Did you know that having a plant in your home will benefit you a lot? Houseplants are good for you for many reasons. They serve as an ornament, which contributes to the aesthetic appeal of any space. Its natural beauty will not only add colour to your home, but also benefit you by improving your mood, creativity, and the air quality of your surroundings. What’s more? Some indoor plants are low-maintenance, perfect for those who travel a lot or have a busy schedule.
However, finding the right houseplant for your space and style can be tricky. There are also many factors to consider, aside from your lifestyle. And if you’re a rookie in gardening or having a hard time deciding, you’re in the right place! In this article, we will discuss the things to consider when choosing a houseplant. We will also give some recommendations for the best indoor plants for your home or office space, so keep reading.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Houseplant
Before we give our recommendations, let’s talk about the things to consider when choosing a houseplant. This information is crucial since it can help determine whether your plant can thrive or not. If you don’t have a knack for gardening but want to give it a try, here are the top things you must consider before getting a houseplant:
Light
Lighting is one of the most important factors in plant care. There are many houseplant varieties, and each of them has different light requirements. Some houseplants need bright light to thrive, while others may wilt due to intense sunlight exposure. On the contrary, these plants may thrive better in low or medium light conditions. For instance, low-light plants are best placed along the interior walls of your home or north-facing windows.
Plants that require medium or indirect light should be placed near east, south, or west-facing windows with light covering. Meanwhile, plants that require bright or high light should be placed on the south or southwest-facing windows without any obstruction.
Space & Growth Rate
Another factor to consider before buying a plant is the growth rate and the available space you have in your home. Why? Because some plants can grow really tall and wide. If you have limited space, opt for houseplants that remain small even when mature, or consider slow-growing plants, such as succulents and bonsai.
But if you have ample space, go for eye-catching varieties like Bird of Paradise and fiddle-leaf figs. You may also consider fast-growing varieties that remain small at maturity, including pothos and philodendrons.
If you’re looking for indoor plants in Aberdeen, visit our shop to check out our houseplant collection.
Design Style
As stated earlier, plants add aesthetic value to your home. That’s why you should consider the interior design of your home when choosing a plant, ensuring it matches the style and vibe. Since plants come in various shapes and sizes, finding the right one can improve the look of your home. If you’re into bohemian decor, pothos and string of pearls are a great choice. For minimalist homes, you can never go wrong with rubber plants and monstera.
Lifestyle (Pet-Friendly)
Apart from that, your lifestyle should be considered most before getting a plant. When you decide to have a houseplant, you are not only considering the light conditions or its growth rate. You should also consider the level of care it needs since plants have various requirements to survive and grow healthy. If you’re always on the go or often forget to water your plants, it is ideal to care for low-maintenance varieties, like the snake plant or spider plant.
Now, if you’re the meticulous type, you can try high-maintenance plants, such as orchids and jade. Some varieties can also be toxic to pets, so check first if the plant you’re buying is pet-friendly or not.
Finding the Right Houseplant for Your Space and Style
After assessing the factors above, it’s time to choose the right houseplant for your space, style, and lifestyle. Here are some of the best houseplants you can consider or add to your growing collections:
Living and Dining Room
The living room and dining area are the most frequented part of the home, where we normally hang out with family and friends or entertain new acquaintances. Hence, adding a statement piece in these areas is ideal to elevate the ambience of your home. You can add a touch of elegance and popping colours to your living and dining room by adorning it with these houseplants:
- Begonias
- Bird of Paradise
- Cacti and Succulents
- Philodendrons
- Rubber Tree Plant
All of the plants mentioned above only require bright indirect to moderate sunlight—and are considered low-maintenance, so you won’t have trouble with upkeep.
Kitchen and Bathroom
Your kitchen and bathroom are another part of your home with a lot of foot traffic, especially if there’s an occasion and your family or friends are coming over. These two are the most humid areas in your house and have limited space. Therefore, it’s ideal to hang your plants or go for small potted varieties, such as:
- Air Plants
- Ferns
- Herbs
- Philodendrons
- Pothos
These varieties are low-maintenance and only require bright to low indirect light, while herbs need full sunlight.
Bedroom and Kids’ Room
As your tranquil oasis, adding a bit of green to your bedroom is guaranteed to make it more relaxing and peaceful. According to studies, plants can reduce your anxiety and stress, resulting in a better mood and mental health. You can place one to two plants in your bedroom to ensure it is calm and neat. We recommend placing low-maintenance plants that require bright to moderate indirect sunlight, including:
- Rubber Tree
- Snake Plant
- Spider Plant
If you want to teach your kids about nature or help them develop creativity and responsibility, you can also place the following houseplants in their bedroom or playroom:
- Begonia
- Fittonia
- Neon Pothos
- Succulents
Home Office
To improve your focus, creativity, and productivity, you can also add a plant to your home office, like begonia, fittonia, jade plant or marimo moss balls. These houseplants thrive in low to bright indirect sunlight and are easy to care for, making them perfect for your office.
Front Porch
We also recommend placing some plants on the front porch of your home to give a good first impression. Some plants that work best in this area include basil, begonia, chamomile, and ferns. If you want to add an inviting scent, consider placing basil and mint on your porch. Begonia and Chamomile’s pretty flowers are also a lovely way to give a warm welcome to your guests.
But keep in mind that placing plants outdoors will expose them to extreme heat conditions, and they may be susceptible to pests. Therefore, it is vital to regularly check the soil, leaves, and roots of your houseplants, regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors.
