Anna Maria Richards
When you’re choosing the best plants to gift to beginners, you should consider your recipient’s schedule and environment. A succulent might fit a busy friend, while a shade-tolerant fern may be appropriate for an attentive owner living in a shady apartment. Or if you’re gifting to a plant-lover, maybe you can opt for an unusual choice. In any case, don’t just gift the plant—include a ceramic pot and the appropriate houseplant food to complement your gift. Those are the elements a lot of people forget in their houseplant gifting!
Now about the plants! Here are four best plants to gift to beginners:
Snake Plant
If you’re looking for a houseplant to gift someone with no plant experience, the Sansevieria—also known as a snake plant—can be a great option. It’s pretty indestructible and thus ideal for someone who wants to build their confidence in growing plants. Another positive about this plant is that it releases oxygen at all times, making it great for bedrooms and living rooms.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig
The fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a trendy houseplant that can grow tall without getting bushy. It has waxy, dark green leaves shaped like violins and thrives in a warm, wet environment. This plant is a great filler plant ideal for tight spaces and corners. Although it’s not the best plant to gift a busy person because it requires more attention than an average houseplant, it’s ideal for a beginner.
Madagascar Dragon Tree
The Dracaena marginata is one of the best plants to gift beginners. It’s easy to grow and maintain, and it can grow up to 6 feet over 10 years. Its arching leaves are slim, and they can be green with a red edge. The plant thrives in moist soil, but it can still resist dry soil. You should prune its leaves to prevent them from growing in different directions. In addition, pay attention to scale or mealybug infestation. Keep in mind that the plant is toxic to both dogs and cats and thus might not be the best option for a beginner with pets.
ZZ Plant
If you’re gifting a houseplant to someone who travels a lot, the hardy ZZ plant is an excellent option for beginners, as it only needs water once a month. The ZZ plant might be a better fit for a contemporary home—thanks to its glossy, deep green leaves, the plant is aesthetically appealing. It’s also low maintenance, and it can survive without direct sunlight, making it ideal for an office plant.
Any of the above houseplants can make an ideal gift for beginners. Try them out!
