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I’ve always thought houseplant lovers are the best kind of people. We’re generous, passionate and ready to help at the drop of a leaf. We’re so generous and passionate, in fact, that we sometimes find it hard to believe that our friends wouldn’t like to take care of a plant themselves.
What do you mean you don’t want to bother with keeping plants? What do you mean when you say your plants die at the speed (bright indirect) light?
Here’s a houseplant gift! Try again! Happy birthday!
If you don’t see anything wrong with that, allow me a humble confession: I was never a fan of the Harry Potter series.
My brother read it; my friends read it; my enemies read it. But it was never my cup of tea (see how I segued into Britishness?). As a matter of fact, give me anything else British, and I get into it faster than you can say crumpet. But good ole’ HP? No, thank you! So when I got a Harry Potter book as a gift, I generously (and surreptitiously) regifted it to a real fan.
Wait a Hogwarts minute? Wasn’t this a houseplant blog? Yes, but the point still stands. Just because you’re really into something (and might or might not spend every waking minute obsessing over it), that doesn’t mean you should push your hobby onto unsuspecting and unwilling by-standers.
And yes, this applies to your love of houseplants as well.
Before you buy a houseplant for your best friend, you mom, or your Thanksgiving host, here are a few things to consider.
1. The person you’re gifting the plant to
Do they love plants and are they willing to take care of the plant and give it their best? Or will they let it die and then toss it? Do they even want a plant?
Do they have other plants in their home? Were they just admiring your houseplants because they were being nice?
2. The plant recipient’s lifestyle or plans
If you’re privy to that, of course. Let’s say your friend really does like houseplants, but you’ve heard them say their major goal next year is to switch into digital nomad mode. Or maybe they travel for two months every summer to attend festivals on two coasts. Maybe they live with a rich aunt who can’t be bothered with the smell of a sansevieria in bloom? (Maybe I’m watching too many period dramas, but I did confess to a love for everything British in the beginning of this post.)
If you’re gifting plants to someone who’s already overwhelmed with other life chores (raising kids, caring for elderly relatives or keeping unruly pets), they can have the best intentions in the world, but that plant might not make it past the one-month mark. Are you ok with that?
If you still want to buy a houseplant for them, make it something that’s grown for a season. A poinsettia in the winter or spring and summer bulbs – hyacinths, crocuses, daffodils, gladioli and snowdrops are a few good examples.
Or you could opt for botanical gifts that are not live houseplants. I have a perfect list of gifts for plant-lovers in this post.
3. The best plants that would fit their tendencies
Is your friend an anxious overwaterer, or are they more likely to forget to water a plant? I’ve met both types, and the overwaterers are the ones who find it harder to break that habit.
Don’t despair. Just adapt. (If you’ve made sure that your friend does want that plant after all).
If you’re dealing with an overwaterer, get them plants that love humidity, such as a Boston fern or an orchid. And while you’re at it, get them a moisture meter for houseplants, and teach them how to use it. I think overwatering comes from the misconception that water will always fix a plant, and the more water, the better. By using a moisture meter, the plant parents can take the guesswork out of how much water a plant actually needs. Less guessing leads to a lower plant anxiety, in my opinion.
If the recipient of your plant gift is an underwaterer, you have even more plant choices. There are very sturdy plants out there that don’t mind a low-watering schedule. Low-water doesn’t translate to “never water them,” but it does mean you can let ten days pass without having to worry about it.
Houseplants that are perfect for a forgetful friend include:
Zamioculcas zamiifolia (the ZZ plant)
All types of Sansevieria (snake plant)
Oxalis triangularis (fake shamrock plant) – also available as bulbs, for outdoor planting
Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant)
Crotons
And of course the dry climate queens – succulents and cacti.
4. Their indoor environment
I’m mentioning this factor last because it’s one that’s easy to work around. If your friend already loves houseplants, they’ll know how to work around it too.
Is their house dark or shaded (by other buildings or tall trees, for example)? Then a few plants that might do well in a low-light location include:
Aspidistra eliator (cast iron plant)
Spathiphyllum (Peace lilies)
Hedera helix (English ivy)
Syngonium podophyllum (arrowhead plant)
Sansevieria (snake plant)
Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant)
For plants that prefer a humid environment, have a look at this article.
I really hope you get a chance to share your love of houseplants with your friends. It’s truly a joy (and part of our world domination masterplan) to turn loved ones into “plant people.”
Disclaimer: Please do your due diligence before buying a houseplant or any other supplies. Some houseplants may be toxic if ingested (especially for pets and children). You can check on the ASPCA website for a list of plants that are poisonous.
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