Indoor Plant Ideas [Get the Most Out of Your Leafy Friends]

indoor plant ideas

Indoor Plant Ideas [Get the Most Out of Your Leafy Friends]

You’ve probably come across numerous elegant and attractive displays of indoor plants on social media. Much more than just a trendy phenomenon, indoor plants have become a simple means for homeowners to liven up their humble abode. With indoor plants currently all the rage, consumers are looking for new and creative indoor plant ideas for their homes.

 

From tiny, chunky succulents to wide, branching vines, indoor plants are just as varied and diverse as the owners who buy them and the homes they reside in. Read on to find out which indoor plants are best for your home and the many creative DIY ideas that will help you flex your green thumb and add a bit of nature to your home!

 

 

What Are Indoor Plants?

Indoor plants are just that: plants that are grown and taken care of indoors. These plants are usually small, compact potted plants that reside inside apartments, homes, office spaces, and retail establishments, often for decorative purposes. However, what sets indoor plants apart from regular plants grown outdoors is their ability to thrive indoors with very low maintenance.

 

 

front door home with greenery

 

 

Where Are Indoor Plants From?

Indoor plants are typically exotic plants from frost-free, low to high humidity, tropical, or sub-tropical climates. Plants from these regions of the world not only tolerate the often dry, low light, and controlled temperatures of indoor areas, but thrive in them. Unlike their outdoor counterparts, indoor plants often require very little direct light, don’t need regular watering, and grow at sluggish rates.

 

Not All Plants Can Be Grown Indoors

Just because a plant is grown indoors does not automatically make it an indoor plant. Certain criteria determine what constitutes an indoor plant and how successful it can grow within a residence or building.

 

The most important indoor environmental factors to consider when deciding to add indoor plants to your home include:

  • Light exposure
  • Indoor temperature
  • Indoor humidity
  • Watering
  • Soil composition
  • Fertilization

 

The best indoor plants are comfortable inside, require very little maintenance, and are visually appealing.

 

 

How Can I Benefit From an Indoor Plant?

There are many indoor plant ideas besides decoration and the many therapeutic benefits that boost your mood and health. Here are some of the many reasons why having plants around can benefit you!

 

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Your nose might have grown accustomed to the numerous toxins and pollutants that permeate your home. From formaldehyde to benzene, these toxins are present in every home and can become harmful to every homeowner. However, indoor plants might be the remedy you and your home need from these impurities!

 

Plants are known to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen back into the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Their leaves also absorb numerous toxins to help purify the air. Factors such as the size of the indoor space, size of the plant, and amount of toxins present need to be considered when using plants to better indoor air quality. You can monitor the amount of toxins in your space using devices like these.

 

About six to eight medium-sized plants should be enough for your air purification needs. However, the more plants you have, the better the air quality. So go plant crazy if you want to improve your indoor air and finally get rid of those nasty toxins you’ve become used to!

 

Boosting Your Mental Health

Humans have historically spent most of their days outdoors. Modern times have reduced our exposure to the lush, green environments that were once crucial for our development. By introducing a little bit of green indoors, you can help to reduce your overall stress by watching plants grow. If you’re looking for indoor plant ideas, this is one of our favorites.

 

A recent study showed that the simple placement of plants in office spaces within view of workers helped reduce stress and created a soothing environment. Having many houseplants can help you reduce the stressors of the modern world and help boost your mental health in the process.

 

Helping You Heal Physically

Healthcare facilities, such as rehab centers, have an assortment of decorative plants displayed that help increase patient healing after surgery compared to patients without plants. Having plants around has been shown to help reduce:

 

  • Blood pressure
  • Heart rate
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue

 

By helping to reduce the adverse effects of certain physical ailments that can prolong healing, plants have become a simple, therapeutic means to help people recover faster from certain ailments.

 

Having A Sense Of Pride

Taking care of plants can be like taking care of a pet or a child but without the round-the-clock care and expense. Every plant owner has experienced that moment of surprise when they walk into a room in the morning to see a small, protruding bud sprouting from their plant.

 

For plant owners, knowing that they are doing something right can boost their mood and build their character by giving them a sense of accomplishment and pride.

 

Creating A Cozy Feeling

There’s no place like home after a grueling day at the office. Nothing lifts your spirits or makes you feel welcome like opening your front door to some lush greenery and fresh air permeating your home. By decorating your place with plants, you’ll turn your home into a cozy sanctuary with a warm and inviting feeling that will make it hard for you to leave.

 

 

large plant in kitchen

 

 

Which Plants Are Best for Indoors?

The best indoor plants are low-maintenance, meaning they require very little water and are perfect for low light to bright light interiors. Many houseplants thrive when they are placed in indirect light and have good drainage.

