Houseplants to give: 13 gift ideas that last
A plant is a gift that lasts, as long as you choose one that survives its new owner. Here's our selection: easy plants, flowering plants for the holidays, and which ones are safe for a cat or a dog.
Orchid
Phalaenopsis7 dBrightMediumFlowers for months, and it blooms again every year.Safe for cats and dogsAlso called phalaenopsis
Peace lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii5 dShadeEasyIt flowers indoors and tells you when it's thirsty.Also called spathiphyllum
Spider plant
Chlorophytum comosum6 dBrightEasyTough, pet-safe, and its babies can be passed on in turn.Safe for cats and dogsAlso called chlorophytum
Pilea
Pilea peperomioides7 dBrightEasyEveryone loves its round leaves, and it makes babies to share.Safe for cats and dogsAlso called chinese money plant
ZZ plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia14 dShadeEasyThe perfect gift for someone who forgets to water.Also called zamioculcas
Snake plant
Dracaena trifasciata14 dBrightEasyAlmost indestructible, even in a dark room.Also called sansevieria
Christmas cactus
Schlumbergera truncata7 dBrightEasyIt flowers in midwinter, and can live for decades.Safe for cats and dogsAlso called schlumbergera
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana10 dSunEasyBright flowers for weeks, and very little watering.Also called kalanchoe blossfeldiana
African violet
Streptocarpus ionanthus6 dBrightMediumSmall, in flower almost all year, and pet-safe.Safe for cats and dogsAlso called saintpaulia
Sweetheart hoya
Hoya kerrii12 dBrightEasyA heart-shaped leaf, perfect for Valentine's Day.Safe for cats and dogsAlso called hoya kerrii
Cyclamen
Cyclamen persicum30 dBrightMediumThe winter flower, for a cool room.Also called persian cyclamen
Amaryllis
Hippeastrum7 dBrightEasyA spectacular flower stalk a few weeks after planting.Also called hippeastrum
Baby rubber plant
Peperomia obtusifolia9 dBrightEasySmall, forgiving, and pet-safe.Safe for cats and dogsAlso called peperomiaOur tips
If the person has a pet, choose a plant that's safe for it: it's shown on each card and each care guide. For a first gift, an easy plant beats a spectacular but fragile one.
In winter, protect the plant from the cold on the way: some paper or a bag is enough. A few minutes at a low temperature can make a poinsettia or an orchid drop its leaves.