Plants are, without a doubt, one of the smartest ideas you can add to your gift shopping list. Why?
Well, first up, there’s an affordable plant option for every budget – meaning a plant can cater to every kind of gifting occasion, from a low-key birthday to celebrating your most special person. They’ll also make your giftee happier and healthier, their home more lush and their air cleaner, and plus – there’s just something especially warm and fuzzy about a gift that’s alive and thriving.
But while deciding to get a plant is an easy decision, it gets a little trickier when you’re figuring out which plant exactly to get each person. That’s why we asked the experts for you! Read on to find out what Lauren and Sophia, the incredibly clever ladies from Sydney’s Leaf Supply are recommending from the nursery this year.
Perfect plants for beginner green thumbs
“There are so many beautiful, lush, low-maintenance indoor plants that make a perfect place to start for those newer to indoor gardening. For beginners, we recommend:
- Homalomena rubescens ‘Maggie’ is a fabulous option with its shiny, heart-shaped leaves on long reddish stems splayed out from a central point. Make her the hero of your coffee table.
- Commonly known as mini monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma), the cut out leaves of this plant need to be trained upwards, providing a beautifully graphic shape.
- Some of our fave indoor plants hail from the Philodendron genus. The sweetheart plant (Philodendron hederaceum) is a perfect specimen for novice gardeners; and for all the easy-care joy of the sweetheart but with the added pizazz of some graphic lime green variegation, the philodendron ‘brasil’ (Philodendron hederaceum ‘brasil’) is an excellent choice. Both Philodendrons look fabulous trailing over a shelf. If they get leggy simply give them a trim and propagate the cuttings, popping back in the soil once roots have appeared.”
For established plant parents
“We’ve fallen hard for some of the more unusual Anthuriums out there, which are perfect for someone who has a little bit of gardening experience under their belt. The impressive, long, thin leaves of the strap leaf anthurium (Anthurium vittarifolium) look incredible dangling from a hanging planter. For something truly regal, the king anthurium (Anthurium veitchii) sports some seriously dramatic foliage – its large corrugated leaves face towards the light like thin flags dangling from their stems.
Humidity – and lots of it – is particularly important with both of these slightly-high maintenance plant pals, and be sure to keep their well-draining potting mix consistently moist, but never soggy.”
Need some more inspiration for plant-y gifts? Check out our curated plant ‘Looks’ for every kind of indoor and outdoor space here – there’s options for every kind of place, from share houses to child-friendly outdoor gardens.
For personalised expert advice, such as which plants will work best in a particular region or home environment, head to your local nursery or garden centre and have a chat with the experts.