 

So now that you learned about why indoor plants are all the rage and the many benefits they can offer, it’s time you went out and got some for yourself! Here are some of the best indoor plants and why they are ideal for your home environment.

 

 

Tillandsia Veluntina Air Plant

I know what you’re thinking, but the answer is no, air plants do not levitate. Rather, these are called air plants because they aren’t grown in soil but are instead attached to other plants and surfaces. One of the most popular varieties is the Tillandsia Veluntina air plant.

 

Whatever you do, do not plant these in soil because they will not grow! Simply place these plants on a solid surface next to windows because they like a healthy dose of bright, indirect sunlight. Soak these air plants in water twice a week for ten minutes to satisfy their water needs. An occasional misting might be needed if the leaves seem rough and dry.

 

The Tillandsia Veluntina air plant is the ideal low-maintenance beauty to ease new plant owners into the plant caring game. They also make great gifts for any budding horticulturist.

 

Chinese Money Plant

More accurately known as Pilea Peperomioides, the Chinese Money Plant has thin stems whose ends are accented by unique circular leaves. Native to China’s Yunnan province, this plant prefers cooler environments which increase its chance of flowering.

 

It’s best to water the plant before the soil starts to dry. Placement next to medium to bright indirect light is ideal, and the plant should be rotated every few days to allow for equal sprouting of leaves. Believed to bring the bearer good fortune, this plant makes for a great gift for the home or a symbol of prosperity for business endeavors.

 

Prayer Plants

You don’t need to be religious to own this plant! The Prayer Plant is known for its rippled, dark green reptilian-looking leaves. These plants thrive when the soil is moist, but avoid overwatering, especially in the cooler winter months. Avoid direct sunlight, as it will burn the leaves of this plant. It’s best to use low to medium indirect light when deciding where to place these plants in your home.

 

Some popular Prayer Plants include:

  • Calathea Rattlesnake
  • Calathea Medallion

 

Jade Plants

Jade has always been seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It’s no wonder that the Jade plant has become a household staple for indoor plant lovers. In addition to their good luck charm, the popularity of Jade plants can be attributed to how beautiful and easy to grow these plants are.

 

The oblong leaves of Jade plants are thick and fleshy with a dark green hue. Unlike most succulents, Jade plants do not like it when their soil is dry and prefer moist soil, especially during their summer growing season. These small, long-lived succulent plants require at least six hours of bright indirect light a day.

 

Jade plants are great focal points and add charm to any room. Some of the most popular varieties of Jade plants include

  • Trailing Jade Succulent
  • Ripple Jade
  • Gollum Jade

 

Snake Plants

Don’t be scared off by the name! Snake Plants are characterized by their elongated, blade-like leaves that rise from the soil. The dense green leaves are speckled with bright yellow throughout, often with a yellow edge. The most famous Snake Plant is Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, a staple of many homes and a frequent showstopper.

 

Snake Plants are some of the hardiest and easiest to care for. They do not require frequent watering and do best in low light. One of the reasons why Snake Plants are highly sought after by homeowners is the plant’s ability to rid the air of toxins such as formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides.

 

In addition to Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, some popular varieties of Snake Plants include:

  • Bowstring Hemp
  • Starfish Snake Plant
  • African Spear Plant

 

English Ivy Plants

If you’re looking to add some charm and elegance to a room, then you might want to consider getting yourself an English Ivy plant. Varieties such as the Hedera Helix “Green California” grow much faster than regular indoor plants and do a good job of filling out blank spaces in a room.

 

English Ivy plants have always been popular due to their small leaves of varying shades of green and snaking tendrils that expand and overflow from their pots. English Ivy plants require medium to bright indirect light and are often suspended from ceilings in a hanging pot. It’s always best to let the soil dry out between watering.

 

In addition to their ease of care and classy look, English Ivy plants are popular for their ability to remove toxic mold spores from the air and harmful VOCs, the chemicals found in paint and cleaning products.

 

Pothos Plants

Congratulations! You just hit the lottery if you’re looking for a plant that can help rid your home of impurities and toxins! Pothos plants are popular for their purification properties as well as their overall look and easy care.

 

Like English Ivy plants, Pothos plants are expansive and have sneaky tendrils with scattered green leaves that are best displayed from a hanging pot. They like bright indirect light and are staples of office spaces as a result. Pothos plants require watering every one to two weeks when the soil is dry.

 

Some popular Pothos plants include:

  • Pothos Golden
  • Pothos Neon
  • Devil’s Ivy

 

Spider Plants

As their name implies, Spider Plants have extensive green and yellow striped leaves that are contorted in various positions and give them the angular look of a spider. But unlike real spiders, these plants are welcome additions to any room.

