If you are looking for something a little different for a holiday gift, why not try giving a plant. A plant is a symbol of growth and new beginnings. A plant can represent a new chapter in someone’s life or a fresh start. Giving plants as a gift is perfect if you want to give something ecological, not that expensive, and meaningful. Plants may seem like an odd choice at first, but they are an excellent alternative to a typical gift of candy, cookies, or cheeses. Plus, they are a lot less fattening.

One thing you might need to consider is if the person you are buying for has a pet. According to Reuters, during the pandemic adoption rates at animal shelters jumped as much as 40% in 2020 compared to the previous year. U.S. pet adoptions are still strong as stressed-out families seek warm and fuzzy relief, even as restrictions are easing. There are many features to consider before finding the perfect plant for your friend and their furry companion. For example, some plants are toxic to pets, while others are known to be safe.

The below information is a list of five plants that are pet friendly and are available this time of year. Learn more about these plants before you head out to shop!

Christmas Cactus - Christmas cactus plants are a popular indoor decoration. The plant is related to the Thanksgiving cactus plant, but it blooms much earlier in the year. Christmas Cactus plants are native to South America and are tropical plants. They are evergreen shrubs, which means they have leaves instead of flowers. The flowers appear in December, therefore the name “Christmas” and not because it looks like a tree. They have an incredibly beautiful and unique flower that features sharp edges and a curved shape. The flowers come in fuchsia, pink, orange, red, salmon, white, and yellow. It can grow up to two-foot tall with a diameter of twelve inches at full maturity. In general, the Christmas cactus need more sun exposure than other types of cacti plants because they originate from tropical climates where sunlight is abundant.

Haworthia – Haworthia plants are the most popular succulent plants and there are over 140 species of them. These plants are native to South Africa and Namibia. Haworthias have thick leaves that are small, hard, and spiky. Most species do not have stems and they grow in clumps or rosettes. Some species of Haworthia have flowers that can be yellow or white. Haworthias come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all have the same requirements: They grow well in warm, dry climates and need watering sparingly.

Hoya Plant - Hoya plants are also known as Wax Flowers and are found in many parts of the world. Hoya plants usually grow in large clusters and can produce flowers year-round. Hoya plants thrive when they are in a well-lit area, such as a south or east-facing window. Many people choose to place their Hoya plants near natural light sources, such as windows or skylights because it will allow the plant to receive more sunlight. One way to keep your Hoya plant safe is by making sure that its leaves do not dry out and droop over time. You can do this by misting your plant with water and avoiding overwatering the plant at all costs!

Lemon Cypress - The Lemon Cypress is known for its pretty, unique chartreuse color, light citrus scent, and compact shape. Lemon Cypress trees are perfect for those who want to bring the outdoors inside. Walter Reeves introduced these trees in 1981 as a hybrid of the North Carolina’s “Pee Gee” cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). It thrives in bright light with thorough watering and can be enjoyed indoors year-round or outdoors during the summer when temperatures reach above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. They make a perfect companion for people who like to spend time outdoors but don't want to always be there.

Phalaenopsis Orchid – Phalaenopsis Orchid is also known as Moth Orchid. This orchid is a common and popular type of orchid. It is also one of the most commonly grown types of orchids. This is because it is quite easy to grow and does not require that much work. They grow easily in a bright window, with little or no sun. The plant has thick-green leaves with graceful, curved sprays of blooms. This plant can flower often and sometimes they can have a few blooms throughout the year. The main season for flowers is late winter into spring. Phalaenopsis orchids are often white, pink, lavender, and yellow.

Ponytail Palm - A ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is a perennial plant that is native to the tropics of North and South America. The plant can reach up to six feet tall outdoors with a solitary stem that comes out of the middle of its trunk. The plant's name comes from its shape, which resembles a ponytail hairstyle. It has no branches, but it does have long, pliable leaves that hang down from the top half of the trunk. The ponytail palm plant doesn't require that much sunlight to grow indoors, so it's perfect for anyone with low light conditions who still want to have greenery in their home. This plant does best when watered only once every week or two

Growing these plants indoors is a wonderful way to add some greenery without going outside too often during the winter months. Give one of these beautiful plants to a loved one or friend to spread some holiday cheer.