We agree that placing an annual bouquet -order for Mom’s Day is easy. But just because it’s tough to beat the convenience of delivered-to-her-doorstep blooms at the click of a button, doesn’t mean it’s the best gifting option available. This year we’re recommending that the flower-fatigued gifters (and giftees) of the world shake things up on May 12 by gifting a top-selling plant instead — because while stem-cut blossoms wither, potted-plants survive and thrive.
On top of a lengthier gift-lifespan, the leafy green goods also come in a wide variety of species, shapes, sizes, and care-levels that make them easily customizable to match your mom’s personality quirks and lifestyle habits. Taking this vast sea of options into account, we crafted a streamlined shop-guide of ten top-selling plants that are already R29 audience-approved to help with making your Mother’s Day gifting-decision. Scroll on for the beautiful blooming succulents to quartz-potted air plants, cacti gardens, and more that our readers purchased [and our moms will love] most.
Be sure to stop by our Plant Lady Shop for more gifting guidance on the most stylish greenery goods.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Morgan’s Beauty Succulent
Why She’ll Love It: This aptly named and top-selling succulent produces vibrant pink blossoms that will give your mom the best of both plant and flower worlds.
Care: Described as easy to grow and maintain — requiring only filtered to bright light along with warm temperatures.
Customer Reviews: "Beautiful succulent! It was packaged perfectly and shipped quickly. I’m so happy to add this to my collection."
Cactus Limon Crassula Morgan Beauty Succulent Plant, $8.75, available at Etsy
French Staghorn Fern
Why She’ll Love It: Described as, "one of the more unusual house plants," this tropical fern found in Southeast Asia and Australia is not your average houseplant for not your average mom.
Care: Said to thrive in areas with higher levels of light while little water and a temperate climate.
Rave Reviews: "I bought one a few months ago and it’s twice the size. Easy to grow and makes a great houseplant."
AchmadAnam French Staghorn Fern With 4" Pot , $40, available at Amazon
Hoya Heart
Why She’ll Love It: This heart-shaped succulent is actually a rooted leaf cut from the Hoya kerri plant — and it comes planted in a sweet ceramic pot as a little daily reminder to mom of just how much you love her.
Care: Place this little love-plant in either bright indirect light or full sunshine and water when soil is completely dry and it starts to wrinkle.
The Sill Hoya Heart, $26, available at The Sill
Snake Plant (Mother-In-Law’s Tongue)
Why She’ll Love It: On top of its timely tongue-in-cheek name, this popular plant is notoriously hard to kill and eye-catching.
Care: Place in anything from direct to indirect sunlight, allowing soil to completely dry between watering.
Rave Reviews: "It came earlier than expected, packaged well with top and bottom properly labeled. It’s a beautiful plant – probably around 10 inches tall with about 6 large leaves and new growth starting at the bottom. My mom loves it and I’ll order another for her Mother’s Day gift!"
JM Bamboo Snake Plant (Mother-In-Law’s Tongue) With 6" Pot, $23.99, available at Amazon
Succulent Garden
Why She’ll Love It: For moms who like to mix it up, this top-selling variety-set of four miniature succulents come planted in ceramic pots complete with stylish geometric designs.
Care: This little quad requires a mix of indirect to direct sunlight with limited watering whenever the soil is completely dry.
Bouqs Quinn Succulent Garden, $69, available at Bouqs
Air Plant
Why She’ll Love It: This jumbo-sized air plant comes packaged atop a gold-dipped quartz crystal for an extra-special gifting flourish.
Care: Airplant care consists of placing the little good wherever your heart desires and giving it a quick water-mist two to three times per week.
Rave Reviews: "Lovely little plant and stone! Great customer service!"
AirFriend Jumbo Air Plant & Quartz Terrarium, $32, available at Etsy
Monthly Plant Subscription
Why She’ll Love It: If your mom has a major green thumb (or budding plant passion), then enrolling her in this reader-popular plant subscription is approved gifting gold.
Care: This recurring service delivers one new easy-care plant, hand-potted in an exclusive earthenware planter, per month.
The Sill Plants for Beginners, Monthly Subscription, $35, available at The Sill
Cactus
Why She’ll Love It: If your mom vibes with pretty but a little prickly, then this solo cactus garden packaged in a paper-crafted planter box is on her wave length.
Care: Place in bright indirect or direct sunlight and take care to water once a week (or when soil is completely dry).
Lula’s Garden Cacti Garden, $25, available at Lula’s Garden
Croton Petra
Why She’ll Love It: For the bold and beautiful moms out there, this statement-making top-seller is exotic gifting gold with its multi-colored leaves and smooth terra cotta planter.
Care: This leafy-green stunner is described as requiring, "a bit of extra care to flourish" — needing bright sunlight, moderate temperatures, and regular watering when soil dries up.
Bloomscape Croton Petra, $65, available at Huckberry
Aloe Plant
Why She’ll Love It: Beauty and wellness-loving moms will adore this petite aloe plant in its chic kraft-paper pot.
Care: A famously easy-to-care-for plant that needs bright or indirect sunlight in moderate temps with watering when soil is dry to the touch.
Terrain Aloe Plant, Kraft Paper Pot, $38, available at Shop Terrain
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Source: Refinery29 – Elizabeth Buxton