 

Spider Plants are very adaptable plants that require very little maintenance, making them ideal for indoor plant lovers. These plants require bright, indirect light and thrive in cool temperatures. It’s important to keep the soil dry between waterings as they are prone to root rot. Popular Spider Plant varieties include:

 

  • Curly Spider Plant
  • Hawaiian Spider Plant
  • Spider Plant Reverse

 

Dracaena Plants

Looking for hardy plants that will add a dramatic focal point to any room? Dracaenas have been popular indoor plants for decades for this very reason! These tall plants with their long upright stalks can grow to be about three feet tall and are punctuated by bushy, long leaves that grow to be about a foot in length.

 

Be careful not to place them in direct sunlight as their leaves will burn and turn brown. Dracaenas thrive in very bright, indirect light. Dracaenas have very little water needs and can tolerate long periods of drought, though it is not advisable. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to keep the top inch of soil moist. Some of the most popular Dracaena plants are:

 

  • Song of India
  • Elegance
  • Colorama

 

modern home with plantlife

 

 

What Are the Best Indoor Plant Ideas For My Home?

Plants provide the perfect way for you to energize your home decor and create an enchanting atmosphere. Here are some amazing DIY ideas that you can do to add a little green to your home regardless of your skill level.

 

Entryway Displays

Plants can be a wonderful addition to normally bland entryways that suffer from a lack of character. By adding a single plant to your entryway, you can liven your mood when you return home from work or create a great impression when you invite guests over.

 

Centerpieces

What would a dining table be without a floral centerpiece? Floral centerpieces add an ambiance to any dining room. From an arrangement of peace lilies to dreamy bouquets adorned with mesmerizing beautiful flowers, the possibilities for plant centerpieces are endless. Create them for a special occasion or display them year-round; the choice is yours.

 

Utilizing Corners

You probably have a dreary, empty corner — probably several — that could use some much-needed green. Corners are some of the best places to display indoor plants. Displaying a large plant such as a Dracaena or having indoor container gardens of neatly arranged clusters of plants can help fill that dark corner void and help add some character to any room.

 

Displaying Plants on Bookshelves

That bookshelf of yours doesn’t need to look like a boring library stack. Add some plants, like tiny succulents, and turn that drab bookshelf into a dynamic green display! Plants that occupy a small space are recommended for bookshelves, as they have minimal space to begin with.

 

Hanging Your Plants High!

Don’t have room on your bookshelf or anywhere else in your house? Hanging plants from ceilings is a great alternative for compact or cluttered indoor spaces. You can free up floor space for your furniture by hanging plants and taking care of dead space on walls and corners. English Ivy and Pothos plants are the most popular hanging plants whose expansive tendrils fill any hanging space.

 

Creative Containers

You don’t have to buy expensive terra cotta pots to showcase your plants. You can make your own container gardens without breaking the bank! Add a little bit of flair and artistry when showcasing your plants around the house. From old coffee mugs, tea kettles, and paper cups to rustic buckets, mason jars, and even an old boot, you can create unique pots out of everyday items to showcase your amazing plants. These creations also make for great gifts to get your friends in on the indoor plant trend!

 

 

Where Can I Find Indoor Plants?

Planted Pot offers the best selection of indoor plants from all around the world! We remove the hassle of looking for that perfect indoor plant. Unlike big-box retailers and local nurseries, Planted Pot allows you to browse our entire inventory of unique, hard-to-find, and popular plants from the comfort of your own home. Simply browse, click, place your order, and wait for your plant to arrive.

 

Not only does Planted Pot have the best selection of indoor plants, but we also provide informative blogs and offer important advice on more indoor plant ideas. You can find all of the plants we highlighted in this article on Planted Pot.

 

Can’t decide which plant to buy? We have bundles, like the Dracaena variety pack, for those who can’t decide. So find that empty spot with bright filtered light in your house and go to our plant page right now to take advantage of our vast collection of indoor plants from all around the world!

 

 

Final Thoughts – Indoor Plant Ideas

Most plants cannot be grown indoors. But for the many plants that can, indoor conditions provide an ideal environment that benefits the plant and the owner. By introducing a little piece of the natural world into your home, you can watch your favorite houseplant grow into a beautiful ornamental specimen.

 

More than mere decoration, indoor plants provide many benefits ranging from improving your indoor air quality to boosting your mental health. Planted Pot offers endless varieties of popular and unique houseplants to satisfy your indoor plant ideas. The many DIY projects and ideas you can do with indoor plants are endless. But don’t take it from us — find out for yourself by flexing your green thumb and get yourself an indoor plant today!

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