Bring Nature Indoors: Top 6 Plants to Use in Your Interior Design
…and how to care for them
Bringing nature to your home is one of the main interior design trends in 2022. I created a list of top 6 plants that will look amazing in any interior design, plus care tips, plus pictures.
Ready to add some greenery to your home? Remember to do your research prior to buying your new favourite plants since they may differ greatly in terms of taking care of them. In my experience, here are the best six home plants to add to your interior project and not be afraid to kill them during the first week. No one wants to be a plant killer, right?
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia )
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia – or ZZ plant — is a very popular plant due to its tolerance of a wide range of conditions. The ZZ grows smooth, has naturally shiny leaves that range from bright lime in their youth to an emerald green in their maturity.
ZZ plant is very popular due to its tolerance of a wide range of conditions.
Light
Zamioculcas thrives in medium to bright indirect sunlight but tolerates lower indirect light as well which makes it a great plant to be put in almost any corner of your home. Just remember to avoid the intense direct sun since it can burn the young tender leaves.
Water
Although ZZ plant probably won’t die if you forget to water it from time to time, it is recommended that you water it every 2-3 weeks. Please allow soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.
Humidity
There is no need to sweat your ZZ plant. It can tolerate dry air and likes just average home humidity.
Temperature
Most houseplants prefer temperatures in the 65°F-85°F range (18°C-30°C). It’s best not to let it go below 60°F (15°C).
Soil
A well-draining potting mix will do for your ZZ - they aren't super fussy. In case you need to increase soil aeration, feel free to mix in perlite or lava rocks.
2. Pothos (or Devil’s Ivy, or Epipremnum)
It is an attractive trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves that tolerates low light and minimal watering. Pothos is just a perfect plant to be put on the shelf or into the hanging pot. There are various types of Epipremnun like Golden Pothos, Marble Queen, Neon Pothos, Green Queen, Frosty Pothos etc.
Devil’s Ivy is a beautiful is tropical vine plant that has shiny, heart-shaped leaves.
Light
Pothos prefers bright, indirect light but also tolerates medium to low light.
Water
Generally, you can water your Pothos when half the soil is dry in the warmer months, and when all the soil is dry in the colder months. The time between watering may vary depending on the weather conditions and time of the year. During the hot summer time you should water your plant once a week and reduce to once a month in the dead of winter.
Humidity
Any humidity level will do. It is unnecessary to mist (or raise the humidity) but if you have time you can go for it!
Soil
There are many different soil mixes that work for Pothos. The key factor is usually that the mix is well draining and allows for good airflow. Feel free to use a standard premium potting mix for your Devil’s Ivy, it will work just fine.
3. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (or Ficus Lyrata)
This green beauty would look stunning in every interior, believe me. There is a variety of fiddle leaf fig trees of different sizes for all types of rooms. I love how Ficus Lyrata looks in interior design. Although it's certainly not the easiest houseplant to look after, but its visual impact in a space is unmatched when given proper conditions and care.
The common name for this plant, Fiddle Leaf Fig, comes from the fact that the leaves are the size and shape of a fiddle.
Light
Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives in bright indirect light but can benefit from a few hours of full sun. If you are unsure of where to put it in your home, choose a place close to the window.
Water
The Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers its soil to be kept consistently, evenly moist with a brief drying out period between waterings. Water your plant about once a week or every 10 days. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.
Humidity
Ficus Lyrata finds normal room humidity to be fine, but will be happy if you humidify it from time to time. In case humidity in the space is too low, leaf crisp may occur.
Soil
Fiddle leaf figs need well draining potting media that's high in organic matter. A peat-based soil with some perlite works great.
4. Monstera (or Swiss Cheese Plant)
Monstera forms a large family of plants with unique cut-out-shaped leaves that thrive in low-light interiors. My personal favourite is a Monstera Deliciosa — a beautiful plant that is easy to take care of and that adds an amazing tropical vibe to the space.
Monsteras are unique, easygoing houseplants whose dramatic leaves are adorned with dramatic hole formations.
Light
Place your Monstera where it can receive medium to bright indirect light. Although it is not suited for intense, direct sun but can be acclimated to withstand it.
Water
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.
Humidity
There is no need in insanely high humidity to keep your Monstera happy. Household humidity above 40% is just enough to keep your Monstera thriving.
Soil
Monstera plants do best in potting mix that holds moisture yet also drains well. They prefer a soil mix with a slightly acidic pH, in the range of 5.5-6.5.
5. Palm Tree (or Areca)
This is another family with a wide variety of big and small plants that flourish in partial sun. And if you place your palm close to the window, oh my God, what a delight it will be to watch the beautiful shadows from the palm leaves… Totally worth it!
Light
Areca palms do best with bright light exposure. It would be ideal to protect your palm tree from the strong afternoon sun and to avoid direct sunlight, as this will scorch the leaves. Also try to keep your palm away from draughts.
Water
Ensure that the soil is evenly moist but not soggy and let any excess drain away. Water less in winter, keeping the soil just moist.
Humidity
Areca palms need a humid environment, so running a humidifier or misting the leaves a few times a week can be beneficial.
Soil
Areca palms love soil that is porous, loose, and contains peat moss or sand. They also like the soil that contains leaf mold or shredded bark. Generally, areca can grow just fine and all-purpose potting soil purchased from a local gardening store.
6. Snake Plant (or Sansevieria Trifasciata, or St. George's Sword, or Mother-In-Law's Tongue)
As you can see, Dracaena trifasciata isn't satisfied with just one name. It is a very common house plant and here is why: it is really easy to care care of it (it is almost impossible to kill!). So it can be your go-to if you are just starting your plant-parenting journey. Rumoured to absorb negativity, this plant prospers in indirect sunlight and with infrequent watering.
Snake plants, also know as mother-in-law's tongue or sansevieria, have become increasingly popular as they are very easy to take care of.
Light
Snake plants prefer medium to bright light but can easily tolerate low to no light. It makes them one of the most popular plants of all. Although they won’t actively thrive in super low light levels, but they’ll survive!
Water
Snake plants are advised to be watered every two weeks, allowing the soil to completely dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. During the winter period feel free to only water your snake plant once a month if the soil is still moist after 2 weeks.
Humidity
They prefer average humidity, there is no need to mist them.
Soil
Snake plants do best with a free-draining soil mix, because they are easily prone to rot. A soilless potting mixture is best to ensure necessary drainage.
