#in a lucky stroke i even had that genus and species on my list of orchids i wanted to try

[justplainsalty]

Honestly, truly, your best option is to ask them their favorite plant or plant supplies vendor, and then get them a gift card.

- If your friend is a plant people, they already have a running list of plants they want, already have, and/or have no interest in acquiring (kill them dead, boring to grow, etc); gift card eliminates disappointment or guess work

- aesthetic pots are lovely gifts bc they're so stupid expensive, but if it doesn't match their other pots or they don't have anything ready to put in it, the pot will just sit with the rest of their plant supplies and shame them while taking up space (already at a premium)

- there are many different kinds of dirtsoilmulchpottingmedia and amendments and if your plant people friend is a specialist you may get them the wrong thing

- gift cards (for more money than you think a planty item should cost) from their favorite plant vendor (they don't shop there that often bc expensive) solves all three problems

- getting a gift card from their favorite vendor is still thoughtful; also if you offer to go with them while they shop they will be thrilled to talk your ear off about their hobby

TIP:

This holiday season, if you know someone who likes house plants,

DON'T

get them a houseplant. DO NOT.

instead, get them a NICE, MEDIUM-LARGE, AESTHETIC, BOTTOM-DRAINING, INDOOR

POT.

that is what they want. that is what they dream of. ok? thats what will be most useful and appreciated. in fact, if you can, get them a CUTE MATCHING SET. OF POTS!!!! NOT PLANTS, POTS!!!!!!!!

they may be more excited initially about the plant. that is true. but a pot is a gift that they will go home and use to upsize one of their already beloved houseplants, and every time they look at it they will remember how much they appreciate you.

HOUSEPLANT:

- they already have so many

- needs to be watered

- takes up window space

- comes in a pot thats already too small, needs to be upsized, costing money

- can die

AESTHETIC POT

- lets them care for an existing plant they own

- they will be grateful every time they see it in their home

- does not take up window space not already occupied by a plant

- can be wrapped without dying or spilling dirt everywhere