Simply Wrapped Up

When I think of a gift to give, a plant often comes to mind. Soon after, I begin to puzzle over how I might package the plant so that its recipient can see it all-done-up.

I think of my friends’ styles. Some would love a plant nestled into a colorful and richly decorated wrap. Others would take that sort of plant-wrap and set it aside, opting instead for the straightforward grow-pot that came with the plant.

I appreciate both styles and both groups of friends. For the latter group, I have decided on plant packaging that is simple as can be, but attractive enough to elevate a plant to the status of gift: a craft paper bag tied with twine.

I start with two of the easiest plants I know: Peperomia rubella and Peperomia puteolata, or Parallel Peperomia. These will make ideal gifts.

I never thought I would have such appreciation for these plants. The trailing Peperomia rubella—well, my major issue was that I worried about its form. I doubted it would hold up over time. Peperomia rubella is fluffy, with miniscule leaves. The extremely small size of these green leaves on succulent reddish stems made me think it might dry out quickly and defoliate.

Peperomia rubella arrived at my home at a busy time, and I neglected it more than I would like to admit. Faithful watering (but not overwatering) once the top of its soil dried out might have resulted in an even fuller plant by now. However, even with more erratic care, my Peperomia rubella has not dropped a single leaf. The plant is unstoppable.

I have also grown to love Peperomia puteolata. In the past, my only issue here was its extreme upright form. I wondered if I would mind its lack of branching. But it does spread, while maintaining its upright growing habit. And again, the toughness of this plant holds great appeal.

I know my friends, too, will fall in love with Peperomia rubella and Peperomia puteolata. So on to the packaging…

I have seen ceramic containers designed to look like simple paper bags. I have also seen real paper bags being used to hold tight to plants. ‘Supporting’ a green and beautiful plant with a plain paper bag is like a riff on placing a houseplant in a perfect planter. The resulting effect is quirky, youthful, and fun—and one I aim to achieve.

I find a small paper bag—a basic store bag, but ideally, one that is a little thicker and softer than the thin lunch bags sold in bulk. I hold the bag in the air and fold down the top a few times to form a broad cuff. My first fold results in a rip or two, but I just keep folding. By the second fold, things fall into line. I arrive at an intact cuff.

I place my grow-pot of Peperomia rubella inside the bag, tie twine around the base of the cuff to hold the bag in place around the inner grow-pot, and further manipulate the paper to adjust its shape. I do not aim for perfection, for the creases in the paper are what give this wrap its appeal. Casual but fun and special, my gift looks great.

Now this wrap is not meant to last weeks. It should be removed when the plant is watered and replaced later on, but it surely will absorb a bit of water run-off, no matter what. Nevertheless, for gift-giving time and in the short term, this is sure to please. It turns a plant that is handed from one friend to another into a true gift. And produced with common materials in no time flat, I can say with a smile—that’s a wrap.