Recommend me a plant for a present (feddit.uk)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by OmegaMouse@feddit.uk to c/houseplants@mander.xyz

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It's my boyfriend's birthday next month and I wanted to buy him a plant he hasn't yet got. Currently we have:

Lots of monsteras
Syngonium
Pothos
Jades
Snake plants
String of hearts
Ferns (staghorn, blue star, boston)
Peace lilies
Rubber plant
Tradescantia
Spider plants

He particularly likes monsteras! But if there are any relatively easy to care for, or 'essential' house plants that it sounds like they'd fit well with what we already have I'd love to hear. Our house is pretty shady but there are certain areas that get a bit more sunlight in the afternoon. Thank you :)

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[-] Sal@mander.xyz 4 points 1 year ago

I think a jewel orchid such as a Macodes petola can make for a really nice gift for someone who likes plants. They are not in the "super easy" category but certainly "easy enough". There are some really cool varieties to choose from. Personally I love the ones with bright green and gold veins, but there are also dark colored ones.

Orchids do have some different requirements, so your boyfriend might have to do a bit of reading and video watching to learn about orchid care. You can get the orchid with some substrate, an orchid fertilizer, and a pot, and he'll be set. If you live in a dry place it might take some extra effort to keep it humid and happy, though.

[-] OmegaMouse@feddit.uk 3 points 1 year ago

Whoa, the species you suggested has some very unique patterning. Different from any orchid I've seen before. I think he would love something like that. Do you know if it's possible to divide orchids? Thanks for the suggestion

[-] Sal@mander.xyz 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Yes, it's possible! In this extensive re-potting video the author shows how he divides them: https://youtu.be/8Kx-1T-GprA?t=1621

Edit: Sorry, I linked the wrong video! That's just cutting for cleaning. One sec, I'll find the correct video....

Edit 2: Ok, I think this would be helpful: https://youtu.be/b_xF0cK98Xg?t=610

[-] OmegaMouse@feddit.uk 3 points 1 year ago

That's very helpful thank you! They seem easy enough to split

this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2023

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