House Plants Interior Design Ideas to Boost Your Space

Adding a few well-placed house plants to your interior design can greatly enhance the aesthetic and overall feel of a space. A study found that indoor plants can even help purify the air and improve mood.

Aloe vera, for instance, is a low-maintenance option that can thrive in indoor conditions. It's also known for its soothing properties, making it a great addition to a bedroom or bathroom.

By incorporating plants with varying textures and shapes, you can add depth and visual interest to a room. The varied shapes and sizes of plants like succulents and ferns can create a unique focal point in a space.

Using plants with different growth habits can also create a sense of movement and energy in a room. Hanging plants like Boston ferns can add a touch of whimsy and draw the eye upwards.

Additional reading: Are Ferns Good House Plants

Maturity matters, so consider sourcing larger, mature plants that can make a real presence in your space.

Think about the density of the plant you want, whether you prefer heavy foliage or a more sparse look.

For a dramatic effect, place a single, oversized plant in a room, like a Guiana chestnut in a breakfast nook.

This can add playful whimsy and break up the space in an unexpected way.

Consider how many stalks or stems you want your plant to have, whether it's one main stalk or multiple smaller ones.

When choosing the right lighting for your house plants, consider the type of plant and its native habitat. For plants like the Pothos and Philodendron, which thrive in low-light conditions, a north-facing window or a spot near a north-facing window is ideal.

The Snake Plant, on the other hand, can tolerate a range of light conditions, but will do best in bright, indirect light. This makes it a great option for rooms with south-facing windows.

Most house plants prefer bright, indirect light, which can be achieved by placing them near an east- or west-facing window. Avoid placing plants in direct sunlight, as this can cause burning and discoloration.

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The Fiddle Leaf Fig, a popular choice for interior design, requires bright, indirect light to photosynthesize and thrive. Placing it near an east- or west-facing window is a great way to provide the right amount of light.

Some plants, like the Chinese Evergreen, can tolerate low light conditions, but will still benefit from a small amount of direct sunlight. Be mindful of the time of day and the intensity of the sun to avoid burning the leaves.

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If you're new to indoor houseplants, it can be intimidating to choose the perfect plant for your home.

There are many apps and built-in programs on phones that can help you make a great choice, such as Planta and iPhone's Siri, which can identify plants and give detailed care instructions.

My favourite houseplants with easy upkeep include Golden Pothos, Weeping Fig, Flaming Katy, Common Ivy, and Asian Bell Tree.

Here's a quick rundown of some low-maintenance options:

Consider your climate, as it plays a significant role in determining the type of plants that thrive in your area. Plants in different climates serve varied functions, which can help you decide where to place yours, along with which varieties to look for.

In warmer climates, greenery helps blur the line between indoors and outdoors. The delight of a blooming lemon tree on the inside of a house in the dead of winter is palpable, as Genevieve Carter, cofounder of Carter Design, points out.

Choosing the right indoor plants can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to plant parenthood. Thankfully, there are many resources available to help you make an informed decision.

If you're looking for minimal upkeep plants, consider the Golden Pothos, which prefers dry soil between waterings. This makes it a great option for homes with small children.

Weeping Figs are also a great choice, requiring a balance of watering to thrive. Their unique green leaves make them a stylish addition to any space.

For a pop of white, Flaming Katy is a great option. With its beautiful white blooms and dark green leaves, it's a stunning addition to any room. Plus, it requires so little upkeep – you can let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Common Ivy is another classic choice, requiring a balance of watering to add a touch of elegance to any home.

If you're looking for something a bit more unique, consider the Moonshine Snake Plant, which prefers medium- to low-light environments and waterings every few weeks.

Here are some of the best indoor plants for low-maintenance care:

Remember, it's always a good idea to check the soil before watering to avoid overwatering and root rot.

The Geogenanthus is a great choice for adding some visual interest to your plant collection. Its glossy and thick leaves have a slightly purple coloring, which breaks up all the green and adds a pop of color.

This plant is easy to care for, making it perfect for busy people or those new to plant parenthood. It loves indirect light, which means you can place it near a window without direct sunlight.

