Many years ago I bought my brother a miniature desert landscape (also known as a cactus dish garden) that consisted of an assortment of funky cacti planted together in a shallow terracotta dish. At the time, I had no idea whether he had a green thumb or not, or whether he was capable of keeping these plants alive beyond the blowing out of the birthday candles. I just happened to be at a greenhouse one day where I stumbled upon this cool setup and thought it would make a really neat gift. Since my brother’s birthday was the closest festivity, he became the lucky recipient. Much to my surprise, not only did my brother like it, he managed to keep that tiny garden of plants alive for years. In fact, a couple of those succulents – that outgrew their original pot ages ago - are still growing on.

As time progressed, my brother became keen on these bizarre-looking plants. He picked up more of them from local garden centers and increased his cactus collection. It goes without saying that his indoor gardening skills improved considerably as the years rolled by - with regular hands-on plant care and the addition of a few houseplant books to his home library. He’s now well-versed and experienced in many aspects of plant care including proper watering, potting, fertilizing, grooming, soil selection and pest management.

I did not give my brother any more plants as a gift after the cactus setup - until recently. Just before the summer, while visiting at his place, I discovered that he had bought some new plants and brought some home from work - none of which were succulent-types. Included in the mix was an Aglaonema, a Clivia, a couple of Croton and a few other plants that are commonly grown indoors. They all looked reasonably healthy and happy under his care, which gave me an idea of what to get him for his upcoming birthday - and of course, plants are in that equation. I visited a garden center near my home the day before the celebration and picked up four beautiful foliage plants. Needless to say, he was thrilled. I also included some perlite in his gift bag as a subtle reminder to help those plants breathe! (He tends to use heavy, compacted soil)

Giving friends and loved ones plants is not an isolated incident. Over the past two decades, I have given many different plants to many different people for many different reasons and on many different occasions. Unlike bouquets of flowers that – albeit beautiful - are temporary, houseplants can thrive for years, making them an ideal choice for gift giving – especially for the indoor plant enthusiast. And what better way to bring nature indoors - all year round - than with some potted greenery?

Since I’ve started this theme, I may as well expand on it by suggesting specific plants that – in my opinion – are great choices if you’re interested in giving one as a gift. These versatile, inexpensive and lovely specimens will stick around for a long time, reminding the recipient of your thoughtfulness – long after the flower bouquet has come and gone.

Let’s take a look below at some wonderful green choices for gift giving.


Dracaena Marginata

You really can’t go wrong with this Dracaena, which is one of the most popular, flexible and undemanding indoor plants. Resembling a small palm tree, the Marginata makes a bold statement in the home with its thin, red-margined leaves that sprout from the top and hang over a slender, woody stem. Although a fairly slow grower, this interesting specimen can eventually grow to a height of 10 – 15 feet.

Just like many of its relatives, this Dracaena cannot tolerate sitting in constantly saturated soil. A Marginata under the care of someone who is heavy-handed with the watering can will die a very cruel death, repaying the offender with rotted roots, a soft stem and an awful stench. It is not a pretty sight, so be prudent, especially during the cooler months. Make sure to use a fast-draining, porous medium and do not water until it is fairly dry.

Dracaena Marginata is able to tolerate different light levels – from low light to full sun. You can place it right up against a north or east window, near a west one or in a bright area of a southern location making sure to protect against the hot midday sun (a sheer curtain works well). This plant will survive in the lowest levels of light but requires better quality for optimum growth and appearance.

Learn more:

Dracaena Marginata - The Dragon Tree

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful...Dracaena


Ficus Elastica – Rubber Tree

This shiny-leaved plant – also known as rubber tree, rubber plant, rubber fig or Indian rubber - is a winner indoors with its ability to adapt to low light conditions and neglect. The Ficus Elastica will tolerate shady areas but wants, needs and thrives in as much light as you can possibly supply. You can place your plant in full sun provided you take the time for it to get used to it. Ficus has received a bad rap for dropping leaves when moved or disturbed. On the contrary, this plant will hang on to all its leaves if moved to a better location – brighter light, warmer area – as opposed to a dimmer, cooler position.

