In the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Day, several traditional houseplants are available for the holiday season. Most places I visit seem to have Poinsettias, Amaryllis and holiday cactus, and I think most enthusiasts are familiar with these common (but worthy) options. If you look a little closer, you will find some other useful indoor specimens. Whether you choose to bring some home for yourself (which of course if perfectly acceptable, why not treat yourself?) or grab some to give as gifts, these plants will help create festive indoor excitement around the holidays.
Now, first let us agree on one simple truth: any gardener will love almost any plant, of any kind, as a gift! This of course includes scores of foliage for the nice warm house. Adding color to the table, the office, or anywhere indoors is ideal, as winter flower power lifts our spirits and makes us smile. Individual plants can symbolize many things as gifts, including prosperity, feelings of gratitude and even protection or love. They also have staying power and will certainly last longer than a bottle of wine, a box of confections, or a bouquet of flowers. Here are a few options to ponder over for living gifts during the holidays…
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla): Now, here we have THE indoor Christmas tree, one that Charlie Brown would be envious of, without a doubt. Whether you decorate it or not, these are fun to grow as an indoor “evergreen” all year long. They are surprisingly suitable for bonsai, or allow them to mature into an impressive specimen in a large pot. These thrive in bright to indirect light, love the warmth of indoors and like to dry out a bit between watering sessions.
Florist/Christmas Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana): This one can be confusing as there are some 125 species of Kalanchoe, but the specific one to note here is the holiday bloomer. These are super easy, drought tolerant succulents that produce impressive clusters of blooms in various colors. Grow them in bright to low light and be careful not to overwater them. These symbolize both endurance and lasting affection, which we could all use a bit of.
Florist Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum): These are all about flower power, with vibrant red, pink or white blooms to choose from, and plants are adorned with striking silvery marbled heart-shaped leaves. Think of these as an inexpensive indoor “annual” option – plants to be admired when in bloom, and once done perhaps recycled into the compost bin. They enjoy bright to indirect light, and benefit from bottom watering to prolong life and avoid rot. Florist Cyclamen symbolize departure, which could signify moving on from this year into the next one, and they are also often used as a retirement or moving gift.
Tailfeather or Flamingo Flower (Anthurium sp.): These are some of the longest indoor bloomers, with individual flowers lasting up to eight weeks and reoccurring throughout the year, when cared for properly. They have lovely heart-shaped, waxy “spathe” flowers with white or yellow spikes that are available in many colors, although the bright red and white selections shine at holiday time. A bright light location is best, be sure to water them when the soil is dry, and mist regularly to keep foliage clean and shiny. Tailfeathers symbolize many things in various cultures, including love and passion, hospitality and good fortune, and even abundance.
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii): This is one plant that carries a lot of symbolism and a touch of religious significance for many. Yes they are extremely thorny, but nicely balanced by bright delicate flowers in yellow, red, pink or white. Crown of Thorns tend to bloom in summer and continue on into the winter months. These succulent plants can be on the dry side, and are best located in a bright sunny window. They are thought to symbolize good luck, protection, sacrifice, endurance and resilience - all great sentiments for the holiday season and coming New Year.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema sp.): These beauties are all about cool foliage and air purification. Dark green versions are known for their low light tolerance, while others can take brighter locations. Different foliage colors like red, pink or white can be purchased, including all kinds of variegation with stripes or spots - there is certainly something for everyone! Chinese Evergreens thrive on neglect (my kind of houseplant), so they make a great choice for beginning indoor plant enthusiasts. Overall, these symbolize good fortune, success and prosperity, and are said to give positive energy to their caretakers.
African Violets (Saintpaulia sp.): These are somewhat nostalgic, as often they seem to go from grandmother to grandchild, being so long lived. They are super easy to grow in indirect light and a simple self-watering pot. Bloom options include pastel colors like pink, white, blue, and purple, and many have variegated foliage for some added impact. African Violets bloom and multiply all year around in the right conditions, but be sure to use a simple organic blooming fertilizer to keep those buds forming and flowers coming. These plants symbolize devotion, faithfulness and commitment, and make wonderful gifts.
Prayer Plants (Calathea sp.): These like bright indirect light and soil kept on the dry side, but benefit from a weekly misting to keep humidity up. Also known as Prayer Plant, be sure to check out their close cousins Ctenanthe sp. and Maranta sp. as well. All of these are about cool colored foliage and variegation, and they symbolize a new beginning or to turn over a new leaf - sounds just about perfect for the start of the New Year!
As you contemplate various indoor plants for gifts, also consider where to get them. Visiting a local garden center is the way to go - a place where you can obtain quality, selection, and the advice you need to grow them successfully. Plants available at garden centers have been cared for, watered properly, and I am guessing talked to as well - in case you haven’t heard, plants often listen and respond to kind words. Saying “hello” to plants while watering works wonders, and will certainly lift your companion’s spirits, perhaps even steering them to bloom. Apologizing to one that may have been missed with water or has been neglected may help them bounce back and thrive. It sometimes works for me and it certainly cannot hurt, right?
In all seriousness visit your local garden center and speak with a houseplant expert, allowing them to guide you towards the best plants to give as gifts. Whether for a family member, a friend’s office, a hostess gift or simply just for you, plants make the perfect gifts. Everyone loves flowers and foliage, and the gift of a beautiful indoor specimen is always appreciated, especially over the holiday season.
