WRITER | JEANINE MATLOW
Houseplants Galore
Houseplants are always in high demand – and for good reason: they make a statement no matter where they land. Whether you have a green thumb or prefer low-maintenance varieties that are pretty to look at but don’t ask for much in return, there are lots of options for everyone. These natural accents, from fiddle-leaf figs to elephant ears and money trees, add color and texture along with wellness benefits to your home.
During the pandemic, many people took up houseplants as a hobby, and it’s easy to see why. These organic elements offer an affordable way to enhance your home inside and out. While greenery has its own inherent beauty, you can elevate your selections with attractive containers. Face planters with a whimsical twist are trending now, and vintage vessels from thrift shops and estate sales are also fun finds.
Anything from an old coffee container to a toothbrush holder can hold your favorites, which might include lucky bamboo, monstera, or philodendron, all of which are hard to kill. You can drill drainage holes in containers when needed and add moss or stones to give your pots a more polished feel.
Houseplants make great conversation pieces when entertaining, and the species can be as unique as your guests. You might consider hosting a plant swap among friends or putting tiny varieties at each place setting as parting gifts for a sit-down dinner. In that case, succulents make a great pick. They may be small in stature, but their intriguing textures and shapes make for big personalities.
Terrariums have been making a comeback as a decorative element for the home that takes on a sculptural tone. Pieces like these that feature multiple plants make great centerpieces in lieu of flowers. You can also fill a crate or a tray with a variety of plants for display purposes.
In addition to their visual appeal, houseplants have been said to help purify the air and boost your mood, adding to the many perks that come with filling your rooms with these natural accents. Just be sure to do your research and check for any varieties that may not be safe for kids and pets.
A healthy assortment of plants can help your other home décor rise to the occasion when propped on a stack of books on a coffee table or placed to cascade down the side of a mantel. Houseplants serve as visual fillers wherever you have empty space. They make a great first impression in an entry and add value to the kitchen, where potted herbs perched on a windowsill can also enhance everyday meals.
Floor plants elevate any space, while hanging plants create a focal point overhead and wall arrangements lend dimension. For those who lack a green thumb, low-maintenance varieties to try include ZZ plants and snake plants. Knowing how to care for your selections with the right amount of water and sufficient sun or shade is essential to their longevity.
Plants can work their magic throughout your home. In a workspace, they are said to boost productivity. Their freeform shapes break up the monotony of all those straight lines that make up file cabinets, shelves, and desks. Houseplants also help to blur the lines between inside and out as they add a touch of nature to your rooms. Whether you start with one or more varieties, these natural accents will capture your heart and enrich your home.
