Top 10 Plants to Gift This Holiday Season (From Hard-to-Kill to Easy(er)-to-Kill)

Plantcare.club
Dec 20, 2024
7 min read

Updated: Jan 3

Looking for the perfect plant gift this holiday season?

Whether you're gifting a beginner or seasoned plant lover, there’s a plant for everyone.

We’ve rounded up the top BEST options that range from hard-to-kill to easy-to-kill plants, so you can find the perfect green companion for your loved ones or yourself!

Quick pause: if you want to LISTEN to this rather than read about this, we've got a brand spankin' new podcast episode you can do just that.

Check it out in any of the platforms below:

Okay, okay, now let’s dive in…

Hard-to-Kill Plants (Perfect for New Plant Parents)

These plants are the superheroes of the plant world! They’re resilient, low-maintenance, and forgiving, making them ideal gifts for new plant parents or anyone who struggles to keep plants alive. Whether it's the Snake Plant that thrives on neglect or the Pothos that adapts to almost any condition, these plants will survive with minimal effort and still look amazing. If you’re unsure about the recipient’s plant care skills, these tough, hard-to-kill options are a surefire win.

Let's explore what makes them nearly indestructible!

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The Indestructible Beauty

If you're looking for a plant that requires very little care but looks stunning, the snake plant is your go-to. Known for its upright, sword-shaped leaves, this plant can thrive in a range of lighting conditions—from low to bright, indirect light. It's also drought-tolerant, making it perfect for forgetful waterers.

Care Tips:

Watering: Let the soil dry out completely before watering.
Light: Tolerates low light, but prefers indirect sunlight.
Bonus: The snake plant is also known for purifying the air by removing toxins.

2 Sanseveria (snake plant) plants — Sansevieria Plants

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Friend

The ZZ plant is a true survivor. Its glossy, dark green leaves make it a stylish addition to any room. It thrives in low light and is highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for busy folks or those new to plant care.

Care Tips:

Watering: Water only when the soil is dry, and don't worry about it if you forget for a while.
Light: Thrives in low to moderate indirect light.
Bonus: It's nearly pest-resistant, so it’s a hassle-free plant to care for.

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The Fast-Growing Beauty

Pothos are famous for their heart-shaped leaves that trail beautifully from hanging baskets or shelves. They are incredibly easy to care for and grow quickly, making them perfect for beginners. They also adapt to different environments and are great at purifying the air.

Care Tips:

Watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light, but can tolerate low light.
Bonus: You can propagate pothos easily by cutting a stem and placing it in water, making it perfect for sharing with friends!

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Baby-Maker Plant

Spider plants are not only easy to care for, but they also produce "babies" (or offsets) that can be propagated to grow new plants. Their graceful, arching leaves and air-purifying qualities make them a great gift.

Care Tips:

Watering: Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal.
Bonus: Spider plants can be non-toxic to pets, making them safe for households with animals.

5. Aloe Vera

The Healing Hero

Aloe vera is a hardy succulent that thrives in dry, sunny spots. Known for its soothing gel, which can be used to treat minor burns and skin irritations, it’s a plant that offers both beauty and utility.

Care Tips:

Watering: Water sparingly—only when the soil is dry.
Light: Needs direct sunlight to thrive.
Bonus: Aloe vera has medicinal benefits that are perfect for first aid kits.

Easy(er)-to-Kill Plants (For the Experienced Plant Parent)

These plants are stunning and make incredible gifts, but they require a bit more attention and finesse to thrive. They're not impossible to keep alive, but if you're gifting one, it's best for someone who has some plant care experience. From precise watering needs to sensitivity to light and humidity, these plants require a little extra love.

Let’s dive into these beauties and what makes them worth the effort!

Ficus Tree (Ficus elastica)

The Statement Maker

Ficus trees are stunning, with their large, glossy leaves and dramatic size. However, they can be picky. They need consistent care, including proper lighting and watering. If you’re up for the challenge, the ficus will reward you with gorgeous foliage and make a bold statement in any room.

This plant is pretty resilient, but does take a bit more TLC than others. So if you are not home bound for a few weeks at a time, this may not be the right plant.

I have one at home and to be honest, other than losing some leaves at the start of our Canadian winter, it has been pretty long lasting. It does however, require water a bit more often than others, like the Sansevieria mentioned above.

