While cut flowers offer immediate visual comfort, a potted plant provides a lasting tribute, acting as a continued reminder of your support. A plant transforms the gift from a temporary arrangement into a living memorial that can thrive long after the initial period of mourning has passed. Choosing the right plant requires balancing traditional symbolic meaning with practical considerations for the recipient’s home and care capabilities.
Recommended Sympathy Plants and Their Meanings
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the most traditional choices, known for its elegant white spathes that emerge from dark green foliage. This plant is widely recognized as a symbol of peace, purity, and tranquility, offering solace to the grieving. Its name and appearance convey a wish for harmony, representing the rebirth of the soul and transcendence.
Another meaningful option is the Orchid, which symbolizes enduring love, strength, and grace. Their delicate yet hardy nature serves as a metaphor for the resilience needed during a challenging time. Potted orchids, particularly in white or pink, are a heartfelt way to express remembrance. White orchids specifically signify purity and peace, making them a suitable selection for a sympathy arrangement.
The Hydrangea is often chosen to convey heartfelt emotion, deep understanding, and gratitude. Sending a potted hydrangea, which can be planted outdoors, provides the family with a living keepsake that will bloom for years to come. This plant acts as a tangible reminder of continued support.
Practical Considerations for Selecting a Sympathy Plant
Moving beyond symbolism, the best plant choice is one that suits the recipient’s living situation and gardening skill level. The Peace Lily is favored not only for its meaning but also because it is notably easy to care for and tolerates low light conditions. This low-maintenance quality ensures the plant will not become an additional burden on a person dealing with grief.
Size and portability are also important factors, as the plant should be easy to transport from the funeral service to the home. Smaller, tabletop plants like a potted orchid or a modest Peace Lily are generally preferred over large, cumbersome floor plants. Consider the air quality and potential allergies of the household, especially by choosing hypoallergenic options. Plants with minimal or no pollen and a subtle scent, like many orchids, are often the most considerate choice.
The act of caring for a resilient, living plant can provide a small, reassuring activity and a sense of distraction for the bereaved. This lasting presence serves as a continued symbol of hope and healing.
Proper Etiquette for Sending Sympathy Gifts
The timing of the gift is an important element of sympathy etiquette. While funeral flowers are often sent directly to the funeral home, a potted plant is typically intended for the family’s home and can be sent immediately or after the service. Sending a plant a week or two after the funeral can be especially thoughtful, as it provides a fresh wave of support when the initial flurry of condolences has slowed.
When determining the delivery location, sending a living plant to the bereaved’s private residence is usually the most considerate option. This prevents the family from having to transport the item from the funeral home while they are already managing final arrangements. However, the obituary should always be consulted, as some families may request charitable donations in lieu of flowers or plants, and their wishes should be respected.
A sympathy gift must always be accompanied by a brief, sincere card message. The note should express condolences and offer support without being intrusive or excessively lengthy. Simple, genuine words like, “Thinking of you during this difficult time,” are often the most heartfelt and appropriate. If you knew the deceased, mentioning a fond memory can personalize the message, but the primary focus should remain on offering comfort to the living.