A plant that does not let its leaves droop after three days, needs hardly any space and still looks good with little care: succulents make a genuine feel-good gift. And because most species are easy to propagate, the recipient can later even pass on offsets herself. In this article we show you gift ideas for Christmas, name alternatives to the classic Christmas cactus and give tips so your gift goes down well.
Why succulents make good gifts
Succulents store water in their fleshy leaves and therefore forgive the odd forgotten watering. They are available in many shapes and colors, fit on any windowsill and suit both plant beginners and collectors. On top of that, many species can be propagated from offsets. So a gift turns into a small hobby in the long run.
Gift ideas for every type
- 🎁For beginnersA ready-made set with pot, soil and plants is ready to go straight away and needs no prior knowledge.
- 🌈For collectorsA mix pack with Echeveria and Crassula adds variety to the collection.
- 🍀As a lucky charmThe houseleek is considered a lucky charm and also works as a small gift for the turn of the year. Take a look at our Sempervivum mix pack.
- 🪨For something unusualLiving Stones are real eye-catchers. The Lithops Mix is perfect for anyone looking for something special.
The ready-made gift set
If you do not want to think for long, in our category Succulents as gifts you will find a gift set with terracotta pot, succulent seedlings, soil and decorative stones. It is a present for birthdays and other occasions and also works well as a Christmas gift. If you prefer to arrange things yourself, you can put together your own little garden with succulent cuttings in a mix pack.
Alternatives to the Christmas cactus
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is also a succulent, blooms around Christmas time and is a classic. If you would like to give something different, there are some lovely alternatives:
| Plant | Special feature | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) | Blooms at Christmas time in yellow, orange, red or pink | Likes bright light and little water; toxic to cats and other pets |
| Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera) | Delicate, trailing stems, ideal for hanging baskets and shelves | Grows as an epiphyte in nature |
| Houseleek (Sempervivum) | Lucky charm, keeps its rosettes in winter, which often turn reddish | Hardy, best protected from rain in a pot |
| Echeveria mix | Colorful rosettes in many shades | Place in a bright spot, not permanently below 5 °C |
| Lithops (Living Stones) | Unusual gift for plant fans | Do not water in winter |
Tip for pet owners: Flaming Katy is toxic to cats and other pets. If the recipient has animals, choose a different plant or place it out of reach. The Christmas cactus, on the other hand, is considered harmless.
Tips for giving
- Transport frost-free: Do not leave the plant in a cold car or on the balcony. Most succulents cannot tolerate frost.
- Think about the location: Succulents need a bright spot. If in doubt, ask which window is available.
- Include a care card: A short note with the most important rules prevents the most common mistakes.
- Consider pets: For plants such as Kalanchoe, check whether they are safe for animals.
- A pot with character: A terracotta pot with a drainage hole enhances any plant and is practical for care.
A small care card to include
How to keep your succulent healthy: Place it in a bright spot, only water when the soil is completely dry, and keep it rather cool and water sparingly in winter. You can find more in our articles Overwintering succulents and Lithops in autumn and winter. If the plant becomes long and pale, our article Leggy succulents will help.
Conclusion
Succulents are easy-care, long-lasting and versatile gifts that suit almost any occasion. Whether a ready-made set, a mix pack or a lucky charm: with a small care card and a bright spot, the plant will bring joy for a long time. If you are looking for an alternative to the Christmas cactus, you will find it with Flaming Katy, houseleek or Echeveria. Feel free to browse our category Gifts.
