We all love flipping through design magazines and appreciating the beautiful homes they feature. One thing we would all see in those spaces is the touch of greenery. Plants are the most versatile and affordable way of styling any space. Adding plants to your living space not only enhances the aesthetics but adds to the positive energy. Post-pandemic years have seen a sudden upsurge in the plant industry. People got back to their “roots” like never before. Social media got flooded with “plantfluencers” and we all have tried our hands at getting at least one green baby home.
Amidst the overflow of information, it can get overwhelming to understand the concepts of styling your homes with plants. Now which all plants to pick when you are considering styling your home interiors?
What are ‘Houseplants’?
When you walk into a plant nursery, you’ll find a green canopy or a covered polyhouse. Everything under the cover is suitable for indirect bright light. These are termed as ‘Houseplants’. Remember! No plant can thrive without light. And before you bring in any plant home, it is essential to know about the conditions which can help the plant thrive and survive. Let’s elaborate a little on the light!
Understanding LIGHT
Bright light or indirect light is what the plants under the shaded canopy of trees would receive in a jungle. Indirect light is further categorized into bright, medium, and low based on intensity. So before you plan your next nursery visit, do assess your space for light conditions. Alternatively, read about the plant you are picking from the nursery or shop to know its light requirements. In principle, all houseplants do well in bright indirect light or even under the balmy morning Sun. Certain species can thrive in low-light conditions. Again, low light does not mean NO light.
Since we have learned what plant to pick for your living space, let’s check out some tips for styling them efficiently.
1. Home Entrances are important! Use tall plant stands to place your small plants at the entrance. Taller plants like palms can be potted in an interesting pot. Jute bags and bamboo/cane baskets are a great way to hide those nursery pots and add instant character to a space. The variation in height adds visual interest to the corners. Placing plants in a cluster of odd numbers can also make a big impact!
2. Adding small plants like this Pothos, and Syngonium on the TV ledge adds instant life to the corner. You can look for trailing plants to make it interesting!
3. Coffee tables should be styled carefully. We need to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Add a tray with coasters, candles, and a plant here! Books are a great way to add height variation to your plants. Small terrariums are great as a centerpiece.
4. Side tables can be styled with interesting arrangements like a large cluster of plants in a big bowl-shaped planter. Or a miniature garden can become an instant point of interest. Placing table lamps along with small plants is a great way to add depth to these corners
5. Choosing the structure of the plant as per the theme of the space is a great way to create a cohesive space. Boho interiors can be accessorized with tropical plants like Palms, Philodendrons, ferns, etc. Whereas choosing structured plants like Snake plants or the Fiddle leaf fig for modern-minimal aesthetics is a wise choice.
6. Colours and material of your pots are also important while styling plants in your space. From shiny ceramics to matte Metallica to bohemian cane, the choices are numerous. In case you still are confused about the type of pot you should pick, always go with the good old terracotta!
Apart from the light conditions that we discussed at the start of this blog, correct watering and soil mix are yet other important aspects to learn about maintaining houseplants.
Water only when the top 2 inches dry up. You can check by digging your finger inside up to 2-3 inches. If the finger comes out clean, please water the plant thoroughly! Water the plant till water comes out of the drainage holes and then leave it alone until the soil dries up. The watering schedule for succulents is different from that of a regular plant.
Soil is the soul of the plant! Make sure your soil is rich and aerated. If the soil is tight water will sleep out from the drainage holes without getting absorbed by the roots. You can get premixed soil from the plant nursery or even online. And once you become a pro, you can always stir up your soil mix!