Keep this lovely plant evenly moist during the active growing season and fairly dry during the resting period (fall and winter). Don’t place it in cold areas or drafts, especially in the winter, and make sure that the pot it’s growing in allows for good drainage; this plant is susceptible to root rot. When given the appropriate care, which is very simple, this charming indoor plant is easy to grow, ideal for the novice and a wonderful choice for gift giving.

Learn more: Ficus Elastica - The Rubber Plant


Aglaonema – Chinese Evergreen

One of the most widely-used plants in residential and commercial areas, the Chinese Evergreen has an undemanding temperament and grows happily with minimal care. Resistant to disease and able to adapt to conditions that are detrimental to other houseplants, this is the perfect candidate for the most inexperienced (or negligent) houseplant owner. Although it will survive in low light areas, the leaves of this plant require adequate light to maintain their decorative variegation. A position right up against a north or east window is ideal. The direct sun of south and west locations is not recommended, but a little early morning sun from an eastern location is.

Although these highly-tolerant plants do well in a variety of settings, they don’t handle the cold well and need to be grown in rooms that are comfortably warm and draft free. Keep the soil evenly moist during the warm months and drier during the cooler ones. Aglaonemas are prone to root rot when consistently over watered; consider switching to hydroculture. With proper care, this lovely plant will grow happily indoors for a long time and even reward its owner with many offshoots.

Learn more: Aglaonema And Company


Dieffenbachia Amoena - Tropic Snow

This gorgeous specimen that will tolerate lower light levels better than any other Dieffenbachia is also one of the easiest ones to grow. Although it will adapt to low light areas, it needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct midday sun can bleach the leaves, giving the plant a sickly, washed-out appearance. On the other hand, in dimly-lit areas the leaves revert to an all-green shade and the impressive variegation is lost. In addition to colorful foliage, this plant will grow significantly from spring right up until the fall if given adequate amounts of light.

Humidity is not critical but temperature is. Tropic Snow needs a warm location and protection from cold areas, chilly drafts and constant temperature fluctuations. Continuous exposure to cold air and cool drafts can cause wilting, yellowing, browning and dropping of leaves. Like all its cousins, this Dieffenbachia is susceptible to crown, stem and root rot, so caution must be used when watering, especially in the winter. If grown in soil, a good quality, fast-draining type that will not stay damp for too long is recommended. Allow the medium to become moderately dry and then water thoroughly.

Important Note: As many indoor plant enthusiasts know, the common name for Dieffenbachia is ‘Dumb Cane’, aptly named because of the plant’s poisonous sap that can burn the mouth and cause paralysis of the vocal chords. Ingestion of any part of a Dieffenbachia can cause irritation of the lips, mouth, throat and tongue. In addition, speech impediment can occur and last for several days. In severely extreme cases, painful swelling can be extensive enough to cause the tongue to close the throat, leading to suffocation. Keep children and pets away from this plant, and wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap after handling a Dieffenbachia.

Learn more: The Tropical And Impressive Dieffenbachia


Spathiphyllum – Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is one of the weeds of the houseplant world; no matter where you look, there’s one growing. And with good reason. If you’re searching for a plant that will easily adapt to a multitude of interior growing conditions, look no further. This is one of the best green choices for indoor gardening.

A Peace Lily is a fairly thirsty plant and the well-draining soil must be kept moist at all times - but never soggy. Although this plant will wilt shamelessly as a clear indication that it’s parched, don’t wait too long to water it. Excessive drying out will lead to yellowing of leaves and leaf edges.

Although able to endure low light areas, a Spathiphyllum prefers bright, filtered light. Too much or too little light is not healthy; low light may hinder flower development and direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Humidity is not critical and average indoor temperatures are fine.

Learn more: The Demanding And Undemanding Spathiphyllum


Aspidistra Elatior - Cast-Iron Plant

Aspidistra Elatior is a well-liked foliage houseplant, grown for its ability to survive neglect and very shabby indoor conditions. It can withstand a lot of mistreatment in those harsh situations longer than many plants, including dust accumulation on leaves, periods of dryness at the roots and temperature fluctuations. It handles dry air well and is extremely tolerant of almost every light level you may impose on it (with the exception of direct sun).

