The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re looking for a gift that truly keeps on giving, look no further than the beauty of a houseplant! Plants are a thoughtful, living addition to any home, but just like people, every plant has its own personality and needs.
To help you find the perfect plant for the special people in your life, we've put together a guide based on just a few personality types. This year, give your loved ones a plant that truly matches their vibe!
Does your friend have an eye for design, a love for unique textures, and a flair for the dramatic? The Calathea orbifolia is the one. With its large, beautifully ribbed, and striped leaves, it's a living piece of art.
- Personality match: a little high-maintenance, but worth the effort for the beautiful outcome.
- Care: Keep the soil consistently moist (distilled water is recommended to prevent leaf browning). They thrive in indirect light and love high humidity, so maybe pair it with a small humidifier!
For the person whose motto is "go with the flow," or perhaps the friend who occasionally forgets they own a plant, the Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is the ultimate low-stress gift. It's tough, adaptable, and nearly impossible to kill.
- Personality match: Independent, resilient, and thrives on being left alone.
- Care: The key is to water thoroughly only once the soil has completely dried out! They tolerate a wide range of variable lighting (from bright to low) and prefer well-draining, loamy soil.
Everyone probably has a coffee lover in their life, gift them a fun edition to their home coffee set-up! A young Coffee Tree (Coffea arabica) is a lush, attractive houseplant that can eventually produce fragrant white flowers!
- Personality match: Energized, bright, and appreciates the finer, aromatic things in life.
- Care: Water weekly to keep the soil lightly moist. They prefer bright, indirect light. Recommend they prune it occasionally for a bushier, fuller look.
This plant is as bold and dramatic as its name suggests! The Philodendron 'Ring of Fire' is a rare and highly sought-after plant known for its striking, serrated leaves that feature beautiful variegation ranging from orange and red to cream and white.
- Personality match: Vibrant, rare, and a definite showstopper.
- Care: Water weekly. They like bright, indirect light to bring out the most dramatic colors. These can grow quite big and will want to be repotted every 1-2 years.
Looking to give a gift that symbolizes good fortune and prosperity? The Money Tree is a classic choice, often featuring a braided trunk and distinct leaves, it is believed to bring good luck in Feng Shui.
- Personality match: Optimistic, pragmatic, and appreciative of good vibes.
- Care: Water when the soil is about 75% dry. They need bright, indirect light to stay full and healthy. Plant it in well-draining, loamy soil.
This year, skip the generic and give the gift that keeps on giving. A houseplant is a daily reminder of your thoughtfulness and a beautiful addition to any home environment.
We hope this guide helps you pick the perfect plant gift! If you're looking for more expert advice, exclusive content, and a community of fellow plant lovers, be sure to sign up for the Over Grown newsletter below.