For a housewarming, pick a plant that is easy and suits a new, possibly dim home: a money tree or parlor palm if they have pets, a snake plant or ZZ plant for low light and busy people, or a pothos if you are on a tight budget. For a bigger gift, a tall plant in a stylish pot instantly makes a new place feel like home.
A new home is full of boxes, bare walls and echoing rooms. Few things soften that faster than something green and alive. A housewarming plant says “make yourself at home” in a way that a bottle of wine, gone by the weekend, cannot.
The trick is choosing a plant that fits a home you may not have seen yet. New renters often have less light than they would like, people who just moved are busy, and many have pets. So we have focused on plants that are forgiving, good-looking and easy to place, grouped by budget.
Under $25
Golden pothos
Trailing vines that look great on a shelf or kitchen counter and grow quickly in almost any light. Toxic to pets.
Spider plant
Cheerful, pet-safe and fast-growing, with baby plants they can pot up and share with new neighbors.
Small snake plant
A desk-sized snake plant suits a home office or bathroom and needs water only every few weeks. Toxic to pets.
Succulent trio
A set of small succulents for a sunny windowsill. Check varieties if they have pets.
$25 to $50
Money tree
A braided trunk that is a traditional symbol of good fortune, which makes it the classic housewarming plant. It is non-toxic to pets and happy in bright, indirect light.
ZZ plant
Glossy, dark green and almost indestructible. Ideal for the darker rooms new apartments often have. Toxic to pets.
Parlor palm
Soft, feathery fronds that bring a relaxed, tropical feel and handle lower light. Pet-safe.
Peace lily
Elegant white flowers that tell you when it is thirsty by drooping. Toxic to pets.
Add a card with the care basics. Write light, water and pet safety on a small tag. It makes the gift easier to keep alive, and it is a lovely personal touch.
Splurge: statement plants
Large snake plant (3 ft or more)
A floor plant that fills a bare corner and looks good with any decor style. Toxic to pets.
Fiddle leaf fig
The design-magazine favorite for a bright living room. Best for someone with a sunny spot and a bit of plant experience. Toxic to pets.
Monstera
Big, split leaves that instantly make a room feel lush. Our monstera care guide covers everything. Toxic to pets.
Olive tree
A silvery, Mediterranean look for a very bright room or balcony. It needs lots of light to thrive indoors.
Which plant for which home?
| Their new home | Best gift |
|---|---|
| Dark apartment | ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos |
| Bright, sunny rooms | Fiddle leaf fig, olive tree, succulents |
| Cats or dogs | Money tree, parlor palm, spider plant |
| Very busy owners | Snake plant or ZZ plant |
| Want a wow factor | Large snake plant, monstera, fiddle leaf fig |
How to give a housewarming plant
- Keep it in its nursery pot inside a decorative pot or basket, so drainage stays intact and they can repot later.
- Choose a neutral pot (white, terracotta, black or natural woven) that will fit any style.
- Avoid giving huge plants without asking. A 6-foot tree is wonderful, but not if they live in a fourth-floor walk-up.
- Add a care card with light, water and pet info.
Our favorite housewarming plants
Prices change often, so check the store for today's price.Braided money tree in a decor pot
The traditional housewarming plant: a symbol of good fortune, safe for cats and dogs, and easy in bright, indirect light.
- Pet-safe
- Meaningful good-luck symbol
- Looks great on a floor or table
- Downside: Dislikes being moved often
How to use it: Place it in a bright spot away from heaters and water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
Costa Farms ZZ Plant
Glossy leaves that look polished in any room, and it handles low light and forgotten watering better than almost any houseplant.
- Thrives in low light
- Very drought tolerant
- Modern look
- Downside: Toxic to pets
How to use it: Water every 2–3 weeks, only when the soil is dry.
Costa Farms Parlor Palm
A soft, leafy palm that is non-toxic to pets and tolerant of lower light, so it fits almost any new home.
- Pet-safe
- Handles lower light
- Relaxed tropical look
- Downside: Likes regular watering
How to use it: Keep the soil lightly moist and away from cold drafts.
FAQ
What plant is good luck for a new home?
The money tree is the classic choice. Lucky bamboo, jade plants and pothos are also associated with good fortune in different traditions.
Is a plant a good housewarming gift?
Yes, as long as you choose an easy, low-maintenance plant. It brings life into a new space and lasts far longer than flowers.
What size plant should I give?
A tabletop plant is safest if you have not seen the home. Save big floor plants for people you know well.
