Help Your Outdoor Plant Gift Thrive for Years to Come
Did you know that your gorgeous outdoor garden gifts can stay with you for years to come, with just a little extra care and some patience?
We’ve all likely ditched a plant gift before. Flowers dried up, leaves slowed down over winter, and, disappointed (or maybe embarrassed and thinking you’re a ‘bad plant parent’), you trot it out to the green waste bin and whisper your goodbyes.
We love hearing your stories via email, like the customer who messaged to say her Gerbera was flowering again from last year, bringing unexpected blooms to her garden, and the lovely Rose Plant recipient whose little terrace rose has been blooming for three years, reminding her of her dad every time she sees it…. and one whose Chrysanthemum plant (received as a condolence gift) continues to bloom each season, keeping memories of her mum alive. She loves snipping the blooms to brighten her kitchen vase - the gift that keeps on giving, right?
These are some of the reasons why we’ve always loved sending growing gifts. They become living memories. 🌸💛
🌸 HERE ARE OURLONG-TERM OUTDOOR PLANT CARE TIPS 🌸
☀️ Sunshine - everybody (and every plant!) loves sunshine! Almost every outdoor plant loves bright light. Find a nice sunny spot in the balcony/terrace/garden and your plants will reward you with stronger growth and more blooms.
💧 Water wisely Overwatering is the number one killer… but underwatering can be just as tricky! Check the soil and if it’s dry an inch or two down, it’s time to water. Let nature do its thing between drinks, and keep an eye out for drooping leaves or dry soil, which are your plant’s way of waving a little “help me” flag.
🌱 Feed them Fertilise regularly to keep them nourished and blooming. A little plant food goes a long way! Check the needs of your specific plant for to ensure you use the correct type of fertiliser, and apply the right amount in the right seasons.
✂️ Prune & trim Cut back spent blooms, trim stray branches, remove any dead or yellowing leaves, and lightly prune after flowering. This keeps plants bushy, healthy, and encourages more flowers next season.
🔼 Repot or transfer If your plant is looking cramped, give it some room. Repot into a bigger pot or transfer it into your garden - they’ll love the extra space to grow.
🌻 Seasonal TLC As the seasons changein Perth, protect sensitive plants from too much rain, scorching sun, or harsh winds in those wild storms we sometimes have. And remember in winter, a slower growth period with no flowers in sight often just means a little rest … not the end of your plant’s life! 😄
👀 Keep an eye out for pests Even the happiest plants can attract little visitors. Check leaves and stems regularly, and if you spot any pests, try removing them manually or using natural remedies.
👩🏽💻 When in doubt, Google it!
Sometimes plants throw you a curveball -yellow leaves, slow growth, furry leaves, or weird spots. A quick search usually gives you easy fixes, tips from expert plant lovers, or natural remedies and can keep you from making that trip out to the green waste bin.
Some quick research on your specific plant can also tell you how to prune it, when to stop fertilising, whether it is meant to go dormant, how to care for it during dormancy, etc.
And don’t forget your Phalaenopsis orchids: those elegant blooms can keep coming back year after year with just a little love. Once the flowers dry up (agreed, they do look super sad then!), trim the spent flower spike down to just above a healthy node or the base of the plant, and keep it in a bright, indirect light spot. You can hide it away somewhere if you’re embarassed haha! Water sparingly, letting the roots dry slightly between drinks, and feed monthly with orchid fertiliser to encourage new growth. With patience, you’ll be rewarded with fresh blooms.
That’s your beautiful reminder that sometimes the best things take time to grow.
💛 Love, patience & attention A little love, patience, and attention go a long way. Watch your plants slowly grow, bloom, and reward you season after season.
Think of your plants as reminders to slow down and enjoy the pace of “real” life.
Honestly, this is one of the reasons we’re so obsessed with our plant delivery service! We love serving all of our new and returning customers, and hearing stories of plants that continue to bring joy long after the gifting moment - sometimes for months, sometimes years.
Thank you to this recent lovely customer for this review (name witheld):
“I would like to thank you again very much for the wonderful service to deliver a beautiful potted patio rose plant to my Aunt for her birthday. My 92 yr old Aunt just loved the rose plant so much. It provided such joy, lifting her in many ways. Such an easy way to send a beautiful gift to my Aunt who lives several thousand miles away from me.”
If you ever need extra tips, or guidance for choosing a gift for the person/occasion, don’t hesitate to reach out - we absolutely love hearing from you.
Love Lara, and the team at Plants For Friends Perth 🌱😊
Ready to send something lush, meaningful, and growing?