Choosing the perfect gift can be tricky, especially when you want to give something that lasts and makes a good impression. One great option that never goes out of style is a houseplant. Plants bring life, beauty, and fresh air into any home, and they’re thoughtful gifts that show you care and you can do this as easy as clicking here.
The key to picking the right plant as a gift is to think about the person receiving it. For someone who’s always on the go, a low-maintenance plant like a succulent might be perfect. On the other hand, if your friend loves caring for their space and has time to spend on plant care, something more delicate or rare could be a better fit.
Want to go the extra mile? Add a pretty ceramic pot and a small bag of the right soil. That way, your gift is ready to go from the start.
Here are 10 great houseplants to give as gifts, whether your recipient is a beginner or a seasoned plant lover.
1. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
Great for: Bright homes and people who love winter blooms
This festive plant puts on a colorful show in winter with its bright flowers. Although it looks fancy, it’s actually pretty easy to take care of. It likes bright, indirect sunlight and does best in well-draining cactus soil. Water it regularly, especially in fall and winter, but let the soil dry a bit between watering. It looks lovely in a hanging pot, where its branches can drape over the sides.
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Water: Let soil dry slightly between watering
- Soil: Cactus mix
- Pet Safe: Yes
2. Jade Plant (Crassula argentea)
Great for: People with sunny windows and a little plant experience
The jade plant is a bold, tree-like succulent with thick leaves. It needs a sunny spot and doesn’t need to be watered too often. With time and care, it grows into a beautiful, sculptural plant. Trimming it helps shape its growth and makes the trunk more visible.
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Water: Let the top of the soil dry completely before watering again
- Soil: Potting mix with added sand
- Pet Safe: No
3. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Great for: Anyone who enjoys flowers and has a bit of patience
Orchids often get a bad reputation for being hard to care for, but they’re actually pretty easy once you get the basics down. They love humid air, mild temperatures, and indirect light. The trickiest part is getting them to bloom again, which can be done by slowly reducing light and temperature in the fall.
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Water: Only when the soil feels dry
- Soil: Orchid potting mix
- Pet Safe: Yes
4. Paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceus)
Great for: People who enjoy short-term plants without long commitment
Paperwhites are a type of daffodil that bloom indoors, even in winter. They’re grown from bulbs and don’t last forever, but they live much longer than cut flowers and are easy to care for. They’re perfect for someone who enjoys having fresh blooms during the colder months.
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Water: Keep the roots moist
- Soil: Pebbles or potting soil
- Pet Safe: No
5. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Great for: Homes with less natural sunlight and people who love greenery
This fern thrives in shade, humid areas like bathrooms or kitchens. It loves a moist environment and benefits from the occasional misting. Its bright green, wavy leaves make it a lovely and calming plant to look at.
- Light: Partial shade or indirect light
- Water: Keep soil moist; loves humidity
- Soil: Rich, well-draining mix
- Pet Safe: Yes
6. Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
Great for: Holiday lovers or those who want a mini indoor tree
This tree looks like a small Christmas tree and makes a great gift during the holidays. But unlike cut trees, this one keeps growing year after year. It enjoys bright light and consistent watering. Keep in mind, it’s not a true pine and doesn’t like cold weather.
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Water: Weekly watering; likes humidity
- Soil: Peat-based, well-draining mix
- Pet Safe: Yes
7. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
Great for: Low-light homes and beginner plant owners
This slow-growing plant is easy to care for and can grow up to 6 feet tall over time. Its wide leaves adapt to different lighting by changing color, so it always looks healthy. It’s great for corners or spots that don’t get much sun.
- Light: Medium, filtered light
- Water: Keep soil lightly moist
- Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix
- Pet Safe: No
8. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Great for: Busy people or those new to plant care
The snake plant is nearly impossible to kill. It survives in sun or shade and stores water in its thick leaves, making it perfect for people who forget to water. It also looks sleek and modern, which fits any décor.
- Light: Any light, from low to bright
- Water: Water only when soil is dry
- Soil: Fast-draining mix
- Pet Safe: No
9. Resurrection Plant (Selaginella lepidophylla)
Great for: Kids, plant lovers, or anyone who enjoys a fun surprise
This desert plant dries out and curls into a ball when it doesn’t have water—but when placed in water, it “comes back to life” within hours! It’s a fun, interactive plant that makes a great conversation starter. No soil is required.
- Light: Indirect light
- Water: Soak in a shallow bowl of water
- Soil: Not needed
- Pet Safe: Yes
10. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Great for: Plant lovers who want something unique and easy to share
This plant has round, coin-shaped leaves that grow in all directions. It likes moderate light and needs to dry out a bit between watering. It often produces baby plants (called pups) that can be repotted and shared with friends.
- Light: Medium indirect light
- Water: Allow top layer of soil to dry
- Soil: Light, well-draining soil
- Pet Safe: Yes
Final Tips
When gifting a plant, always include simple care instructions, and maybe even a note explaining why you chose that specific plant. A beautiful pot and the right soil mix also make the gift more complete. Whether your friend is a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, there’s a perfect plant gift for everyone.
