Jamieson 10/25/2021

Live plants make excellent gifts for occasions like housewarming, birthdays and more. Luckily there are many plants that are extremely forgiving, easy to care for and make exceptional gifts regardless of the skill level. Here are some suggestions if you want to gift a live plant.

Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus gets its name from its blooming season being in the dead of winter. The plant produces bright red or pink blooms at the end of long cascading stems, making it a truly striking plant even when a smaller size. Despite being called a “cactus” this plant does not need a lot of sunlight. It can live happily in lower light and go without water for a long time before showing any signs of distress. These traits make it easy to care for and a smart gift. It also grows quickly when conditions are perfect, which makes it a very satisfying plant to own even when it’s not covered in vibrant flowers.

Jade

Jade is another type of plant that grows exceptionally well as a houseplant with very little maintenance. As a type of succulent, jade is drought resistant and can go long periods of time without watering. It loves a bright windowsill but will also make an excellent addition to rooms with lower light. Per its name, jade has rich green colored leaves that are smooth to the touch. It can grow large and for an extremely long time if kept well, making it a splendid gift that might keep on giving for years to come.

Pothos

Pothos are a frequent item on “hard to kill houseplant” lists because of their ability to survive in almost any conditions. Low light, infrequent watering, low humidity—very few environmental conditions bother these plants. However, they’re also beautiful and make wonderful gifts, especially for new homeowners. Their long vines grow quickly and look great trailing down the top of a bookcase or climbing up a wall or trellis. Pothos come in rich green, chartreuse, silvery green and variegated varieties with splashes of yellow, white and cream. A pothos, whether small or large, makes a great low-maintenance gift.

While there are plenty of options for easy-care houseplants, it’s also important to consider the home environment of the person you’re buying for. For example, jade and pothos are both toxic to humans and pets if ingested, so if your recipient has young children or curious animals a Christmas cactus is a safer bet. Start with these suggestions and research your options carefully to find the perfect plant gift.

About the Author
Author

Jamie Jamieson

Professional Association National Association of Realtors (NAR) New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors/ Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service Education I hold an A.A in Italian Studies and an A.S in Accounting as well as being one of few students accepted into the Cambridge University International Student Study Program abroad as a returning student in 2011. Community Involvement I am proud to serve on the Home & School Board for St. Augustine School in Ossining and maintain the role of a Girl Scout leader. I am an active member of the community assisting in a variety of fundraising efforts. Personal I am a young and energetic agent who prides myself on providing personalized service with honest representation whether you are buying or selling your home. My expertise of the river towns, attention to detail and excitement for real estate are a few of the many assets I will bring to you. I will utilize my eagerness and market knowledge of the area to build lasting relationships with all of my clients that will extend far beyond the closing table. Be at ease from start to finish with my help. In my spare time, I love exploring the Hudson Valley with my husband, three children and our dog, Pippin. I love scoping out the infinite restaurants, farmers markets and other fabulous activities this exciting county has to offer. Experience Before joining William Raveis Legends Realty Group I started my career with Hudson Homes Sotheby's International Realty team. Prior to real estate, I had a remarkable 15+ year career in Restaurant Management/Hospitality including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Rivermarket and several establishments in Newport, Rhode Island. My experience in that field provided me with the foundation of excellence in customer service. Areas Covered All of Westchester County and parts of Putnam County.