There are so many reasons to add houseplants to your space. Plants add color, texture, and a relaxing vibe. Whether you have a small studio apartment or a sprawling home, you can create the look and feel you want by choosing the right indoor plants. The right plants for your space depend on the look you want, the space itself, and how much time you want to dedicate to caring for houseplants. Turn your home into a restful oasis by styling it with houseplants.
Fit Your Space
Select plants that fit the size and scale of the room. A large space calls for large plants. A high ceiling can accommodate a mature Fiddle Leaf Fig or Montera deliciosa, allowing for a leafy display.
Tall floor plants may be overwhelming in a small home office or guest room, but you can still make it work by sticking to one plant. One large plant can significantly impact a small or medium-sized room, but if that is the only plant, it will become a focal point and set the tone for the space.
Choose Your Plants
Select plants that have the look you want, and let the plants do what they do best. The statuesque foliage of a snake plant will look amazing in a plant stand anchoring an entertainment center or a doorway. The dangling vines of a philodendron will create a leafy curtain when placed on top of a cabinet or near the edge of a desk. Choose plants that you love, and that fit your space.
Some of the easiest houseplants to maintain include:
- Snake Plants
- Pothos
- Philodendron
- Hoya
- Cactus
- Dieffenbachia
- ZZ Plant
- Dracaena
- Spider Plants
Know What Your Plants Need
Be aware of what your plants need to thrive. Plants have different care requirements, so make sure the spot you choose has the right conditions for the plant. Nothing will ruin a calm oasis vibe quicker than dying plants. Check the sunlight, and monitor the humidity and drafts. Keep plants clear of heating and cooling vents. While tropical plants like warm temperatures, hot air blowing directly on the foliage can do more harm than good.
Match plants to areas that fit their care requirements. Sunlight-loving Croton will require little attention when placed in a south-facing window. Depending on the space and the plant, you can make any spot a good spot for houseplants by using grow lights or a humidifier. Understanding the plant’s needs and creating the ideal environment will mean less work later and healthier, thriving plants.
Create Groups
When working in a large area or with medium to small plants, group them together to create a curated look. Items in groups of three or five look deliberate and professionally styled. A single Hoya alone on a shelf looks random, but place a couple more plants nearby, or another plant and a stack of books, and it looks well-designed and intentional.
Vary the Height
Place plants at different heights and depths to add dimension. Place a large floor plant near a window, add a few small tabletop plants on a desk or end table, and feature a vining or trailing plant like a Pothos in a macrame hanger. Mixing and matching different-sized plants at various heights in the room will add visual interest and prevent the eye from being drawn to one spot.
Match Your Commitment
Select plants that align with your dedication and ability level. A high-maintenance plant that requires constant care is not a good fit if you prefer to be as hands-off as possible. In contrast, a plant that requires regular attention may be a great match if it brings out your nurturing side and you enjoy being very involved in maintaining your plants. Avoid signing up for more than you bargained for, which is easy enough because there are plenty of beautiful plants at all skill levels.
Place plants in areas that are easily accessible. Avoid placing a trailing plant on a high shelf if you need a step stool to get it down whenever it needs water. This is fine if you are okay with the commitment, but if you are looking for easy plants that require little effort, keep plants within reach for easy care and maintenance.
Accessorize with Containers
Containers or plant pots are necessary, but they also impact the visual appearance and tone of the plant. A bold, colorful container may not be the best fit for a relaxing oasis, but a neutral plant pot in a single color or a woven basket will fit the space and match the vibe.
Make your space stylish and easy to maintain by planting houseplants in plastic containers or nursery pots and placing that container inside a decorative pot or cache pot. An outer pot gives you the look you want while making it easy to care for the plant. Nursery pots have drainage, so you never have to worry about overwatering the plant.
You can always swap out the cache pot whenever you want. If you grow tired of the outer pot or want to change the look, you can simply lift the plant out of the current cache pot and place it in the new container. No repotting is necessary. Houseplants require a certain level of care, but taking steps to minimize that care ultimately creates a relaxing atmosphere.
Bring in Other Decor
A space completely filled with plants sounds amazing, but you need other elements to make a room feel welcoming and relaxing. Plant pots, plant stands, and macrame hangers all introduce additional color and texture but use other decor items to elevate the design of the space. Throw blankets and pillows create a cozy feeling. Wall art and window dressing bring in color. Source things like a decorative bowl or vintage candlestick holders to complement the look while introducing additional textures. Look for items in the same color palette, but most importantly, source items you enjoy and like to look at.
Relax In Your Finished Space
Houseplants are wonderful decor items that establish a mood or energy. Decorating your home with indoor plants will create a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere worthy of a spa or tropical retreat. Choose plants that fit your space and commitment level so that you can relax.
