Give a Basket of Baby Succulents

Want to launch a lifelong love of gardening? Give a basket of baby succulents.

When in my 20s, I had 30 houseplants. Before leaving on vacation, I asked a neighbor to tend them. To make it easier for her (ha), I labeled each with a number corresponding to a hand-drawn map of my apartment’s interior, and to a list that gave each plant’s watering schedule and amount.

If that sounds excessive—or obsessive—consider that #plantparenthood on Instagram has over 150K posts and averages 250 new ones daily.

So what does that mean for you, dear reader, since you’re probably not in that demographic? (Most of my subscribers are seasoned gardeners 40+. That’s who we are, and we’re proud of it.) Well, you now have an idea for that lovely niece or DIL you normally just throw a gift card at: a Plant-Parent Gift Basket.

Create a Plant-Parent Gift Basket

Select an assortment of chubby succulents, tuck them into a box or basket, and pad with tissue paper. Wrap the whole shebang in clear cellophane and tie with ribbon, perhaps with a pacifier attached (kidding…sort of).

Include a copy of Succulents Simplified or Succulent Container Gardens. Email me if you want autographed, personalized copies. Or if she likes videos, give her my online class, Stunning Succulent Arrangements. Watch it together!

The Easy Way (recommended if you’re shipping to the recipient): Send a gift arrangement from Succulently Urban. Owner/designer Marialuisa Kaprielian does gorgeous work, her plants are superb, and her prices are awesome. Plus her echeverias (shown here) are kitten-cute. Marialuisa will ship two-day or overnight until mid-December.

The Grandparent Way: Gather individual items at your local garden center or order them online. Good starter collections:

Altman Plant’s indoor succulents collection: set of 8 in 2.5 inch pots, $27

Mountain Crest Gardens Indoor Succulent Set of 9 in 2-in pots, $28

Add a pot that has a simple form in colors trending with 20-somethings: white or pale pink. One example of many on Amazon:

— 8-inch round white ceramic pot with tray $22

Thoughtful extras likely to be appreciated:

— Pebbles for topdressing: 32 oz. bag, $8.79

— Cactus potting mix, 10 qts, $13.61

Enjoy your grand-plants

When you hear squeals of glee, suggest that the giftee post occasional photos on Instagram. It’s a great way to stay connected and watch little darlings grow. About half the photos at Instagram’s #plantparent and #plantparenthood show succulents. Do tag me in the comments. Auntie Debra wants to see too!