by Amanda Rose Newton
There is no hard rule that all plants gifted on Valentine’s Day need to be delivered as a bouquet. In fact, we encourage you to break the rules and choose a plant that is not only thoughtful but also sustainable.
Giving a houseplant offers long-term benefits, from increasing indoor oxygen levels to having the presence of another living organism around. Given the sheer diversity of houseplants available, especially in recent years, we curated this list of ideal plants for your or your giftee’s personality.
This year, play matchmaker for someone special in your life, and perhaps even for yourself by buying a plant especially suited to the quirks that make them unique!
Low Key Leisure: Succulents
If you or someone you know is just generally easygoing, succulents are their spirit plant!
Coming in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes succulents do not take much to be happy, just like their counterparts. Since they can grow in just about any container type providing it has drainage, that provides ample room to select a pot in their favorite color or design. Better yet, go with something nontraditional like an old candy dish or coffee mug.
Drama Queens: Peace Lilies
With some people, you can tell how they are feeling from a mile away. Peace lilies can relate!
If they need to be watered, they make a show out of it by drooping in a sweeping bow. Once properly watered again, they spring back to an upright position. Just like some of the people you may or may not have in your life!
Natural Nurturers: Calatheas
Some people are just natural parents and relish the opportunity to provide care to others in need. Calatheas, also known as prayer plants, are not difficult to take care of but do have a set of requirements they come with.
First, they require indirect light and the soil must always remain moist. Since they are from the rainforest originally, care needs to be taken to mimic their natural humidity and temperature requirements. Finally, tap water will not do thanks to the chlorine. Only distilled or rainwater for these babies.
Vintage Vibes: Monstera
Monstera deliciosa, a classic indoor plant, is making a comeback thanks to the trends of minimalism and mid-century modern. It’s a natural fit in hairpin-legged white planters that are widely available today. Coming in multiple sizes and styles, your vintage-loving friend (or self) will love how easily these fit into existing décor.
The Constant Traveler: Air Plants
If you or someone you know is constantly on the road or living out of a suitcase, air plants are ideal. Totally okay with being on their own, these plants take most of the moisture and nutrients they need from the air. Perfect for someone who doesn’t know the next time they will be back home.
Bold and Beautiful: Bromeliads
If you think these three words were put together for clever alliteration, you are only mostly right! Bromeliads are one of the few houseplants with COLOR that is not just limited to foliage. The color is courtesy of the bracts, which are the leaves that encircle the actual flowering part. Pineapples are also members of team bromeliad that can be grown indoors and are a pretty bold fruit, both in flavor and in costume, making it perfect for those who need something a little “extra”.
Up for Anything: Pothos
Pothos is one of the most versatile houseplants out there that also has the distinction of being easygoing.
They come in a variety of shades, variegation, shapes, and sizes. The vining activity is loose and relaxed, just like the easiest of folks to get along with. Pothos is not there for the drama, it’s just all about hanging out.
Overachievers: Fiddle Leaf Fig
We all know someone who must take on every challenge. In the realm of indoor plants, the fiddle leaf fig wears the crown of the most difficult. By nature, it is fairly simple in its requirements, but move it to the other side of the room and there go its leaves! Overwater? You just ensured root rot! Not enough or too much light? Prepare for brown patches all over the leaves! The ultimate gift for problem solvers and challenge acceptors of all kinds.
While traditional bouquets and vases of flowers for Valentine’s Day are still the norms, gifting a houseplant is a long-term, sustainable way to say I love you.
If you still feel the need to go a little traditional, you can always gift it with the obligatory box of chocolates.
