The 17 Best Houseplants to Gift (and They're Super Easy to Maintain)

Whether it's for a housewarming, anniversary, holiday, or dinner party, houseplants make the ideal gift to mark life's special moments. Many plants carry symbolic meanings, representing love, friendship, or success, while others simply brighten the home with their beauty. Plus, they last far longer than a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine.

When selecting a houseplant as a gift, choose one that is easy to maintain, and consider how much space the plant will need as it grows. For pet owners, it's important to know that some houseplants can be toxic to cats and dogs, so be sure to pick one that is safe for pets (we've highlighted these below). Here are 17 of the best houseplants to give as gifts.

Monstera Deliciosa

This houseplant is a favorite gift among plant enthusiasts due to its low maintenance and distinctive leaves. Commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant, monstera is famous for its large, perforated leaves. These plants can grow to impressive sizes, reaching up to 3 feet tall and wide, so ensure the recipient has ample space for its growth. Symbolizing honor, respect, and longevity, monstera makes a perfect gift for older individuals and those who are dear to you. Its popularity makes it an excellent choice for housewarming presents.

Snake Plant

The nearly indestructible snake plant (Sansevieria species) is ideal for beginner houseplant owners or those with limited natural light in their home or office. This architectural beauty features thick, sword-like leaves that create striking vertical lines. With various varieties offering different leaf shapes and patterns, each grows to its own unique size. The snake plant is also believed to bring good fortune and symbolize determination. What better gift for someone embarking on a new career?

Jade Plant

A slow-growing succulent, the jade plant (Crassula ovata) is commonly referred to as the money plant, lucky plant, or friendship tree, reflecting its symbolic meaning. Representing prosperity, growth, and renewal, jade plants make thoughtful gifts for housewarmings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Jade plants are easy to care for because they like the warm, dry conditions found in most homes. They are also quite tolerant of neglect, making jade plant a good selection for the busy plant parents on your gift list. Jade plants develop a woody trunk over time and can be very long-lived, surviving for decades with the right care.

ZZ Plant

ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is another excellent low-maintenance plant for beginners or someone who travels a lot. They also make a great plant for the office, as they tolerate low light conditions. ZZ plants thrive on neglect—they only need water every 2 to 3 weeks and are not picky about humidity. All that, and they still look great, with thick, dark green leaves held at a sharp angle to the stems. Sometimes called eternity plant or fortune tree, the ZZ plant is said to bring good fortune and luck. 

Rubber Tree

The rubber tree is a timeless houseplant known for its striking foliage and sturdy, upright stems. The rich burgundy leaves of the burgundy rubber tree (Ficus decora ‘Burgundy’) stand out against the more common green foliage of other houseplants. For a variety with multiple colors, you might consider Ficus robusta ‘Tieneke,’ which features pink, green, and yellow leaves. Rubber plants are symbols of abundance, happiness, and wealth.

Peace Lily

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum species) are among the few plants that thrive in low-light environments and are admired for their stunning ivory-white flowers and sleek foliage. Representing peace, hope, comfort, and sympathy, they are often gifted to those mourning a loss. Their lasting presence continues to offer solace during the healing journey. Peace lilies also make a considerate gift for anyone going through tough times, serving as a reminder of peace and emotional support.

Pet Safe Houseplants to Give as a Gift

While the plants mentioned earlier make beautiful presents, they may not be the safest option for pet owners. The following plants, however, are all considered safe for pets. If you're uncertain about a particular plant's safety, you can refer to this helpful database from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Prayer Plant

The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a beautiful way to express gratitude. With its stunning foliage featuring chartreuse patterns and pink veins on a deep green backdrop, this plant is both striking and easy to care for. Its slow-growing nature makes it a durable houseplant, and its unique habit of folding its leaves together at night—like hands in prayer—adds a symbolic touch. A perfect gift for someone who could use some comfort.

‘Triostar’ Stromanthe

With its breathtaking multi-colored tropical leaves, Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar' makes a bold statement. The broad, oval-shaped leaves are beautifully variegated in shades of cream, pink, and green across the top. The underside is even more striking, with a solid pink to burgundy hue or pink streaks over a rich maroon background. Although officially named 'Triostar,' it is sometimes referred to as 'Tricolor' Stromanthe. While this plant doesn’t hold any specific symbolism, it belongs to the prayer plant family and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Chinese Money Plant

With its distinctive coin-shaped leaves, the Chinese money plant is aptly named. It has long been associated with bringing luck and prosperity to its owner, making it an ideal plant for those embarking on new beginnings. Also known as Pilea peperomioides, it’s sometimes referred to as the friendship plant due to its tendency to produce 'pups'—offshoots around the base of the parent plant—that can be potted and gifted to friends.

Calathea

Calathea offers a wide range of stunning varieties and species, each with its own striking leaf patterns. While they require a bit more care compared to snake plants or jade plants, they are not difficult to maintain.

One of the easiest varieties to care for in this group is the rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia), which has long, slender leaves with a wavy edge. The leaves feature vibrant green tops decorated with dark spots that alternate along the length of the leaf, and the underside showcases a rich purple hue. Calathea are often associated with new beginnings, making them a wonderful gift for someone starting a new job, moving into a new home, or experiencing a fresh start in life.

Orchid

Orchids are often regarded as symbols of beauty and purity, with different flower colors carrying their own distinct meanings. White orchids symbolize innocence, red orchids convey passionate love, yellow orchids represent friendship or new beginnings, and purple orchids are a sign of admiration and respect. Orchids make an excellent gift for any occasion. Though they have a reputation for being delicate, many varieties, particularly the Phalaenopsis or moth orchids, are relatively easy to care for.

Orchids can keep their flowers for weeks or even months. While some people treat them as a temporary bouquet, discarding them once the blooms fade, those who enjoy a bit of a challenge may find it simple to encourage them to bloom again. When selecting an orchid, opt for one with buds that have not yet fully opened to ensure a longer flowering period.

Zebra Plant

This may seem like an unconventional choice, but it is compact, easy to care for, pet-friendly, and downright charming. The zebra plant (Haworthia attenuata) is also one of the best succulents for beginners. It can survive for weeks without water and is tolerant of relatively low light, making it ideal for both office and home environments. With its thick, fleshy leaves covered in white bumps, the zebra plant earns its name. The striking foliage and vertical growth make it a great match for stylish planters.

Spider Plant

With its bold green and white striped leaves, the spider plant (also known as Chlorophytum comosum) is a hardy plant, perfect for any indoor environment. These plants are incredibly low-maintenance and also produce 'spiderettes' or plantlets that can be propagated and shared with loved ones, making them a wonderful gift that keeps on giving.

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata, commonly referred to as Boston Ferns, boast delicate, feathery fronds that bring a lively ambiance to any space. These plants are safe for pets, especially favored by cat and dog owners. Boston Ferns flourish in indirect light and require consistent watering, while remaining relatively easy to care for and resilient.

Ponytail Palm

Ponytail palms are a charming and pet-safe choice, adding a touch of fun to any living space. These tropical-style plants are easy to care for, requiring watering just once every few weeks. The plant's distinctive curly-leafed 'ponytail' and swollen base make it a unique and conversation-worthy feature.

Areca Palm

The Areca palm, often called the "butterfly palm," adds a tropical vibe to any room with its delicate, feathery fronds. These pet-safe plants are typically easy to care for. Areca palms do best in bright, indirect light but can easily adapt to a variety of settings. They need only moderate watering and are forgiving for those who may not always stick to a consistent watering routine.