Place your Aspidistra in moderately-lit areas such as up against a North window or in any shady section of your home near decent lighting (but not too shady if you want it to be at its best). The plant will withstand warm rooms but it prefers cooler, fresher temperatures. Wash the leaves now and then to remove dust and possible pests; your plant will breathe easier through clean leaves and love your for it! Don’t drench the soil; water carefully, allowing the compost to dry out somewhat, especially during the resting period of the winter season. The Aspidistra is not too difficult to grow in soil so you can just imagine how further simplified it is in hydroculture. The plant adopts the system with little effort and thrives in it.


Chlorophytum Comosum - Spider Plant

This charmer is usually grown in a hanging basket but is equally as stunning cascading from a shelf or pedestal. One of the most beloved common houseplants, easy to care for and able to tolerate a lot of neglect, the Spider Plant grows in leaps and bounds, and shoots out plantlets faster than you can pot them up. An entire home can be taken over by the ‘babies’ that emerge regularly from the ‘mommy’ plant.

Spider plants with variegated leaves require bright light – indirect sunlight is ideal - to maintain their variegation. They will adapt to lower light but the distinct colors will be lost; the leaves will turn into a single shade of green. The root system of this plant is large and tuberous, allowing it to store water longer than many other plants, so be very careful with the watering can. Always allow the soil to dry between watering; be especially prudent during the winter season. If you prefer to wait for signs of thirst before watering, the spider plant’s leaves will turn pale and droop when the plant is parched. Remember that it’s better to underwater than to over-water. But don’t wait too long to hydrate either!

Learn More: Spider Plants Are Still Hanging Around


Codiaeum Variegatum - Croton

Crotons are one of the most eye-catching plants with their dazzling, multicolored foliage in shades of green, yellow, red, pink, copper, ivory, bronze and deep burgundy, and their varied, interesting leaf shapes. Far from being inconspicuous, Crotons make a bold statement wherever they are positioned and look best when displayed on their own as a specimen plant. They look particularly striking when a few of them are grouped together, especially when different members of this family are used.

To maintain their brilliant variegation, Crotons require very bright light and can readily handle direct sun if they are gradually acclimatized to it. To avoid droopiness and dropping of lower leaves, keep the soil slightly damp at all times and never allow it to dry out completely. Average room temperatures are ideal. Avoid cold drafts, fluctuating temperatures, cold rooms and hot, dry areas that are especially difficult for these plants. High humidity is essential for optimal health; place Crotons on pebble trays or add a humidifier nearby.

Learn more: The Colourful Croton



Above are a few terrific choices, but before I wrap up this article – and before you head to the garden center to select some plants for gift giving - there are a few things you may want to consider:

• If the recipient has children or pets, check the toxicity of the plants you are interested in purchasing; some of them may be harmful if ingested.
  
  
• Does the recipient have enough time to take care of plants? An individual who travels often or spends several days away from home is not a good candidate for certain plants, especially the frequently thirsty types.
  
  
• If the recipient already has plants, is there room for any more?
  
  
• How much space is available? A recipient would not be very pleased if you showed up with a six-foot tall palm tree for their small apartment. They’d most likely be happier with a small, table-top specimen.
  
  
• Does the recipient like plants? Would they want any? Many individuals dislike indoor plants. Don’t impose one of them.
  
  
• What does the recipient’s home have to offer in terms of lighting, humidity and temperature? The more familiar you are with their indoor environment, the easier it will be to select appropriate plants that can thrive in those settings.
  
  
• Does the recipient have any experience with plants? Plants fare best when paired up with green thumbs that can satisfy their individual needs. For example, presenting a novice plant grower with a temperamental Calathea wouldn’t be wise. The relationship between the two would be stormy from the get-go and end very badly.

If you’re satisfied with the answers from the questions above, head to the greenhouse and pick up a beautiful plant for a family member, friend, neighbour or coworker that is celebrating an occasion, or someone whose day you want to brighten with a little bit of greenery.

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