Christmas is a widely celebrated occasion across India. And it is often blended with New Year celebrations. People engage in gifting items to each other. With gifts showering from all around the corner, one common yet precious gift often gifted by people is plants, especially eco-friendly plants.
Instead of giving a gift that will perish, giving an environmentally friendly plant will last longer and be a constant reminder of a new beginning. A person is not only giving the recipient a plant but also helping to improve the planet by giving a cleaner and greener environment for our future generations.
Why should you choose plants for festival gifting?
Plants are not just a symbol of gifting. It also has several advantages for those to whom you are gifting the plants. Some real pros of gifting plants are:
- Sustainable and Lasting: Your gifted potted plants will survive and live for a very long time. Unlike cut flowers and seeds, these plants can survive easily. It is not just a gift. It will also create a good impression in the mind of the recipient as you are gifting something that is long-lasting.
- Air Purifying Benefits: Houseplants have been shown to absorb harmful pollutants from the air while simultaneously producing oxygen to improve air quality.
- Cultural Symbolism and Easy Care: In most Indian homes, greenery defines harmony and prosperity. Some common plants like lucky bamboo and money plant are Vastu-friendly, hardy plants like snake plants need minimal care and are best suited for busy lifestyles.
Traditional Festive Favourites: Plants
There are different festive plants available that you can gift to your favourite people. They are as follows.
Poinsettia
This is a Mexican shrub with vivid red bracts, which is a global symbol for Christmas. Poinsettia is the largest variety of potted flower crop found in India. They shine in bright and direct light. But make sure to keep the soil slightly moist and protect it from the cold drafts.
Norfolk Island Pine
This is a compact conifer that resembles a miniature Christmas tree. It can tolerate moderate watering, bright light and also looks festive in the Christmas season. They look best when decorated with bright lights. Unlike the cut pine trees, they remain alive for several years and also double as a houseplant.
Christmas Cactus
This is a trailing cactus. It produces colourful flowers in December and is suitable under filtered light. Make sure to water the plant when the top layer of the soil is dry.
Lucky and Prosperity Plants for Gifting Purposes
Jade plant, lucky bamboo and money plant are all traditional symbols of friendship and fortune. Lucky bamboo grows well in water and soil. They are also known for bringing luck and fortune to the people. Money plant also survives well in water and soil.
The name does not mean that it attracts money, but it symbolises abundance. Jade plant has coin-shaped leaves, which require minimal water but need bright light. It can be a long-lasting memento for the one you are gifting.
Flowering and Aromatic Picks
If you want to make your gift unique, you can choose a peace lily. They have a great ability to filter the indoor toxins, and their white blooms also look beautiful. Basil or mint are also suitable gifting options as they have a great fragrance and can also be used for cooking. Rosemary also resembles a mini Christmas tree. So, if you celebrate Christmas with a rosemary plant, there won't be much difference.
Some unique decorative and gifting ideas
While you are gifting a plant to your friend or any close member this Christmas, make sure to gift or wrap it properly so that you can make a long-lasting impression, not by the plant but with your unique gifting capabilities.
- Decorate the Container: Use a colourful pot, a jute wrap and a cotton ribbon to enhance the festive appeal of the plants.
- Build a Hamper: You can pair the plant with sweet-looking candles or a personalized basket.
- Share a gift or a care card: You can share the light and watering needs to make the recipient feel confident.
Conclusion
Whenever you are choosing a plant for a gift this Christmas, first think of how much care the recipient can provide to the plant. The survival and growth of a plant depend on how much time you give for its care and how you care for it.
Some might require more sunlight, more water and vice versa. The hardy species works well for the travellers. The flowering plants suit bright and sunny balconies. But the matching plants needs the right environment.