When it comes to showing love, affection or expressing sympathy, a gift of flowers can say it all. No matter what the occasion, whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or just a dreary Tuesday, you can buy Flowers For Everyone.
But even the loveliest flowers only last a relatively short amount of time. And what if, for example, you want to buy flowers as a housewarming present or to brighten up your friend’s hospital room for the next few weeks? What can you give as a gift that will have the same emotional effect as flowers but will last a lot longer?
Why buy living plants?
Plants are great and last a lot longer than a bouquet of flowers. In fact, with proper care they can last years. They brighten up the space, they clean the air, they smell great and they are known to improve our mood. So really… the question should be ‘why wouldn’t you buy living plants’?
What plant should you buy?
The answer to this question is not quite as straight forward. Whichever plant you choose will largely depend on your personal taste as well as the style and taste of your intended recipient. It will also depend on practical things such as how much space the recipient has as well as their ability to maintain the plant.
For example, if you’re buying a plant for a friend in hospital, you want something low maintenance which won’t take up much space. You may also wish to go for something brightly coloured to warm up the room.
If you still need a little bit more help or inspiration, here are some of our top choices of living plants to buy as a gift.
Orchids
Orchids are beautiful and elegant. They come in a variety of colours so you’re bound to find one to suit any occasion. Although tall and striking, Orchids don’t take up too much space and are relatively low maintenance.
Delicate and sophisticated, they are a great gift for new Mums, make for a great housewarming present or can also brighten up an office or hospital room.
Succulents
These are a fantastic option for those who are looking for minimum maintenance. They love natural light and need very little watering. They can survive well in many climates so they make for a versatile gift that can last a long time in various locations.
Succulents have become increasingly popular in recent years and are a great housewarming gift. They are also believed to have several health benefits as they purify the air, help improve focus, increase pain tolerance and enhance memory. So perhaps if you’re looking for a nice plant for Grandma’s new assisted living apartment, a succulent is the way to go!
Lily Plant
Lilly plants are leafy and easy to care for. They have long, dark green leaves and produce an elegant white flower. Peace lilies symbolise peace, prosperity, tranquility, solitude and purification which makes them a perfect gift for firm believers in positive Feng Shui! Peace lily plants also remove toxins from the air which can significantly improving our air quality and overall health.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant
This is another leafy, green plant perfect for a house or office. It’s a very trendy plant at the moment but it does require some love and care. It can grow up to three metres indoors but can be topped if required. It requires soft filtered lighting and just the right amount of watering.
Due to the maintenance required, this is a fantastic gift for a green-fingered plant lover who gets enjoyment out of caring for and growing plants.
Ficus Ruby Plant
This is another wonderful gift for a green-fingered friend or relative. It’s a unique multi-coloured leafy plant that needs bright but indirect sunlight to survive. To maintain this beautiful plant, you must keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy by watering it roughly once a week.
What are you waiting for?
So there you go. 5 wonderful gift options to suit everybody’s tastes and needs. And with actual health benefits (both physical and mental) involved too, why wouldn’t you buy a living plant for your loved ones?