Potted Plants

Choosing a plant as a gift

Think about three things first. Light: monstera and bird of paradise need a bright spot, while a snake plant copes with a darker corner. If you do not know how bright their home is, choose a forgiving plant that manages both partial shade and a window, such as schefflera. Time: cacti and succulents forgive forgotten watering, and a peace lily tells you it is thirsty by drooping its leaves. Pets: many houseplants contain substances that irritate cats and dogs, so in a home with animals pick species considered safe, such as haworthia or the moth orchid.

Plants for every season

Some plants are tied to a time of year in Poland. Poinsettia and amaryllis are Christmas plants that brighten December. Potted hyacinths go on the Easter table, and cyclamens flower from autumn to spring, when it is gray outside. These seasonal plants last weeks or months and make a good gift when visiting family during the holidays. Plants hate frost, so in winter make sure someone takes the delivery straight away rather than leaving the plant in a stairwell or on a balcony.

Plants that stay for years

Monstera, ficus, schefflera and dracaena grow for years with decent care and become features of a room. Orchids are a rewarding group of their own: long flowering, low maintenance. Large plants make good housewarming gifts, smaller ones like bonsai or aloe suit a desk. A plant also copes well with waiting a few hours at reception or with a neighbor if the recipient is out.