Gifts for plant lovers

Delight the green thumbs in your life with a gift that keeps on giving. In the December issue of our magazine, indoor plant specialist Lauren Camilleri shares her top suggestions.

Finding a present for a friend, host or impossible-to-buy-for loved one can lead to low-level panic. But sometimes the answer is sitting in a pot. Adding life and colour to a home or workspace, an indoor plant feels personal without being fussy, thoughtful without being predictable, and lasts far longer than a bunch of flowers.

POLKA DOT BEGONIA (Begonia maculata)
Foliage does not come much more theatrical than these red-backed, silver spotted, angel wing-shaped leaves, which hang on upright stems. Polka dot begonia brings maximum drama with surprisingly little diva behaviour. It can reach 60–120cm high. Provide bright, indirect light, steady humidity and consistent watering and it will reward you with lush leaves and, in season, delicate clusters of pink or white blooms.

BLACK ZZ PLANT (Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’)
With near-black foliage and a knack for surviving neglect, ‘Raven’ is the perfect plant present for the goth, frequent traveller or self-confessed black thumb. Jokes aside, it makes a beautiful, hardy houseplant with thick rhizomes that store water, helping it to tolerate low light and dry spells. It performs best in bright, indirect light with a deep drink every couple of weeks.

For more of Lauren Camilleri’s indoor plant suggestions, get the December issue of ABC Gardening Australia magazine – out now!

Words by Lauren Camilleri
Header image by Getty Images