10 Christmas Ideas Using Plants
While we are office plants specialists, plants are also useful and beneficial for humans in various ways. With potted plants, you can give a long-lasting, thoughtful, and eco-friendly gift for Christmas, or any occasion, and know your loved one will think of you for many months and years to come.
Choosing a gift that will stand the test of time is always a challenge, but giving plants is one way to try. We recommend you begin by considering the person you are giving the plant to. A water-sipping succulent might be most appropriate for a busy friend on the go, while a shade-tolerant fern could fit better in an apartment with a plant loving owner. If the recipient is already a green thumb, consider an unusual choice that will test their skills.
Gifting is made fun by including a ceramic pot or some plant paraphernalia such as soil, tools or even a glass watering stake, which will keep their plants moist while also adding some fun.
Here are 10 houseplants or office plants sure to impress as a thoughtful gift.
- Poinsettia
Since it’s Christmas, this one makes an ideal gift as it can be used as a centrepiece for the table on Christmas day. This plant is subtropical and will need full sun to flower and grow well so will need to be moved outside after a week or two indoors at the most. They can last in the pot for many months, even years, but planted out into the garden will grow into a small shrub. These hardy plants prefer a warm, sunny position and will stay lush and compact with a hard pruning in early spring.
- Bromeliad
Another perfect table centrepiece for any social gathering, there are many varieties to choose from. Make sure you find one that is flowering for maximum effect. These individually flowering plants will only flower once, but they will then produce new plants called pups, which will produce the next year’s flowers. Some varieties prefer more sun than others so check the label. Remember to dress up the pot. Some hessian and string look great around this planter for a natural look.
- Herbs in Pots
Find out your friend’s favourite herbs and create three little planters with their favourite herbs. These are outdoor or window sill plants, so make sure you buy the right pots for this. Some little decorative matching planters on a platter will make this a joyful gift at Christmas. Popular herbs are basil, rosemary, coriander, thyme, parsley and chives. This could work in your favour next time you sit down to a meal they have prepared!
- Terrariums
What a wonderful gift to give. This can be as small as a wine glass or a large fish bowl. Terrariums are low maintenance gardens that provide a mini garden for indoors. There are two types – closed and open terrariums. A terrarium with a lid will create a humid micro-environment; make sure you choose plants that like moist soil and humid air. You’ll need pebbles, activated charcoal, potting soil, and slow-growing small plants. Open terrariums work well with succulents and other indoor plants but will need good light. Why not set up a production line and get all your gifts for friends and family made up in one afternoon.
- Succulents and Cacti
Choose from the many types of succulent and cacti available. There is a shape and style for everyone. They are ideal for budding young gardeners as they are hardier than most foliage indoor plants & require less watering. Many can tolerate indoor environments, but keep in mind that most of these are desert plants and would prefer high sunlight to survive long term and remain healthy. Placed beside a window is the perfect spot. Choose attractive and ornamental planters to make your gift memorable.
- Kokedama
Traditionally a Japanese art form of planting, these plants grow in a ball of moss. Succulents and other foliage plants are the best choice to use and they are either a hanging planter or free standing. To water, simply dunk your entire moss ball into a bucket of water once per month until all bubbles have slowed down or stopped. You may need to water more often if the plants are in a well lit area and less often if they are indoors or shaded. Simply wrap in cellophane to give as a gift.
- Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant)
Another great option for beginners is the hardy ZZ plant. Only needing to be watered once a month, this plant is ideal for the traveller or ‘brown thumb’ friend. Native to Africa, they’re used to periods of flood and drought, so they’re really drought tolerant. A softer plant aesthetically with beautiful, glossy lobed leaves, they can event survive without direct light, making them great office plants.
- Sansevieria
Also known as Mother In Law’s Tongue (sharp) or Snake Plant, this one is a perfect gift for someone without any plant experience. It’s virtually indestructible so it builds someone’s confidence and makes sure they’re set up for success. The sansevieria family actually releases oxygen at all times, meaning they’re great for enhancing your recipient’s home air quality. They can be almost completely neglected, so you’re not burdening the recipient with something they have to constantly monitor. In fact, overwatering is the most common problem with these modern stylish plants.
- Pothos Ivy
A lush trailing plant also known as Devil’s Ivy, these can easily be planted from cuttings. Start now by purchasing one plant, and cutting close to the nearest leaf, leaving some stem to plant. Dip into a cutting powder and place directly into a pot filled with potting mix. They will start to take off fairly quickly and be ready for Christmas. Make a bunch of these and use decorative planters or use your own decorative ideas. A quirky old teapot, an old shoe, an unused sugar bowl. While it’s best to have something with a hole in the base, it’s not always practical for indoors. These plants love some light, but not direct sun. The plant will wilt when it’s thirsty and spring back once watered. Easy!
- Dino Plant
Just for fun and something weird. This awesome houseplant is pretty much a living fossil. It’s known for it’s ability to lie dormant for years without water and quickly come back to life when submerged in water. They call it a ‘resurrection fern’ because it will dry up completely and look like tumbleweed, and once placed in a bowl of water will open up and become a living plant! A great conversation starter and fun gift for any plant or non-plant person’s collection.
Remember, plants are the gift that keeps on giving. Get prepared and show you care by offering some of these to your loved ones this Christmas.
Have a great festive season.
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