When someone is grieving, it can be difficult to know what to say, or what to send.
A thoughtful gift cannot take away someone’s sadness, but it can gently remind them that they are loved, supported and being thought of.
Flowers are a beautiful and traditional sympathy gift. Some people choose to send a living plant instead-a growing gift that can remain in the recipient’s home or garden long after it arrives.
There is no single “right” sympathy plant. The best choice may depend on the recipient, their home, whether they enjoy gardening and the meaning you would like your gift to carry.
Here are some thoughtful options.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are one of the most popular indoor plants sent for sympathy.
Their soft green leaves and elegant white flowers have a peaceful, gentle appearance. They can be a beautiful choice for a home, office or quiet corner.
Peace lilies enjoy bright, indirect natural light and generally prefer their soil not to dry out completely.
Their calm appearance makes them a thoughtful alternative to a traditional bouquet.
Rosemary
Rosemary has long been associated with remembrance.
Its beautiful meaning can make it an especially thoughtful gift when someone has lost a loved one.
Rosemary is best suited to an outdoor position with plenty of sunlight and good drainage. It may be planted in a garden or kept in a suitable outdoor pot.
As it grows, its familiar fragrance can become a gentle and lasting reminder.
Olive Tree
Olive trees are often associated with peace, friendship, hope and enduring connection.
A young olive tree can be a meaningful sympathy gift for someone with a sunny balcony, courtyard or garden.
It can continue growing for many years and may become a special living reminder of someone loved.
Olive trees generally prefer a sunny outdoor position and well-draining soil.
Orchid
Orchids are elegant, beautiful and long-lasting flowering plants.
Their graceful flowers can bring a little softness and beauty into a home during a difficult time.
An orchid may be a lovely choice when you would like to send something flowering but longer lasting than a traditional bouquet.
Place orchids in bright, indirect natural light and avoid overwatering.
Flowering Plants: Roses or Lavender
A potted rose can represent love, remembrance and enduring affection, while lavender is often associated with calm, peace and comfort. With suitable outdoor care, both can continue growing and flowering through future seasons, becoming a beautiful reminder of someone loved.
A Young Fruit Tree
A young fruit tree can be a meaningful living tribute for someone with a garden or suitable outdoor space. As it grows, flowers, new leaves and fruit may appear through the seasons, creating a lasting reminder of life, growth and someone special.
Trailing Hearts
A heartleaf philodendron, with its beautiful heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, can be a gentle way to send love and support. As it continues to grow, it may become a lasting reminder that the recipient is loved and being thought of.
A Lush Green Indoor Plant
Sometimes a simple leafy plant is the most suitable choice.
A pothos, peperomia, umbrella plant, fern or other gentle green indoor plant can bring quiet life and warmth into a room without feeling overly formal.
Choose something that suits the recipient’s available space and natural light. A compact plant in a neutral pot is often a thoughtful option when you are unsure of their home style.
Consider the Recipient
Before choosing, think about where the plant may live.
Does the recipient have a garden, courtyard or sunny balcony?
Do they enjoy gardening?
Would they prefer a compact indoor plant that can sit on a shelf or table?
Do they have pets or young children?
If you are unsure, a manageable indoor plant in a simple neutral pot may be easier than a large plant or something requiring a specific outdoor position.
The thought and message behind the gift are often more important than finding the “perfect” plant.
What Should I Write on the Card?
It is completely understandable if you are unsure what to say.
A message does not need to be long or elaborate. A few sincere words can mean a great deal.
You may write:
“Thinking of you and sending love during this difficult time.”
“With deepest sympathy. We are thinking of you and your family.”
“Sending you love, strength and our heartfelt condolences.”
“In loving memory of a very special person.”
“May this plant grow as a gentle reminder of a life so loved.”
Use words that feel natural to you. A simple, heartfelt message is enough.
A Lasting Gift From Nature
A living plant can continue growing beyond the moment it is received.
It may sit quietly in a favourite room, be planted in a garden or become part of the recipient’s everyday surroundings.
Over time, it can serve as a gentle reminder of love, friendship, remembrance and support.
If you would like help choosing a thoughtful sympathy plant, we are always happy to help.
Explore our range of sympathy plants and growing gifts, beautifully presented with your personalised message and delivered with care across Perth.
Love,
Lara & Plants For Friends 🌱