Flowers eclipsed by potted plants

The gift of a flower bouquet has always brought out the charm of an occasion especially where one is celebrating love, or even to brighten the spirits of a patient in hospital.

However, these colourful charmers are fast being replaced by potted plants as shoppers opt to get gift plants that one can keep in the home for a long period as an alternative.

Westlands Florists at the Sarit Centre has identified a demand for these potted plants and they have a collection of exotic plants for specific clientele. Mr Allan Kang’ethe, a director at the flower shop, says the business of gift plants has picked up over time as people have learnt to appreciate they can give potted plants as gifts instead of flowers.

Although freshly cut flowers top their sales revenue, he says potted plants are fast catching up in the gifts category.

Many people prefer potted plants which are favoured for occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s, hospital visits and house warming parties.

More young people are also giving potted plants as gifts compared to previous years where it was mainly the older generation that bought the plants.

“This might be due to the wider selection of plants available in flower stores today,” says Mr Kang’ethe, adding that they have about 50 types of plants ranging from miniature to medium and large sizes.

He also says that during Valentine’s – which is one of the busiest flower-giving season – about 10 per cent of his clients opt to give potted plants as gifts to their ladies.

Red anthurium is the preferred choice of potted plants during Valentine’s Day due to its signature red heart-shaped flowers.

“When it comes to gifting a man, most men are not given flowers but a potted plant could be a good idea. Whether he will keep in his house or in the office, they work well,” he says.

“I have a whole list of clients who are plant and flower collectors and they ask for these plants whenever I get new varieties.”
Although the shop started as a fresh flower shop, it has now integrated different potted plants which are imported as well as sourced locally.

The most common gift plants are the anthuriums, African violets and orchids. People also prefer the medium and miniature-sized plants as they are easy to carry and can be easily placed in any corner of the house or office.

To make a potted plant more attractive, one has the option of using decorative papers and ribbons to wrap the pot as most come in plastic bowls.

One can also get intricately decorated ceramic bowls available at the flower shop at an extra cost.

Cost

The cost ranges depending on the plant. Orchids and other exotic plants are some of the more expensive plants with most going for between Sh2,000 to Sh5,000, although there are some rare varieties which are pricier. The cactus range goes for between Sh450 and Sh550.

When it comes to the cost comparison between the time a flower will take to bloom and a plant, most buyers prefer the plant because it lives longer if well taken care of.

“The allure of flowers is fading as they do not last long. When giving a gift, those that last longer are preferred,” says Zahra Shah, a lover of flowers.

Mr Kang’ethe says the potted plants can live for eight to 10 years while fresh flowers can only survive for a maximum of about eight days.

Fresh flower lovers, however, are quick to say that despite their short lifespan, they are still fascinated whenever they see a beautiful bouquet of lilies and roses being carried around.

“I do not mind getting a plant but I will not think twice about getting fresh flowers for any occasion,” says Mary Nduta who feels that a bouquet of fresh flowers gives a more distinctive message than a plant.

Every plant is unique in its own way and the amount of care varies from one plant to another.

Mr Kang’ethe advices that people should copy the natural habitat in which the plants grow and put them in similar conditions.

He also insists that one should add fertiliser every two weeks but the basic care is to ensure the plant receives sunlight. Watering should be done depending on the plant one has.

“One should also spray the plants with water to clean the leaves on a monthly basis.