My husband is visiting our friends in TX soon. They are always very doting on our kids with generous gifts when they visit us, and we'd like to return the gesture.

Our friend's wife has indicated a huge interest in plants of all sorts. I know she'd love one, but am not sure what to go with.

Perhaps something not too finicky. Looking for indoor OR outdoor recs. Any lighting needs could be accommodated. She strikes me as someone who is bougie and would like things that are showy.

Does anyone know things that might be commonly found in TX garden centers that are nice gifting plants?

Aglaonemas are pretty and easy to care for houseplants. My favorite one is the red valentine.

@ReporterChic ooh that's so pretty! Great suggestion. I'll put that on the list for my husband to look for when he gets in town there.

Not sure region-wise what changes though I'm sure it probably does.

How much time do you have?

If she already has a lot of plants, how about a nice grow light setup?

@Humboldt that's a great alternative. I know she's new to plant life and she has mentioned she has a couple, but that she wants more.

TX covers 4-5 garden zones. This would be hardy in most of the state, and I found one last year at a BBS, so it's known to be "out there" for sale recently:
Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Of course you can never go wrong with a snake plant:
https://garden.org/plants/sear...
You never know exactly which one(s) any particular store might have on a particular day.

@purpleinopp snake plant, of course! You're right about that always being a good one.

I love that Texas sage. So pretty.

They're in Galveston.

Aha! They might need salt-tolerant plants for ground growing.

I love TX sage too. On my mind because the one I got last year is starting to bloom. My first time seeing in person, aside from the trip to the store. Silver leaves & pink blooms, looks like something Dr. Seuss came up with.

My favourite plant to GET from someone as a gift has to be an orchid. Always makes my eyes pop open. Especially love the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) as it's the easiest to care for. Can be pricy, but makes a wonderful gift for someone special.

Bschmuck said: @Humboldt that's a great alternative. I know she's new to plant life and she has mentioned she has a couple, but that she wants more.

Just an idea, everybody can use more light.

My favorite gifted plant this year was a kalanchoe tomentosa.
New to me and love it.

Humboldt said: Just an idea, everybody can use more light.

My favorite gifted plant this year was a kalanchoe tomentosa.
New to me and love it.

It was a funny thread: The thread "This will be fun...un-potting from a narrow neck ceramic" in Houseplants forum

Plant is doing great. Will try to get some pictures a couple months later.

Even rooted 2 out of 3 dropped leaves, each has little baby clusters now, very cool plant.

Well?

What'd you get?

Hah! @Humboldt, still working on it. Hubs just left for his trip today and will get to shop tomorrow!

I'd put the Phal orchid near or at the top of the list. In bloom, in stores, very common, bloom a long time, sure to impress.

The Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema) are lovely with some really pretty colourful cultivars now available.

But I have to agree with suggestions for a moth orchid or Phalaenopsis. They are very easily available these days - certainly here in the UK most supermarkets sell them. They make wonderful gifts.

Thanks for the recommendations and the interest guys! I agree with the orchid being a fabulous gift option and would consider it for everyone else, but she's told me before she doesn't do well with them.

We went with an adenium and a pretty pot for her to keep on the patio! The nursery had some nice ones in stock.

That's a great gift. I didn't think of it as they are rare here.