Are you looking to transform your space into a peaceful oasis? You can’t go wrong with adding some greenery! Whether you are a seasoned plant parent or a budding green thumb, you can use the tips below to guide you as you begin decorating with indoor plants. Keep reading to explore the benefits of including plants in your home, how to choose the right ones, and how to help them thrive.

The Benefits of Indoor Plants

In the last few years, biophilic design has become increasingly popular. Biophilic design refers to using natural elements in interior spaces to connect them to nature and the outside world. Think of interior design with a focus on greenery, natural materials, water features, picture windows, and earthy colors. 

Decorating with indoor plants is one way to reap the physical and mental health benefits of biophilic design (and believe me, there are many). Plants serve as an automatic air purifier, removing toxins in the air and enhancing air quality. Connection to nature has also been found to reduce stress, suppress physiological body responses, and have a calming effect on people. 

In addition to health benefits, plants also provide important contributions to the aesthetics of a room. They add color without the need for additional decorative items, and they help to soften the look of a space, making it feel more inviting. They can also be used to complement existing decor by repeating shapes in artwork, accessories, furniture, and more.

Choosing the Right Plants

When decorating with plants, don’t forget that they are living things and they have special care requirements that other home decor items do not. Care varies depending on the type of plant. Be sure to consider how much light and space are needed for each type. If you’re just getting started, it might be a good idea to speak with someone who is knowledgeable about plants, or do research yourself online to make sure that you understand how to care for the plants you choose.

For beginners, hearty, low maintenance options include aloe, philodendron, jade plant, ponytail palm, monstera, spider plant, prayer plant, and any type of cacti. 

Personally, these are my top 5 favorite plants to grow:

1. Tradescantia Zebrina (also known as ”Wandering Dude”)

The wandering dude is one of my favorite plants because it’s easy to grow and easy to propagate. It has pretty silver, green, and magenta foliage, and drapes beautifully from pots. A wandering dude needs bright, indirect light. If it doesn’t get sufficient light, this plant tends to become gangly and unattractive. Its magenta coloring also may fade in low light. To help it regain its pretty appearance and color, move it to a brightly lit room or use a grow light.

2. Boston Fern

This plant is also easy to grow and looks pretty. Miracle-Gro recommends that it should be watered frequently to keep the soil evenly moist. This plant loves humidity, so you may need to mist it occasionally, too. You can feed it indoor plant food to help it thrive. A Boston fern can drop a lot of leaves and begin to look scraggly if it does not receive the proper care. When this happens, you can prune it to maintain its appearance. 

3. Pothos

Pothos is one of the easiest low maintenance plants out there. It is especially good for first time plant growers because it is nearly impossible to kill. Pothos is not a fan of direct sunlight, which will cause it to burn. However, it thrives in moderate light, and it even adapts well to low light levels. It will happily sit on your end table, but it also makes a great hanging plant.

4. Pink Polka Dot Plant

Want to add some color to your home? This pink polka dot plant will be just the right fit for you. It’s low maintenance, but keep in mind that it does need bright, indirect light and moisture (but not soggy soil). This plant grows pretty tall, so make sure to choose a spot with plenty of vertical space when you place the plant as a decoration in your home. 

5. Air Plants

Air plants are a little out of this world and funky – in the best way possible! Their quirky, enchanting appearance is fit for a storybook, and they don’t need soil to survive. Weird, right? Without the constraint of being bound to a pot, the number of creative ways you can display air plants is endless. They come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and textures, making them a fun choice for decorating.

Air plants are easy to maintain, too. You just need to mist them with water once a week and soak them every 7 to 10 days. They like warmer temperatures, so be sure to place them in an area that maintains 60- to 80-degree climate. 

As you can see, there are many different options to choose from. Try to match the style of the plants that you choose to the overall style of your home. For example, you probably wouldn’t want to use pine in a beach house – instead, plants should be tropical and have a coastal feel. Flowering plants will add color to your space, but if you’re going for a neutral look, perhaps a more subtle plant would look more coordinated. Don’t forget to choose a pot, planter, and stand that also coordinates with your decor. The pot should be large enough to allow room for the plant to grow into it. 

Placement and Arrangement

Just like selecting plants requires careful consideration, so does placing them. Plants should be placed in areas of your home where they will be attractive and meet their care requirements. For example, if a plant needs to be in full sun, consider placing it underneath a window or in a room with a skylight. 

For visual impact, you can group several potted plants together, varying the height and texture to add interest. Large, tall plants create an interesting focal point when a room feels a little too static or stiff. Hanging pots and tiered plant stands are a great way to save space if your room is small or if you have vertical space to fill.

I bought this tiered plant stand from Amazon and I absolutely love it:

I love these little air plant wall hangers from Etsy, too. They are so cute and easy to put up, plus air plants are easy to keep alive! 

As you begin decorating with indoor plants, remember that it’s not just about looks. With some careful consideration and the right care, plants can help you create a soothing and harmonious home that nurtures your well-being. They are a great way to refresh a space, no matter what style of decor you prefer. 

Need some help coordinating plants with your home decor? I would love to show you how to choose the best plants and arrange them thoughtfully in your space! Reach out to schedule a consultation today.