The third Saturday of October is officially deemed Sweetest Day, a holiday that is celebrated almost like a second Valentine’s Day but also sheds light on helping those in need! The holiday started in 1921 when a band of Cleveland chocolate-making companies passed out thousands of boxes of chocolates to orphanages, the elderly, the ill, and disadvantaged members of their community.

The Sweetest Day tradition was continued by famous stars of the time and was a holiday to try to bring joy and cheer to those who were vulnerable or lonely. In modern days, this holiday is treated much like a second Valentine’s Day where you can give flowers, gifts, or sweets to those you love. 

We love the energy behind Sweetest Day traditions and think that bringing happiness to those who need it most should always be a priority. As you think of what you want to share with those around you who may need a little extra mood boost this Sweetest Day, consider gifting green! Sharing a plant propagation is a touching way to share a home-grown gift with someone who needs a smile. Wanting to buy a new plant to give for the holiday? Here are some of our picks from our Sweetest Day plant list that we think are perfect for the spirit of this touching tradition! 

Hoya Heart (Hoya kerrii)

A succulent shaped like a heart? What’s not to love! This Hoya is extremely easy to care for and won’t take up too much space, making it a great gift to show that you care regardless of the recipient’s gardening skills!

Bromeliad (Guzmania Bromeliad)

A true natural art piece, this plant is not only striking but is safe for pets and beginner plant parents! The unreal red centerpiece surrounded by evergreen leaves makes it an absolute showstopper that will impress whoever you give it to!

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe)

Kalanchoe is a flowering succulent that will sprout beautiful flowers around the spring season. With flower bloom colors such as yellow, orange, pink, red, and white, they will add a cute pop of color to any space. Kalanchoe flowers are also said to be a sign of eternal love since the blooms last an extremely long time - often 8 whole weeks! Easy to care for, this succulent is great alone or bought in a multicolored set!

Fern 

Ferns are delicate, elegant, and a notorious relationship test as seen in ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.’ While you may not be trying to challenge your relationship that dramatically, ferns are great gifts for loved ones as they add a natural and magical touch to any space! Consider the Maidenhair Fern, which can be grown outside in even some of the cold parts of the country, or the Lemon Button Fern which gives off a lemony scent when you brush the leaves!

Ruby Rubber Tree (Ficus robusta ‘Ruby’)

An absolutely unique variety of Rubber Tree, this Ruby coloring has tinted pink leaves that make it so beautiful! Rubber Trees can easily grow up to 8’ inside and are easy to grow needing only medium light and preferring dry soil between waterings.