10 best indoor plants for gifts. An alternative to a bouquet. Titles, descriptions, photos

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.

Potted flowers and superstitions

If you know that the birthday girl is a superstitious person, listens to signs and beliefs, beware of giving such a woman a flower in a pot for her birthday. Almost every plant has its own legend: for example, the most commonly heard superstition is about creeping and hanging vines (ivy, hoi and scindapsus) - people call them “man chasers” and sincerely believe that the presence of such a flower in the house drives men out of it. Giving such a housewife a flower like this means immediately dooming it to the trash bin, or at best, your gift will be given to someone not so superstitious.

Hoya fleshy

In addition to superstitions regarding a certain type of potted flower, some believe that wet soil in a living space drains energy from a person and leads to illness and illness. Such people will not treat diseased plants, but will throw them away immediately at the first signs of stunting or lack of flowering. A simple but effective technique will help you get around some superstitions regarding plants in pots: “sell” your plant gift for a pretty penny - then the superstitious woman will consider that she bought this flower and, perhaps, there will be many fewer unfounded claims against it.

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

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

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

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)

Guzmania

Many gardeners are convinced that the benefits of this tropical plant are enormous. But there are also skeptics who believe that this flower does not have very good properties. Fortunately, there are not many of them. So what does the guzmania flower bring into the home?

Benefits of flowers:

purifies the air, disinfects;

the substances that gusmania releases during flowering have bactericidal properties, ridding the environment of microbes, including pathogens;

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and even if guzmania blooms only once in its life, it blooms all autumn and until spring;

it brings harmony to the family and creates a positive aura in the home. This activates male power. This is a great way to stimulate creativity and inspiration at home;

attracts financial prosperity.

Guzmania will make a wonderful housewarming gift.

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

Houseplants in gift wrapping

Prices in March 2022: from 650 to 36,750 ₽
Discount: 3% already on your first order
Delivery cost in Moscow: from 0 ₽

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.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is not only an attractive houseplant, but also a real home amulet. It is believed that the flower is able to protect its owners from damage, the evil eye and other harm, and fill them with energy to overcome any difficulties.

Given as a welcome gift to the home, fuchsia creates a harmonious, comfortable and cozy atmosphere in a new place.

Fuchsias bloom almost all year round and bring joy to their owner as a keepsake. In addition to its beauty, fuchsia has a certain magical power.

Fuchsia is ideal for creative people. In a house with fuchsia, people will definitely find a way out of difficult situations.