This post will begin with a confession. If it were our choice, we would all receive Pilea plants as Christmas gifts. You get a Pilea.

We’ll admit that we are biased, as we spend all day growing Pilea plants, caring for them and sharing tips with Pilea enthusiasts. Pilea makes a great plant for beginners and is easy to grow and share.

Before you order your gift plant, there are some things to keep in mind.

1. Think about the person to whom you are giving the Pilea.

Are you or a member of your family a plant enthusiast? They love houseplants, and they take good care of them.

A Pilea is the perfect plant to add to your existing collection.

Did they admire your plants out of politeness? They want their plant? Or will they let it die and throw it away as soon as the holiday season is over?

It may be a better idea to choose another gift.

2. If you have access to their life and lifestyle plans, consider them.

If your friend is a plant enthusiast, a Pilea may not have been on their list for Santa.

Let’s say they love houseplants but are about to experience a major life event. They may be moving house, having a child, or even travelling and working from home. Don’t worry if they don’t last long with the Pilea. It may not be a good idea to give someone else something to care for, especially if they are already overwhelmed by other life tasks, like raising children, juggling hectic schedules at work, or taking care of elderly relatives.

You can choose a more seasonal gift for your friend, like a poinsettia, or a spring bulb, such as hyacinths or crocuses.

You could also choose botanical gifts, which are not houseplants. For some extra ideas for gifting plant lovers, click here.

3. Consider the recipient’s home environment.

Let’s assume you have already cleared the first two hurdles. Your friend is eager to receive a houseplant and has time to take care of one.

Do they have the right environment? This should be relatively easy to determine, especially if your friend has a collection of plants.

Pileas thrive in medium humidity and bright indirect light. Is there enough light in the house of your intended recipient to allow them to maintain houseplants? They may live in an apartment located below ground level. Are there any windows near the home that they can use to plant houseplants in? Do they live in a space large enough to accommodate a second plant?

Consider giving them houseplants that thrive in low light, such as ZZ plants, snake plants, spider plants, arrowhead plants, or English ivy.

4. Consider the recipient’s preferences.

Are they more likely than not to forget to water the plant? In our experience, over-waterers find it harder to break the habit.

Pileas are susceptible to root rot when they’re overwatered.

You can give them orchids if you have a problem with someone who overwaters their plants. While you’re there, please provide them with a houseplant moisture meter and show them how to use it.

A Pilea is a great gift for someone who is a chronic underwaterer.

The majority of Pilea plants are very hardy and don’t care if you water them less. Low-watering doesn’t mean “never watering them”, but it means they are not thirsty and you don’t have to check on them constantly.

5. Choose a healthy gift plant.

You’re awesome! You made it to the end of the list, and still believe Pilea would make a great gift. It really warms our hearts.

When buying a Pilea at a nursery, choose a sturdy and healthy plant to give your gift recipient an early start.

Please don’t wait until the last moment to propagate pilea plants and share them with family and friends. Start them early to give them time to get used to their new environment.

When ordering a plant (for personal delivery or as a Christmas gift), pay attention to the temperature. Some online plant shops offer heat packs for free during the winter. If you are experiencing temperatures that could reach freezing, it is worth considering a heat pack.

6. Write a care card.

Here, we’re not talking Christmas cards with traditional wishes of goodwill and joy. We’re talking a guide to help the recipient take care of their Pilea baby.