I went plant shopping with my aunt this week, we went to a local nursery where they carry more specialized plants than the ones found in the garden department at home improvement stores, like stag ferns and string of pearls succulents. It’s nice when you can find them at a local nursery but sometimes what you’re looking for isn’t available.
I like to have something green and growing in every room if possible, and I’ve noticed this correlation: the more green leafy plants I add to a space, the more serene it feels. A variety of green plants softens the formality of my living room and brings that desirable organic vibe indoors. I always feel relaxed sitting in this room, especially in the morning with the sunlight streaming through the window.
I always look for interesting textures or shapes in indoor plants. Like with decorating, it’s attractive when you vary the tones and textures with your houseplants as you would with your decor, it makes for a more interesting display.
I used to think I’d never order plants online but after receiving all of these outdoor plants in great condition two years ago, and since they’re still looking good in my courtyard, I’m no longer afraid. It’s funny how plants can be trendy. We’ve seen succulents and fiddle leaf fig and tropical plants popping up for years. Here are a few of my new favorites to consider adding to your collection at home.
String of Pearls
This beautiful bead like succulent drapes beautifully down the edges of its vessel. Nell at Joyus Garden offers some great tips for caring for string of pearls succulents indoors. So does Gardennerdy.
image via the fresh flower company
String of Bananas
Another draping succulent, this one with little banana shaped leaves. Also low water and low maintenance.
string of bananas from the plant farm
Ric Rac or Fishbone Cactus
Recognizable from its wavy leaves, the ric rac or fishbone cactus is low maintenance and non-toxic to pets. Costa Farms shares some planting and care instructions on their website, Geo Fleur also has some tips on thriving. Buy one online here.
Bird’s Nest Fern
This plant’s curly fronds makes it an attractive plant to add to your home. HGTV has some tips on how to care for a bird’s nest fern.
image via skyland florist
Elephant Ear
This Alocasia is also known as Elephant Ear plant for its large heart shaped leaves in vibrant green, there are several varieties available. This plant an grow up to 5 feet tall, but note this plant is toxic to pets. Find indoor plant care tips at Gardening Know How.
image via jack + ando
Swiss Cheese Monstera
I love these tropical plants, they fill corners nicely! Their stems are lovely for styling spaces, don’t you think? Buy a plant online or purchase just the stems to bring the jungle vibe indoors. Note, this plant is toxic to dogs and cats.
Money Tree Plant
Bring good luck indoors with this little tree. Its signature braided trunk isn’t natural, it’s cultivated when they’re babies. Often you can find them in the garden department at most nurseries or home improvement stores. These can grow up to 6 feet indoors, find care instructions in this helpful article at Apartment Therapy.
ZZ Plant
This is a new favorite of mine, it’s so low maintenance and forgiving and I love its dense shiny leaves. This one can often be found at a garden store but you can also order online. Miracle Gro has some tips on caring for ZZ plants. This plant is also toxic to pets so be aware.
image via my city plants
Remember, if you have pets it’s always important to check if your houseplants are toxic !
What’s the coolest house plant you’ve added to your collection lately?
Awesome post! I never knew the plant I’ve been pining over for the last few months is called a Swiss Cheese Monstera. We need one in our living room. I think they’re so adorable.
I was looking at pots and indoor planters that would spruce up our little space, yesterday. Nothing beats green =)
Yep, totally invigorates a space with good energy!
I love all of these houseplants! We have a string of bananas hanging in our bedroom and I just love it! It needs lots of light! I also love the ZZ and Monstera plant! Plants are the best feng shui, they add life and good energy to any room.
-Felicia
http://www.casalibrablog.com
Totally agree, I feel so much more relaxed just being around them. :)
Dear Kate,
I do not know how others are, but I do not think of living without plants in my house. They love green plants arranged anywhere in the house. It’s true that it’s not easy, but it’s worth it!
I love you warmly, Mia
Very kind thanks Mia, and I totally agree, I need something living in every room or it feels too stuffy to me.
Thanks for the ideas Kate! Great information! You didn’t mention the Maiden Hair Fern which I consider the most beautiful of the bunch! It’s awfully finicky though and I have killed my share of them :)
I absolutely love the maiden hair fern, but I can’t seem to keep them healthy for more than 8 weeks and they slowly get brown and die. :( I need maiden hair fern training because I’ve killed my share of them too.
Great post that I will be referring to in the future when I want to add to my indoor plant collection. Like you, I was pleasantly surprised with the health and vigor of the plants I have purchased online. I have bought shrubs in quart sized containers that didn’t look like anything but grew into good sized plants in the first year.
My daughter has a black thumb – I think the ZZ plant is just what she needs.
HI Kate, I love the idea of grouping smaller plants together. And, placing larger plants on a table. Who knew? I need more plants! laura
We all need more!
I got a 5′ rubber tree plant for our empty corner a couple weeks ago from a local wholesale nursery and love it… they had huge fiddle leaf figs for NOTHING but were all too spreading and tall to fit in my jeep! I am pondering what large upright sort of plant I can put next to our french doors now. Sanseveria fits the bill shape-wise but I don’t like its angular looks.
I have always had a few small houseplants and crave green/organic but watering a dozen little pots is unappealing – Nowadays I want the big bang of green without adding a ton of pots to wrangle and I have a house with the space to do it in. I always wonder if people with lots of plants are using pots without holes so they don’t have to move them to the sink to drain? but then your drainage is bad and their roots can sit in water and slowly die.
I love the “big bang” plants too, they totally make a space come alive. If the floors are tile or waterproof, the big pots on the floor aren’t that much of a hassle. Sometimes I’ll place a kitchen towel down when I water to soak up any runoff.
Beautiful! I love having plants all over the house too, but unfortunately have killed my share. Do you have any tips/ tricks for when traveling, to keep them alive( beside having a friend watering them)? I’m not too happy with the self-water info planters I have found so far.
Thank you for the great post