Five Simple Plants to Bring to Your Hosts for Thanksgiving
Over the next month, you will appear on the doorsteps of many homes as a guest. Bringing something for the owner is just polite. Traditional gifts such as booze and food can be dangerous – does this person drink? Do they have food allergies? Do they even want a drink or food? So bring a plant instead.
You might be concerned that gifting a plant will condemn the recipient to years of indentured servitude to said plant to keep it alive, but don’t stress that: here are five gift-worthy plants that won’t ask too much of your hosts if they don’t want to give it (and all of these can be placed outside without much consequence if they really don’t want them in the house).
Poinsettia
This time of year, this red flowering plant (actually a type of milkweed) can be found everywhere. Although poinsettias are technically a perennial plant, most people treat them as a seasonal annual and discard them at the end of the season. Typically, I would only buy this plant for people who don’t have dogs or cats, as it can be toxic to both (though it is less so to dogs). Plus, it makes a great centerpiece. Even in low light, a poinsetta will survive through the holidays, and if you give it enough sunlight (6 to 8 hours a day), it can survive into the new year.
Moms
There are two types of moms. Annual or “fall” mums are the ones you find at the grocery store or garden center; there are also perennial mums , similar to dahlias. The first types make excellent gifts. A pot of mums can be a fantastic short-term commitment, providing a beautiful blooming mound that will last a month or two. In a pot by your front door they will be a welcome sight, or you can leave them inside and enjoy them for the rest of the season. In mild climates they can be overwintered with a little coaxing, but most people don’t bother. They come in a variety of colors and shapes and are guaranteed to lift your spirits when you show up with them. They’re also generally safe for pets: They’re rated “mildly toxic,” which is the lowest rating.
Amaryllis
For really short-term pleasure, it is best to use boosted bulbs. You’ll find potted bulbs at garden centers and grocery stores. What I like about this solution is that instead of shipping the plant, you make a promise: the bulbs will continue to produce greenery, bloom, and then soon die, leaving the recipient with a new vase. It happens quickly and is great to watch in real time. Plus the flowers smell wonderful. Please note that amaryllis are toxic to both cats and dogs, so keep this in mind before giving them to families with pets.
Live herbs
I think a particularly cool gift would be to bring three live herbs. They can be found at garden centers as well as grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s. Again, they don’t cost much, are very healthy, and are generally non-toxic to pets. For the winter, purchasing cilantro, dill and basil for your culinary friends is a smart choice. Herbs are healthy and are usually sold in compostable containers, so they don’t create much waste.
Orchid
Orchids are charming plants that make surprisingly good gifts. They are non-toxic to pets, and someone who knows about orchids can pick one up to keep it thriving all year round. Someone who doesn’t know how to care for them may enjoy the orchid while it blooms and then throw it away. Orchids do well even in bathrooms where there is indirect sunlight, as they love moisture.