Looking for an easy way to add color, texture, and visual interest to your décor? Houseplants may be just what you’re looking for. No longer just for gardening enthusiasts, a well-placed houseplant can spruce up any living space. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite houseplant varieties to brighten up your home, as well as tips to keep them happy all year long.
houseplants for any home:
Whether you have a green thumb or you are horticulturally challenged, these houseplants are perfect for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Snake plant: This common houseplant is well-known for its ability to thrive with little care. These plants have a minimal space footprint, as their stiff leaves grow in a straight upright manner. However, they can grow up to four feet tall, adding drama and texture to a space (Martha Stewart Living, July 10, 2023). They can survive in a variety of light levels, so they can be placed in corners or alongside windows and doors.
- Peperomia: This family of plants contains several varieties of low-maintenance houseplants. Peperomias are known for their small and interesting foliage, often featuring exaggerated textures and deep hues, including green, red, and purple. They require low to medium light (Better Homes and Gardens, January 20, 2023).
- Rubber Tree: If you’d prefer a larger indoor plant, a rubber tree is a great place to start. These plants can grow up to two feet in a single growing season and are easy enough for those new to caring for houseplants. Rubber trees require medium to bright light and need to be watered thoroughly about every two weeks (Bob Vila, July 28, 2023).
- Philodendron: Another nearly effortless houseplant, philodendrons thrive in various spaces. These vining plants climb or trail their vines and can grow as long as 8 feet. Lovely waxy leaves add texture and color to even low-light areas, as these plants can adapt to different conditions Better Homes and Gardens, January 20, 2023).
Even more décor OPPORTUNITIES:
While plants may be the main attraction here, unique groupings and attractive containers will also brighten your space.
- Grouping houseplants is a great way to highlight different textures and colors. In addition, placing plants close together is often beneficial. Certain plants prefer air to be slightly humid, so grouping them can help maintain moisture in the air around them (The Spruce, August 08, 2022).
- When placing and grouping plants, consider the colors, growth patterns, and shapes of the plants. A vining plant, such as philodendron and ivy, could be placed on a shelf, mantel, or hung from the ceiling and allowed to trail. A tall plant, such as a rubber tree or snake plant, could be placed on the floor or behind a shorter plant to add variation in height to your grouping.
- The containers you utilize can add a layer to your houseplant decorating scheme. When it comes to choosing containers, size matters. Choose a pot that is two inches larger than the original container. Sizing up allows the plant to grow. Overlarge containers can cause soil to dry out too slowly (Better Homes and Gardens, April 19, 2023).
- Decorative containers may look nice, but houseplants require good drainage. Make sure that pots have drainage holes. You can protect your home’s surfaces by placing inexpensive plastic trays underneath planters or opt for containers with built-in drainage trays.
final notes:
Houseplants are a great way to add visual interest to your home. At the same time, they are living things and do require care. The effort to keep them looking their best is well worth your while. Plants make a home more cozy and inviting. They add color, texture, and a touch of the natural world to indoor spaces. Studies have shown that houseplants can even reduce anxiety in their owners, allowing them to be fully present and find purpose in caring for a living thing (Martha Stewart Living, October 26, 2022). Whatever your level of gardening experience, houseplants are worth incorporating into your home.
MJM Custom Home Building specializes in building dream homes in the Myrtle Beach area. Contact us today to take the first step to your dream home.
