The Beginner’s Guide to Interior Plant Styling
How to Greenify Your Space for a Peace of Mind
By Ma. Alexandra Miguela A. Reloj
Design Ideas and Tips
ADD VARIETY
Adding variety to your plants makes it feel can give your space a more natural feel as it mimics nature with its diversity in species, color, sizes, and form. You can start by getting plants in a combination of different sizes.
In addition to your plants, often play around with your pots and planters. Use different colors, patterns and sizes then mix them up. Afterward, when you group your plants, remember to go for the rule of odd numbers—up to three or fives.
You also add a personal touch to your style with your favorite piece of art, home ornaments, and memorabilia.
PLANT STANDS
DECORATE YOUR WALLS
MAKE USE OF SHELVES AND NEGATIVE SPACE
For a more minimalistic and modern vibe, utilize your shelves and bookcases. Take advantage of negative space to give your plants a subtle moment to shine. This approach is most effective with square and wall-mounted shelves.
DON'T BE AFRAID TO GO BIG
Big-leafed plants in your living make a huge statement and transform your living space into something extraordinary. Just try one, it can make a huge difference.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that a large plant can get expensive so be sure to do your research before making this commitment.
Getting Started
Before you get started, it is important to keep essentials in mind when you're just starting to get into Interior Plant styling.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR PLANTS
There are three main factors that you will need to consider when it comes to choosing your plants:
- Your home's levels of humidity and exposure to light—Plants thrive in different kinds of environments. There are plants that thrive in dry areas such as succulents and cacti. There are some that require high levels of humidity such as ferns and the beautiful Pothos.
- The time you spend at home—Some plants are hardier than others, if you are not home regularly, you might want to look into getting low-maintenance plants such as succulents and cacti.
- Your pets or fur babies—Plants that are harmless to us might be toxic to our furry friends. Make sure to do your research before you unknowingly bring home a poisonous plant.
NECESSARY TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES
To win a war, it helps to be better equipped. Plant styling is no different. Here are some essential tools and accessories you need at some points when maintaining your plants:
- Potting soil or soil mixtures – Remember to keep your plants' preferred type of soil in mind. There are two kinds of houseplant soil: fast-draining soil rich in sand (for dry-type houseplants and succulents) and moist soil (for common and tropical variety of plants).
- Pots or Planters—preferably ones with trays and saucers for drainage. There are self-watering pots available if you have too many plants or when you're not home too often. (Visit our shop for more pots, and planters)
- Watering can - What's hot right now is the long spout watering cans to cease the mess!
- Fertilizer
Some extras you may want to purchase:
- Gardening gloves—to keep the handling of plants mess-free
- Gravels or stones of different colors mainly for decorative topping
- Mini-spades or rakes for when you want to re-pot your plants
- Plant shelf—To show off your proud collection of plants (Click here to get one)
RECOMMENDED PLANTS FOR BEGINNERS
For beginners, it's always best to start with hardy plants. It is budget-friendly and it will save you a lot of time. These plants will make for good practice and gaining experience. (visit "Easy to Grow Plants Blog" )
It is important to note that when it comes to indoor gardening, remember to be kind to yourself. Any prominent plantito or plantita will tell you that they have killed at least one plant in their life. So don't be afraid to experiment, it takes a whole lot of trial and error to be good at anything.
Once you are feeling more confident and you have a grasp on your plants' needs, you can move on to more exotic and rare varieties.