Barbara Pleasant: Funeral Plants

Funeral Plants: A Survivor’s Guide

Plants brought home from the funerals of loved ones are supposed to serve as life-signs for our memories, which would be great if they didn’t die. But in fact many do, which makes us feel guilty because we really should do better by dear old Dad.

My beloved father passed away eight years ago, and two plants remain – an anchor philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) that lives with me, and a winsome rainbow dracaena (Dracaena marginata) that graces my mother’s living room.

We started out with many more, but most were fluffy foliage plants that eventually got sucked dry by spider mites. Like many families, we experienced Peace Lily Panic when the spathiphyllum Mother selected as her personal green talisman refused to grow. Tip for Funeral Families: Ask about leaving peace lilies (sometimes confusingly called prayer plants) behind at the church, or donate them to a church in a non-prosperous area. The people at the church won’t be bothered when the plants go downhill and it’s time to pitch them, which is their invariable destiny. This will save you much grief and guilt.

What to Take Home?

What if you must choose among several funeral plants, and you want something that will stay with you for a long time? In addition to dracaenas and philodendrons, rubber plants (Ficus elastica) and jade plants (Crassula ovata) are always strong long-distance runners. And even if you know nothing at all about houseplants, you can grow a Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum). In composed green arrangements that include several plants, the dracaenas, philodendrons, Chinese evergreens and prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura) are the ones worth potting up and keeping.

Best Funeral Plants to Send

Most people who send plants to honor departed friends and loved ones do so from the heart, perhaps without thinking about the care the plant will need when the mourning clothes are packed away. In hopes of simplifying the question of “what to send,” I offer this list of plants that look good as a gift and last for years when given reasonable care:

Philodendron – all commonly available species and hybrids adjust to varying light levels, tolerate neglect, and have few pest problems.

Dracaena – all commonly available species, especially D. marginata (tricolor dracaena) adjust to varying light levels and tolerate neglect.  

Rubber plant – Ficus elastica, which often comes 3 plants to a pot and should be divided within a matter of months. Regular feeding is needed to promote fast, steady growth.

Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema commutatum) are smallish, well-behaved plants that adjust easily to low light situations.

Jade plants (Crassula ovata) like to dry out between waterings, so they are great for people who tend to forget their plants. Does best with plenty of light.

Prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura) often grow surprisingly well, and they make great office plants. Repot annually to keep them growing strong.