Maegan-Leigh JacobsThis holiday season, consider spreading the joy with the gift of a living plant. It’s a thoughtful and unique way to express your gratitude and celebrate the festive spirit. Here’s a curated list of plants that make perfect Christmas gifts, adding a touch of nature to your loved ones’ homes and gardens.
1. Juniperus Procumbens Nana (Bonsai Tree)
Bonsai trees are not just plants; they symbolise harmony, calmness, and wisdom. Ideal for someone intrigued by the art of bonsai, this miniature tree requires direct light, temperatures between 10-25 ℃, and weekly watering. Consider pairing it with a bonsai pruning course for a unique and educational Christmas present.
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2. Schlumbergera Truncata (Christmas Cactus)
Embrace the holiday spirit with the Christmas Cactus, adorned with flowers from late November to late January. Low-maintenance and visually stunning, it thrives in semi-shade and requires occasional misting. Adjust watering schedules post-flowering for optimal care.
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3. Hippeastrum ‘Christmas Gift’ (Amaryllis)
For a touch of exotica, gift an Amaryllis with its large bulbs producing vibrant flowers on tall stems. Available in various colours, this plant is sure to bring a smile to the recipient’s face. Whether pre-grown or as a bulb with instructions, it adds a festive charm to winter days. Plant it in a frost-free environment and watch it bloom.
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4. Begonia Rex
The ‘Merry Christmas’ variety of this evergreen plant boasts striking metallic pink, green-edged leaves, making it a festive conversation piece. Easy to grow, it thrives in high humidity and bright, indirect light. Water when the soil is dry to the touch for simple maintenance.
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5. Ilex Aquifolium (Holly) ‘Handsworth New Silver’
For a larger gift suitable for the garden, consider a silver-edged half-standard Holly. Adorned with orange-red berries, it looks spectacular in decorative containers. Placing cyclamen and trailing ivies around the base enhances its visual appeal, making it an ideal gift for the garden patio or front door.
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Giving the gift of a living plant this Christmas not only adds a touch of nature to your loved ones’ surroundings but also provides long-lasting joy.
Whether it’s the symbolic bonsai, the festive Christmas Cactus, the exotic Amaryllis, the eye-catching Begonia Rex, or the garden-enhancing Holly, each plant brings a unique charm to the holiday season.
Feature image: Pexels
