8 of the Best Plants to Give as Gifts for Any Occasion

updated Jan 26, 2021
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Chocolates and flowers are nice gifts, but they’re gone before you know it. Looking for a gift that has longevity? Consider a houseplant. Hear us out: Plants are personal, will live for years, and make literally any room look ten times better. They’re basically happiness and health in a pretty patterned pot. When you give someone a plant, you’re really saying “I want your home to make you happy,” and that’s better than romance, honestly. Spread the love this year by gifting these plants to your nearest and dearest. (And plants aren’t the only things to give your green-thumbed friends. From stylish watering cans to adorable planters, here are some some other gifts perfect for plant lovers.)

Credit: The Bouqs

Snake Plant

Snake plants are some of the sturdiest plants you can find. They grow in almost any environment and don’t need a whole lot of water, but they do a mean job of purifying the air and reducing allergens. Flower delivery site The Bouqs sells this snake plant, which comes with a shiny gold pot and makes a lovely surprise gift.

Buy: Oasis Snake Plant w/ Planter, $54 from The Bouqs

Credit: Bloomscape

Aloe Plant

Surprise your loved one with this prickly, easy-to-care-for succulent. It looks like your basic aloe plant, but in spring and summer it often sprouts coral-red flowers. It’s like two gifts in one!

Buy: Hedgehog Aloe w/ Planter, $35 from Bloomscape

Credit: The Sill

Hoya Plant

This cute little Hoya succulent is a no-brainer. It looks like everyone’s favorite symbol of love, making it an adorable way to tell someone you care about them. It thrives in bright direct light, so it makes a perfect addition to a windowsill or desk.

Buy: Hoya Heart Plant, $26 from The Sill

Credit: Amazon

Succulents

There’s only one thing better than a plant, and that’s multiple plants. This five-pack features succulents of all shapes and colors ready to be arranged in any number of creative ways. Gift all five to your friend who can never say no to more plants, or divide amongst all your BFFs.

Buy: Succulent Plants (5-pack), $17.95 from Amazon

Credit: Bloomscape

Philodendron Heartleaf

The heartleaf philodendron is a super common houseplant—and who can say no to heart-shaped leaves trailing down their walls? This low-maintenance plant is very forgiving, even when it doesn’t get enough light or water. It’s a great gift for your friend who’s new to the plant life.

Buy: Philodendron Heartleaf w/ Planter, $35 from Bloomscape

Credit: The Sill

Calathea

The name’s a little on the aggressive side, but it’s only because this plant’s awesome tri-color patterned leaves resemble reptile skin. They open and close throughout the day depending on the light (which is why they’re often called “prayer plants“), and are a great option for your friend who doesn’t get a lot of natural light.

Buy: Calathea Dottie w/ Planter, $41 from The Sill

Credit: Bloomscape

Oyster Plant

There are lots of reasons to like this little plant. It’s named after the most popular aphrodisiac, making it a prime Valentine’s Day gift. It has gorgeous shades of purple and green on either side of its leaves, making it a colorful addition to any room. And it’s easy to care for, which is always a bonus.

Buy: Rhoeo Oyster w/ Planter, $35 from Bloomscape

Credit: The Sill

Fern

If you’re looking for a plant that’s animal-friendly, a fern is the way to go. Its vibrant rippled leaves are non-toxic, which means even if the cat takes a nibble, she’ll be just fine. It can grow to be quite large under the right conditions, so it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Buy: Bird’s Nest Fern w/ Planter, $39 from The Sill