Indoor plants have been shown to have many health benefits, such as lifting moods and reducing stress, which is one reason they have become an important part of interior decorating.
For those who feel they forget about caring for their plants, the great thing with many indoor plant varieties is they only need to be watered every one to three weeks.
Why are plants good to have in your home?
We know that when we spend time outdoors, we feel better, and it boosts our wellbeing. Bringing little bits of nature inside can have a similar effect.
It can even help the air you breathe. A study by RMIT and the University of Melbourne found that adding one medium-sized pot plant to a medium-sized room improved air quality by 25 per cent.
The research was commissioned by Plant Life Balance, a programme designed to get people excited about styling their home with plants, funded by Hort Innovation. It also reported improved wellbeing, with five or more plants leading people to feel healthier and happier. A good reason to make it a part of your décor.
Caring for an indoor plant may seem like a chore, but it has an upside. Watering or wiping down leaves requires time away from screens and promotes mindfulness.
They can also improve your concentration and productivity, so they should be a must-have in your home office. And if you need a much-needed break from the screen, your eyes should enjoy looking at the leafy foliage instead of the computer screen.
A plant in your bedroom could also help you drift off to sleep at night. For example, lavender is well-known as a natural sleep aid. Aloe Vera can improve air quality, jasmine aids relaxation, and peace lilies increase humidity. Adding plants to your home is another way of creating a 'zen' home.
Tips for decorating your home with indoor plants
It may be tempting to create a tropical sanctuary in your home, but if this is the start of your green thumb flex, let us start small and incorporate plants slowly.
You need to start by picking out plants that work together and will suit your interior. For instance, a golden cane palm or fiddle leaf fig will complement a coastal vibe. You can find plenty of inspiration on social media apps.
The old interior ‘rule of three’ works for indoor plants too. Mix up the size and shapes to make it visually interesting. Pop one in a basket or add a planter stand and follow care instructions when positioning – some plants hate direct sunlight, while other thrive off it.
Hanging plants are also an options, particularly if you want to introduce them to the kitchen, bathroom or other small spaces. In bigger rooms, an eye-catching large plant can create a great focal point.
It is also important to remember, not all plants are child-friendly, so double check before purchasing.
Top 5 plants for your home
Big or small, there are so many plants to add to your own indoor sanctuary. Some are more popular than others and suitable for a range of skills.
Here's our Top 5 and the reason why:
The zanzibar (zamioculcas zamifolia) is an incredibly resilient plant requiring little care. It has glossy green leaves with a beautiful shape.
A spider plant (Chlorophytum) is a 70s retro classic back in vogue. Position it in a bright place, but not in direct sunlight. It can tolerate longer periods of dryness.
The boston fern (nephrolepis exaltata) is a popular and child-friendly indoor plant that prefers some humidity and sunny position. Note that it needs the soil to stay moist.
A snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue (sansevieria trifasciata) is a great first choice as it requires little care. It comes in a variety of species and patterned leaves.
The devil's Ivy (eipremnum aureum) is also a great starter plant as it can survive with little sunlight and water. However, make sure to avoid it if you have children as it is poisonous.
Real versus artificial plants
Chances are, unless you have a keen eye, you might not be able to detect a fake plant from a real one. High-quality replicas have become incredibly detailed with leaf tears and crinkles that make it look just like the real thing. Those created from silk even feel life-like.
Faux plants are perfect for allergy sufferers or those who just simply have zero gardening skills. Importantly, they are also safe for pets and children.
However, they still require some maintenance as they can become dust collectors. So be sure to wipe down the leaves and base regularly.
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