These Houseplants Make the Perfect Hostess Gift (2024)

Care level: Easy

For a less finicky fern option, go with the Bird's Nest Fern. This one has thick, glossy leaves that hold onto moisture (and humidity) longer than many other types of ferns—making it the least fussy. Give it bright indirect light, and water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.

Care level: Easy to Medium

A bite-sized succulent ideal for a windowsill, the Zebra plant is named for it's striped leaves. Be sure to give this plant lots of bright indirect light and water every few weeks when it's totally dry. It's easy to overwater, so check the soil before to avoid root rot.

Care level: Easy

Excellent for an empty corner or a space that needs a little height, Majesty Palms are easy to care for and pet safe. Plus, they help to purify the air around them making them great for spaces with limited air flow.

Care level: Easy

According to Rooted, this plant gets its nickname because the leaves fold up at night, which mimics the look of hands praying. This plant is low light friendly and ideal for plant beginners.

Care level: Medium

Named for its hole-filled leaves that result a slice of Swiss cheese, this plant develops large, glossy leaves with the right care routine. The best environment is in bright, indirect sunlight with a weekly watering.

Care level: Easy

This plant's lush foliage prefers medium to bright indirect light, plenty of mist and humidity, and occasional watering. Because its full, feather-like leaves get longer as they grow, this plant looks best in a hanging planter.

Care level: Intermediate

The only thing that levels the Boston fern up from easy is its love of steam. Because it loves low light and humidity, the bathroom is an ideal environment. Hang it in a corner, allowing its dark green fronds to drape down, and water it regularly—but only once the soil has completely dried out.

Care level: Easy

As with any trailing ivy, the primary maintenance for this stunning houseplant is pruning its fast-growing vines. Algerian ivy loves a lot of shade and consistent watering.

Care level: Easy

This waxy plant will grow trailing vines of white and green (and sometimes pink!) leaves. Pet friendly and nontoxic, it thrives in bright, indirect light with a watering every one to two weeks.

Care level: Intermediate

With leafless stems that look like literal corkscrews, this unusual houseplant loves moist soil and indirect light. It can even thrive in a low-light environment with the occasional use of a grow light to aid with photosynthesis. In the right conditions, it can grow up to three feet tall.

Care level: Intermediate

Not just suited to the Mediterranean, an olive tree actually makes a great houseplant. It loves a warmer, sunny climate (but not too much direct sun or it will scorch) and plenty of humidity. Prune it seasonally to keep it looking fresh, and you'll enjoy it for years to come.

Care level: Easy

You'll love how the leaves of a golden pothos seem to glow when the light hits them. Pothos plants are fuss free: Keep yours in partial to bright indirect light, and water it when the soil is mostly dry. Pro tip: You can easily expand your plant family by propagating these from cuttings.

Care level: Easy

ZZ plants require less water than many other plants. If you tend to neglect yours (rather than overwater them), you'll do well with it. It'll thrive in bright, indirect light—but it can also tolerate low light if you have a less-than-sunny spot you want to keep it in, according to Bloomscape.

Care level: Intermediate

The rubber plant requires bright, indirect light. You should only water it when the soil is dry. Rubber plants have the added benefit of being one of the best natural air cleaners out there. Place it near your favorite seating area to enjoy the fresh air.

Care level: Easy to Intermediate

You'll quickly have lengthy strands of pearls if you leave this plant in bright, indirect light with enough water to keep the soil steadily moist. Put yours in a hanging pot that allows the succulent's vines to cascade over the sides.

Care level: Intermediate

Bright, indirect sun is best for this plant, but be careful with watering: It requires a "drench-and-dry" approach (water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out), along with weekly misting. The unusual round leaves make a dramatic impression, so it's best to keep the pot simple, like this display from The Joy of Plants.

Care level: Easy

Water this plant only when the top inch of the soil is dry. Place it in a corner to create a dramatic focal point, like in this apartment over at Design*Sponge. But make sure it gets bright, indirect light.

Care level: Easy

This adorable little heart-shaped plant, also known as Hoya kerrii, can be sold as either a single leaf-cutting or an entire trailing plant. It's a succulent that needs very little care (according to The Sill, watering it every three to four weeks is ideal) and does best in bright, direct light. Consider it a perfect addition to your windowsill.

Care level: Intermediate

Known for its waxy, heart-shaped flowers with a prominent stamen in the center, this plant needs to be watered every one to two weeks and requires occasional fertilizing—so it's not low-maintenance, but it's not high-maintenance, either.

Care level: Intermediate

This tropical plant will definitely prosper in a bright, sunny spot, but it can handle lower light levels too. You'll need to fertilize it often in the spring and summer, according to Bloomscape. Otherwise, it's fairly simple to handle—so long as you don't overwater it.