You don’t need to limit your plant gifts to poinsettias this holiday season. Giving a plant gift leaves a lasting impression, and in some cases, a memory that can live on for years to come. Here are five great holiday plant gifts to give this year.
5 GREAT HOLIDAY PLANT GIFTS
CHRISTMAS CACTUS
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is not only a popular holiday plant, but is known for being passed down and shared for generations. They can live for decades, require minimal care, and it’s easy to start new plants from cuttings. Christmas cactus plants typically bloom in December, although they can bloom at other times of the year, too — much to the delight of their owner.
PAPERWHITES
Along with the deep red and white amaryllis bulbs, paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) are favorite bulbs to force around the holidays, with their simple white flowers reminiscent of clean snow drops and a heavy perfume scent that adds fragrance to the air. Paperwhites can be grown in soil, rocks, and water, and can be re-planted outside in the spring after thr danger of frost has passed.
CHRISTMAS PALM
The adonidia palm, known as the Christmas palm for the red berries it grows during the holiday season, also makes a great porch or patio plant in warmer months when berries are dormant.
ROSEMARY
This popular herb not only resembles a pine tree, but also boasts a woodsy scent. When presented in a pot with a red bow, it looks like a miniature Christmas tree. This holiday plant gift does double duty as it is not only attractive and fragrant, but it can be used in the kitchen for cooking.
LUCKY BAMBOO
A gift of lucky bamboo (Dracaena braunii) is a great way to wish someone a happy and prosperous new year. Lucky bamboo stalks can live and grow for many years in a vase of water. Change the water every few weeks for optimum health.
SEE MORE:5 Houseplants That Bring Good Luck
What would you add to our list of holiday plant gifts?
Shelley Wigglesworth
Shelley (Fleming) Wigglesworth is an award-winning freelance journalist from Maine and a certified Maine Master Gardener who writes gardening articles on a regular basis for NewEngland.com. Her work can be found in the following publications: The Village Magazine, York County Coast Star, Yankee Magazine (online), National Fisherman Magazine, Commercial Fisheries News, Points East Magazine, Coastal Angler Magazine and The Maine Lobstermen's Association's "Landings."