The best gift plants are easy, good-looking and forgiving. Top choices: snake plant and ZZ plant for people who forget to water, moth orchid and Christmas cactus for a pet-safe flowering gift, money tree for good luck, and a smart herb garden for anyone who cooks. If they have cats or dogs, stick to pet-safe plants.
A plant is one of the most thoughtful gifts there is. Flowers in a vase are lovely for a week; a plant on the windowsill reminds someone of you for years. But a plant is also a living thing, and the wrong one, a fussy fern for a friend who travels, a toxic lily for a home with a cat, can turn a kind gesture into a small guilt trip.
The secret is to match the plant to the person. Below are our favorite gift plants grouped by who they suit, each with the one-line care note to pass on. Short on time? Our free Gift Finder asks four quick questions and picks one for you.
Before you buy: three quick questions
- Do they have pets? Many popular houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA plant list is the go-to reference.
- How much light do they have? A dark apartment calls for a snake plant or ZZ; a sunny kitchen opens the door to orchids and herbs.
- Are they a plant person? Beginners want tough and easy. Plant lovers appreciate something a bit special.
For people who “kill every plant”
Snake plant
Upright, architectural and almost impossible to kill. Tolerates dim corners and weeks of neglect. Care note: water every 2 to 4 weeks, only when the soil is dry. Toxic to pets.
ZZ plant
Glossy, dark leaves that look polished in any room and handle low light beautifully. Care note: water every 2 to 3 weeks. Toxic to pets.
Golden pothos
Fast-growing trailing vines that forgive almost anything and root easily in water, so they can share cuttings. Care note: water when the top inch is dry. Toxic to pets.
Pet-safe gift plants
Moth orchid
Elegant flowers that last two to three months, and safe for cats and dogs. Care note: bright, indirect light and water about once a week, letting the bark drain fully.
Christmas cactus
Bright flowers through the holidays, lives for decades and is pet-safe. See our Christmas cactus care guide. Care note: water when the top inch is dry.
Spider plant
Cheerful, almost unkillable and makes baby plants. Care note: medium to bright light, water when the top inch is dry.
Money tree (Pachira)
A braided trunk said to bring good fortune, a favorite for new homes and new jobs. Care note: bright, indirect light and water when the top 2 inches are dry.
Calathea
Stunning patterned leaves that fold up at night. Best for a plant lover with good humidity. Care note: keep soil lightly moist and use filtered water if possible.
Wrap it like a pro. Slip the plant (in its plastic nursery pot) into a decorative pot or basket, tuck tissue or burlap around the top, and add a small handwritten care card. It looks expensive and keeps drainage intact.
Flowering gifts
Anthurium
Glossy, heart-shaped red, pink or white flowers that last for months. A long-lasting alternative to Valentine’s roses. Toxic to pets.
Peace lily
The classic sympathy plant, with white flowers and dark leaves. It droops dramatically when thirsty and perks up within hours of watering. Toxic to pets.
Amaryllis bulb kit
A giant bulb that shoots up and opens huge blooms about 6 to 10 weeks after planting. Wonderful for the holidays. Toxic to pets.
Statement plants for plant lovers
Fiddle leaf fig
The magazine-favorite tree for a bright room. Gorgeous but fussy about moving, so gift it to someone with a sunny spot. Toxic to pets.
Ginseng ficus bonsai
A living sculpture with a chunky trunk, and the easiest bonsai for a first-timer. Toxic to pets.
Indoor smart herb garden
Not a single plant, but a fresh-herb machine for the kitchen. A gift they will use every day. See our hydroponics guide.
Quick guide: the right plant for each person
| For | Best plant | Pet-safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Someone who forgets to water | Snake plant or ZZ plant | No |
| A home with cats or dogs | Moth orchid, spider plant, money tree | Yes |
| Mom or grandma | Moth orchid or Christmas cactus | Yes |
| A coworker | Snake plant or small succulent set | No |
| A new home | Money tree or parlor palm | Yes |
| Sympathy | Peace lily | No |
| A plant lover | Calathea, fiddle leaf fig, bonsai | Varies |
| A cook | Smart herb garden | Yes |
Our top gift plant picks
Prices change often, so check the store for today's price.Blooming moth orchid in a ceramic pot
The gift that suits almost everyone: elegant, long-flowering, pet-safe and far easier than its reputation. Choose one with a few unopened buds so it blooms for longer in their home.
- Blooms for two to three months
- Safe for cats and dogs
- Looks luxurious
- Downside: Needs bright, indirect light to rebloom
How to use it: Water about once a week by running water through the bark and letting it drain completely.
Costa Farms Snake Plant in a decor pot
Costa Farms is one of the largest live plant growers selling online, and a snake plant is about as close to unkillable as houseplants get.
- Thrives on neglect
- Handles low light
- Looks modern in any room
- Downside: Toxic to pets
How to use it: Water only when the soil is fully dry, every 2–4 weeks.
Braided money tree
A pet-safe plant with a story attached: the braided trunk is a traditional symbol of good fortune, perfect for new homes and new jobs.
- Pet-safe
- Meaningful gift
- Easy in bright, indirect light
- Downside: Drops leaves if moved around a lot
How to use it: Water when the top 2 inches are dry and keep it in one bright spot.
FAQ
What is the easiest plant to give as a gift?
A snake plant or ZZ plant. Both handle low light and infrequent watering. For a pet-safe option, choose a spider plant.
What plant means good luck?
The money tree (Pachira) and lucky bamboo are traditional good-luck plants. Jade plants are also associated with prosperity.
Is it better to give flowers or a plant?
A plant lasts longer and keeps reminding them of you. Flowers are better for a one-off celebration or when you do not know their home.
What is a good plant gift for someone with cats?
Moth orchid, spider plant, money tree, calathea, parlor palm and Christmas cactus are all listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
