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Are Houseplants the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift?
Are Houseplants the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift?
I’ve got a date for Valentine’s Day – it’s Friday the 14th of February! Seriously, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so you’d better be prepared. Is it just me, or have you noticed that the price of cut flowers is higher this week? Could it be something to do with the sudden surge in demand for unseasonal blooms that need to be flown in from all over the world and kept in industrial fridges all for one specific day? Already, brigades of black plastic buckets bursting with bold bouquets have magically formed floral displays flanking supermarket entrances and lining the frontages of convenience stores and petrol stations. Why do their lurid flowers always look as fake as the cellophane wrap they come in? It’s enough to make you want to regurgitate! And, does anyone really find romance in scentless rosebuds destined never to open? What message are you sending to your loved one by gifting a single rose with a neck so weak that it wilts overnight leaving a flaccid head drooping over the breakfast table next morning? Where was I? Cut flowers… Which brings me to those gaudy Valentine’s Day bouquets composed of chrysanthemums, dyed carnations and a scattering of statice, that are not only expensive but hackneyed. Therefore, this year I am going to suggest that you should consider giving a longer-lasting, more thoughtful present.
What’s my alternative? Why not surprise your beloved with a cool houseplant instead? Houseplants that not only purify the air but also add a touch of greenery to any space. Plus, they provide a baby to look after, symbolizing the care and love you have for each other. When choosing a houseplant as a gift your main decision is whether to go down the flower or foliage route. For a long-lasting floral choice, consider orchids. Exotic blooms such as moth orchids (Phalaenopsis), cymbidiums, and dendrobiums are easy to care for. And if you want bold colours, then waxy anthuriums and spikey bromeliads make great alternatives. For a chic gift, the white peace lily is a reliable favourite. If you want to inspire romance using leaves, then look for houseplants bearing heart-shaped foliage, such as string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii), love heart plant (Hoya kerrii) and heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens). Remember to personalize your houseplant gift by choosing a decorative cover pot that complements your loved one’s aesthetic style.
My ideal Valentine’s Day begins with breakfast in bed, followed by a lazy afternoon watching a romantic film, culminating in a supermarket dine-in meal deal for two… and ends with me regretting eating two dinners on my own! If you are also in a relationship recession there’s always Palentine’s Day, which celebrates platonic love for friends on the 13th of February. So, now you have no reason not to visit your local garden centre this week! We are always here to help you find the perfect houseplant gift for your lover, your friends, or maybe just a little treat for yourself.
In conclusion, when it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts, consider giving a houseplant alongside that box of chocolates, instead of a short-lived bouquet. Houseplants are not only living and long-lasting but also symbolize care and love. Whether you choose an exotic orchid, a vibrant anthurium, or something with a heart-shaped leaf, houseplants are sure to bring a smile to your loved one’s face. Personalize your gift with a decorative cover pot and celebrate love in all its forms this Valentine’s Day.