Care Tips:

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but never soggy. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
Bonus: Ficus trees can be sensitive to drafts and temperature fluctuations, so keep them in a stable environment.

Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.)

The Tropical Flowering Vine

Mandevilla is a tropical beauty with vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers. While it thrives in bright, direct sunlight, it needs consistent moisture and warmth to keep looking its best. If you’re gifting a mandevilla, make sure it gets plenty of sunshine!

Care Tips:

Watering: Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
Light: Needs full sun to produce its bright flowers.
Bonus: Mandevillas are perfect for trellises and hanging baskets, adding a tropical feel to any space.

Ageratum Butterfly Plant (Ageratum houstonianum)

The Butterfly Magnet

Ageratums are known for their small, colorful flowers that attract butterflies. These plants require consistent moisture and indirect light to thrive. Although they’re not the hardest to kill, they can be a bit tricky when it comes to their watering needs.

Care Tips:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist.
Light: Prefers indirect light.
Bonus: Great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your home.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

The Trailing Greenery

The beautiful English Ivy!! It's perfect for adding a bit of greenery to any space and it's even great for air purification but can be finicky if you forget to water it regularly. The trailing vines make it a stunning addition to hanging baskets, as a ground cover, or as a really cool decoration hanging from shelves in a home.

Care Tips:

Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water when the top of the soil is dry.
Light: Thrives in indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.
Bonus: English Ivy can be toxic to pets, so it’s not ideal for households with animals.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

The Elegant Air-Purifier

Peace lilies are known for their elegant white blooms and air-purifying properties. While they are easy to care for, they can be a bit more temperamental when it comes to consistent watering and light conditions, but the beautiful lilies that come from these plants are well worth it (and make a great gift!) Plus, they thrive in a bit of humidity and indirect light.

Care Tips:

Watering: Water when the soil feels dry, but be careful not to overwater.
Light: Prefers low to moderate indirect light.
Bonus: Peace lilies are excellent at removing toxins from the air and are great for indoor spaces.

So, which one are you gifting this Christmas? Honestly plants can make a pretty sweet Christmas gift that keeps on giving, plus they can help to purify the air (hello healthy 2025!?) - so you're bringing beauty AND health to your friends ;)

If you have any questions, about this blog or about anything indoor and outdoor plant relates, submit your plant care questions to plantcare.club and we'll answer ASAP on our next podcast episode!

Here's a little TLDR (too long didn't read)...

Choosing the right plant for your home is all about finding the right balance of care and beauty. Whether you’re new to plant care or a seasoned pro, these hard-to-kill and easy-to-kill plants are perfect for any plant lover.

Hard-to-Kill Plants:

Snake Plant: A nearly indestructible plant that thrives on neglect and can purify your air.
ZZ Plant: A drought-tolerant, low-light loving beauty that requires little attention.
Pothos: A trailing vine that grows quickly in various light conditions and purifies the air.
Spider Plant: An air-purifying plant that produces “babies” you can propagate and share.
Aloe Vera: A low-maintenance succulent that thrives in sunlight and offers medicinal benefits.

Easy(er)-to-Kill Plants:

Ficus Tree: A stunning, leafy plant that needs a consistent environment to thrive but adds a bold touch to any room.
Mandevilla: A tropical plant with vibrant flowers, but it requires consistent sunlight and watering.
Ageratum Butterfly Plant: A showy flower that attracts butterflies, but needs consistent moisture and indirect light to thrive.
English Ivy: A trailing vine that is perfect for air purification but needs regular watering and humidity.
Peace Lily: A beautiful flowering plant that thrives in indirect light but requires regular moisture and care.

Want more plant care tips?

Water when the soil is dry, and ensure proper drainage to avoid overwatering.
Provide the right light—most plants love indirect light, but some (like aloe vera) enjoy direct sun.
Keep your plants in a comfortable environment—avoid drastic temperature changes and drafts.
Prune plants regularly to encourage healthy growth and remove dead or damaged parts.
Treat pests early with natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

By the way...

If you want to learn more about caring for indoor house plants and discover tips for other easy-care plants? You've got TONS of ways to get your questions answered...

Send your questions to plantcare.club and we are happy to go in depth on our podcast give you the feedback you need!