Looking for a way to brighten up your home décor, improve air quality, and provide a sense of tranquility? Adding some indoor plants is the perfect solution. But with so many different types of plants to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for you? This beginner’s guide will teach you everything you need to know about choosing the right indoor plants for your home.
We’ll cover topics such as plant size, light requirements, and water needs, so you can make an informed decision and create a beautiful and healthy green space indoors.
Consider Your Lighting Conditions
The first step to choosing the right indoor plant is considering your light conditions. If you’re not sure, spend a day observing how the light changes throughout the day. Then, look at the lighting requirements of each plant you want. Choose plants that correspond accordingly, depending on the amount of natural light in your home.
For example:
- Cacti and succulents are good choices if you have a bright sunny spot
- However, ferns and philodendrons are better suited if you have a darker corner
If you’re not sure, use your best judgment, and don’t forget that you can always ask for help from the experts at your local nursery. When you get to order plants on Bouqs or any other online plant retailer, they will list the lighting requirements for each plant so you can make an informed decision.
If you have a lot of windows in your home or office, that’s usually a good sign that the space gets enough light for most plants. But if you don’t have many windows, or if trees or buildings mostly obstruct them, you might need to supplement the natural light with grow lights.
Check the Humidity and Temperature Indoors
The environment inside your home or office can vary greatly from the great outdoors. Check the temperature and humidity of your indoor space before you go plant shopping. Most plants like moderate to high humidity, but a few prefer drier conditions. Find out what kind of conditions your plant needs by doing a quick Google search or reading the tag that comes with the plant.
Some plants, such as ferns, orchids, and certain tropical houseplants, will do best in a humid environment. If your home isn’t naturally humid, there are a few ways to increase the moisture in the air. One way is to use a pebble tray: fill a tray with water and rocks, set your plant on top of the rocks, and the evaporation will help increase the humidity around your plant. You can also group plants together, which creates a microclimate where moisture can be trapped.
Think About the Size of Your Space
When choosing plants, it’s important to consider the size of your space. If you have a small space, like a studio apartment, you’ll want to choose smaller plants like succulents or air plants. If you have a larger space, like a spacious living room, you can choose bigger plants, like fiddle leaf figs or rubber trees. Plants need room to grow, so make sure you pick a size that will fit your space.
Even with limited space, plants can easily be placed on shelves, windowsills, or in hanging baskets. With some creativity, you can find a spot for plants anywhere in your home. For instance:
- If you have a home office, you can place a few plants on your desk to help you focus and boost your productivity.
- If you want to add some greenery to your bedroom, you can put a small plant on your nightstand.
- If you need to transform a hallway with some life, you can hang plants from the ceiling or place them on a console table.
Consider Your Interior Decor Style
Your plants should be an extension of your home’s style. If you have a minimalist interior, look for plants with clean lines and simple shapes, such as succulents. If your home is more eclectic, go for plants with bolder colors and patterns, such as Calathea plants. If your décor is more rustic, choose plants with woody stems or textured leaves, such as ferns. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different species too.
Once you identify your decor style, you can start narrowing down which plants will work best in your home. You should also learn how to perfectly display flowers and plants in your home.
Here are some tips:
- If you want your plants to really stand out, choose a monochromatic color scheme. This means selecting plants that are all in the same color family. For example, you could choose a green theme with plants like peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants.
- If you want your plants to blend in with your décor, choose a complementary color scheme. This means selecting plants that are opposite of each other on the color wheel. For example, you could choose a pink theme with plants like impatiens, begonias, and coleus.
- You can also create an accent wall using plants. This is a great way to add a pop of color or texture to your room. Simply choose a wall that gets good light and arrange your plants accordingly. Be sure to leave enough space between each plant so they have room to grow.
Take Into Account Your Care Routine
Finally, when choosing the right indoor plants for you, consider your care routine. Do you have time to water plants every day? If not, choose plants that don’t require frequent watering. Are you willing to trim dead leaves and stems regularly? Some plants need more maintenance than others. Consider how much time you’re willing to spend caring for your plants before making a purchase.
Indoor plants will need regular care and maintenance, including:
- Watering – Indoor plants need to be watered regularly, depending on the type of plant. Some plants need to be watered daily, while others only need to be watered once a week.
- Fertilizing – Fertilize your indoor plants every month or two to help them grow strong and healthy.
- Pruning – Trim dead leaves and stems from your plants as needed. This will help them look their best.
- Repotting – You’ll need to repot your plants every few years to give them fresh soil and room to grow.
If you’re not willing to commit to regular plant care, choose low-maintenance plants that can survive with minimal attention. Spider plants, snake plants, and succulents are all good options for beginner plant parents. With a little research, you can find the perfect plants to suit your lifestyle and home. Also, ensure the plants you should are non-toxic to pets and young kids.
Go Ahead and Buy Your Indoor Plants
Getting started with indoor plants is easy. All you need is a little bit of research and some basic knowledge. With that in mind, go ahead and purchase your first indoor plant. Be sure to ask the nursery worker or online vendor questions, so you can be confident in your decision. Once you get your plant home, give it some love and attention, and soon you’ll have thriving greenery in your home.
