COLUMNIST: jordan TRAINER
When choosing a plant to gift there are a few things to consider such as size, colour, and care level. These are my top 5 picks that would make an excellent gift for any occasion.
Crassula ovata, also known as the Jade or Money Plant is a succulent native to South Africa. It is affordable, easy to care for, and is said to bring an abundance of health and happiness.
Keep it in a bright room in direct sun or partial shade. Water it every two weeks or when soil has dried out. This plant stores water in its fleshy leaves which means it can survive for months without a single drop of water. It is the perfect beginner plant and its slow growth habit makes it ideal if you have limited space.
Any leaves that fall off the plant can be placed at the base of the soil where they will grow into new plants within weeks making it a great houseplant to propagate and share with others.
Phalaenopsis, or moth orchid, is one of the most popular indoor flowering plants, with brightly coloured exotic, long-lasting flowers. It is relatively easy to care for and makes an excellent housewarming gift. It thrives best in bright, filtered light, or partial shade. Avoid direct sun which can burn the leaves and cause the flowers to drop. A bathroom or kitchen is the ideal position for orchids.
I’ve found letting the soil dry out as apposed to watering regularly is the best way to keep these plants for longer. It is also important to let the water drain out of the base of the pot so the plants roots are not sitting in water.
Orchid blooms tend to last several months before they fade but when this happens simply snip back the stem to the bottom node or notch. Doing this will rejuvenate the plant and within a few months it will be back in bloom.
Stephanotis floribunda, or Madagascar jasmine as it is most commonly known, makes a beautiful gift. Grown for its dark glossy leaves and heavily white blooms, it will fill a room with jasmine scented fragrance.
It is a vining plant that is grown over a metal frame which gives it its unique hoop shape. It has a reputation for being tricky to grow but in the right location it will thrive and flower throughout the year. Keep this plant in a bright, filtered light where humidity is higher. A warm location is ideal and make sure to feed it every few weeks during the growing season. Water as soon as the soil appears dry at the top. This is typically every 5-7 days. Try not to move this plant around as this can cause the flowers to droop and fall off.
In winter, keep jasmine in a cool spot and reduce watering. The Stephanotis flower symbolises good fortune and the longing to travel.
The Spathiphyllum, or Peace Lily as it is commonly known, symbolises peace, healing, and prosperity. It’s also known to be given as a gesture of sympathy to those who have suffered a bereavement.
The Peace Lily requires very little care to thrive, preferring bright, filtered light away from direct sun. It can also tolerate shade and rooms with no natural light although it may not flower. It likes to slightly dry out between waterings although it can cope with overwatering. Under-watering will cause the leaves to quickly droop but a quick water and it should perk back up.
The average lifespan on this plant is around 3-5 years although it can last for decades if well cared for. The white flowers will typically last for a few months at a time. Feeding the plant throughout the growing season will help to encourage it to flower again. Paired with a nice decorative pot the Peace Lily makes an excellent gift for any occasion.
This unusual aquatic plant is often found in small glass jars filled with water. Marimo moss balls are little squishy balls of algae that look a lot like moss, hence the name. In their natural environment in Japan, they roll along the bottoms of rivers, giving the moss ball its round appearance.
You should change the water every two to three weeks, and keep it at room temperature. It does not like direct sun so filtered light or shade is best. If you own goldfish you can even add the plants to your tank and it will provide your fish with some entertainment and an occasional source of food.
It will grow slowly, around 5mm per year and can even be split in half or divided to make more moss balls. Marimo balls are regarded as good luck charms in Japan, and since they have been known to live for 200 years or longer, are often kept as family heirlooms.
For those plant killers out there who struggle to keep plants alive. the Marimo would make an excellent choice to receive as a gift!
Jordan Trainer is Glasgow-based, plant enthusiast, and business owner of Partick Mini Market. With a passion for houseplants, he has been growing and collecting them for almost 10 years.
In his column for Scotland Grows, Jordan recommends his favourite houseplants for beginners.
Keep up with Jordan on his Instagram and Facebook feeds, or pop into his shop at 286 Dumbarton Road, Partick, G11 6TD.