Plants can be lasting, eco-friendly gifts

Exchanging holiday gifts with friends and family is one of the joys of the season. But coming up with unique and meaningful gift ideas can be a daunting task. Everyone’s been in the position of trying to find the perfect gift for that impossible-to-buy-for person.

Why not consider presents that keep giving and growing — and are a joy to behold? Plants are not just beautiful, they also cheer up any space and even improve air quality in a home or office.

And think of the positive, sustainable environmental impact they make.

Here are some things to consider if you shop green this year.

• Always include care instructions for the plant. Even the most experienced indoor grower appreciates a little help. Most commercial plants come with suggested feeding and watering recommendations. If the plant selected does not have these care instructions, ask before leaving the nursery so the recipient can keep this lovely gift green.
  

• It’s important to match the plant to the recipient. Flowers, succulents, cacti, tropicals and even bulbs can make great presents for those with specialized needs and tastes. The varieties and combinations are as endless as the personalities on your gift list. For instance, a plant needing daily watering would not make a good gift for a constant traveler. Instead, give him or her an interesting cactus or succulent, which needs less frequent care. A more plant-savvy recipient may appreciate a colorful and delicate orchid. For those with asthma or allergies, plants like palms, peace lilies and ferns do an excellent job of improving air quality and filtering out toxins.
  

• Find unique and attractive containers. Those boring, plastic pots that house most plants aren’t very attractive or personal. Instead, pop your plants into colorful ceramic, glass, wood or even metal containers for a more interesting and personal touch. Inexpensive terra cotta pots can be painted in bright or metalliccolored paint. Large coffee cups as containers can add a quirky element and baskets can be lined with plastic and used to hold small pots.
  

• When repotting plants yourself, make sure to use a high-quality potting mix. Also, keep in mind that specialty plants like cacti, African violets and orchids may perform better in spe cial potting mixes. When in doubt, ask the nursery for recommendations. For enhanced presentation, wrap foil, paper or cellophane around the outside of the container and use fabric bows or raffia to add a finishing touch.
  

• Little gifts from nature go a long way in spreading holiday cheer. When hosting a party, give out small favors for your guests to take home. Try a small terra cotta pot painted gold and planted with rosemary or thyme and tied with a colorful ribbon — or maybe small,colorful pots filled with soil and a bulb to add a pop of spring to the wintertime. Add a photo of the flower your guest can expect, along with growing instructions, on the gift tag. Host or hostess gifts are another fun way to spread holiday cheer. Poinsettia, amaryllis and Christmas cactus are among the traditional seasonal favorites.

However they’re shared, plants make excellent holiday gifts and will be a reminder of shared good times.

—ARA Content