Minimal watering is also a plus, as it only needs water when the soil has dried out completely. This means you can water it less often, reducing the risk of overwatering and root rot.

The Geogenanthus's unique leaves are similar to those of a rubber tree, with a thick and rubbery texture. Its low-maintenance requirements make it a great option for anyone looking to add some greenery to their space.

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High ceilings can be a blessing for plant enthusiasts, as they offer a chance to create a dramatic display. The higher the ceilings, the bigger the plant you can place, and this can help emphasize the scale of the room.

A good rule of thumb is to place the largest plant possible in a room with high ceilings, as this will create a striking effect. Sulaiman suggests using spikes and bamboo plants that appear to reach for the sky to accentuate main rooms or foyers with double-height ceilings.

Hanging plants from the ceiling is another great way to make the most of vertical space, especially if you're running out of floor space. A Macrame plant hanger is a great way to create a cascading focal point and draw attention upwards.

A Tradescantia is a great plant to hang in a Macrame hanger, as its variegated leaves have strokes of pink that add a pop of color to the room.

Playing with different heights and sizes is a great way to add visual interest to your space. This can be achieved by placing plants in strategic locations to create a balance of different heights and textures.

Buy a plant with a space in mind, rather than just because you liked it. Sophie Clemson, founder of The Living House, recommends this approach to make the most of your vertical and horizontal spaces.

To create an interesting arrangement, look to group plants together in threes – a pleasing combination to the eye. This can be especially effective when layering plants of different heights and leaf shapes.

Consider layering plants like a trailing String of Hearts with a big leafy Monstera and a spiky architectural Snakey for an indoor jungle look. This combination will add depth and visual interest to your space.

Make the most of trailing plants by hanging them from the ceiling with a Macrame plant hanger. This is a great way to create more floor space and draw the eye upwards, making your ceiling feel higher.

A great plant to hang in a Macrame hanger would be a Tradescantia, with its variegated leaves featuring strokes of pink that look like an artist painted them.

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Choosing the right plant pot can really make or break the look of your space. A woven basket can bring a natural feel to a room.

A concrete pot is a great choice for a minimalist contemporary scheme. It's perfect for adding a touch of industrial chic to your decor.

You can swap your pot for the different seasons to give your space a fresh new look. Maybe something bright and fresh for summer, and darker and richer for winter.

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Bathrooms are full of smooth hard surfaces that can feel cold and clinical, making them a great space to introduce natural texture and colour.

Plants are a fantastic way to add organic shapes and interest to your bathroom, and they can thrive in these humid environments.

The perfect spot for plants in the bathroom is the windowsill, where you can create a mini jungle with an Urban Jungle Bundle.

Bathrooms with high humidity make the perfect environment for many plants, and they can help create a spa-like feel.

A large Areca Palm by the bath can add a touch of tropical escapism, and the bespoke Bathroom Plant Bundle from The Little Botanical is a great option for a more tailored look.

Adding a statement piece to your room can instantly elevate your interior design. A large plant can be just as impactful as a large piece of artwork or a striking pendant light.

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Think about it like adding a tree-sized plant in the corner of your room - it's a bold move that can really make your space feel designed and considered. A gorgeous large Bird of Paradise or XL Yucca Palm would look striking and vibrant as a focal point.

You can choose plants with unique qualities and sculptural movement to add more interest to your interior displays. Look for plants with striking silhouettes, like the Australian bottle trees or plants in bonsai form.

These plants can be rare or common houseplants that have grown in unusual ways. For example, the ficus audrey has a distinctive shape and movement that can add visual interest to your space.

Setting smaller, sculptural plants like the miniature rock fig bonsai on a countertop or atop a bench can also be a great way to add some personality to your room.

If you're looking for a compact plant to add some color to a small space, consider the pink polka dot plant. It thrives in high humidity and moderate to bright light, making it perfect for a greenhouse or terrarium.

The majesty palm is an excellent choice for an empty corner or space that needs a little height. It's also pet-safe, a bonus for households with furry friends.

For spaces with limited airflow, the majesty palm is a great option as it helps to purify the air.

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