Embarking on the journey of indoor planting is a rewarding experience that brings nature into your everyday life. Whether you’re looking to add a burst of greenery to your living room, office, or even a small nook in your home, the world of indoor plants offers a plethora of options.
The joy of cultivating and nurturing indoor plants should be accessible to everyone and, as such, Walls of Plants have cultivated this complete guide to indoor planting, from choosing the right plants to displaying them in style.
How to choose your indoor plants
Consider the space
Before delving into the vast array of indoor plants available, it’s crucial to consider the space you’re working with:
Home Space: Opt for plants that are more suited to lower light conditions. Peace lilies, snake plants and pothos are ideal for adapting to indoor environments and will make a statement against your decor.
Office Space: For the workplace, choose low-maintenance plants that require minimal attention and can tolerate office lighting.
Outdoor Plants Indoors: Some outdoor plants can thrive indoors if they receive adequate sunlight. Consider species like succulents, which can adapt to both indoor and outdoor environments.
Matching the decor
The style, size and layout of your indoor space can drastically alter which plants are likely to stand out amongst your chosen decor. Plants should ideally enhance the design of your home or office.
Take a moment to consider whether you want the plants to blend in and become a feature of your overall interior, or be a statement piece in their own right. This can determine whether you decide to invest in a simple potted fern for your shelves, or instead opt for something more extravagant like a living wall or colourful arrangement.
Take into account the size of your space. Large plants like fiddle leaf figs can be striking in spacious rooms, while small succulents work well in compact areas.
Care requirements
Not everybody has green fingers and the likelihood of you keeping your plant alive and well can be the deciding factor in which plants are most suited to your skill and lifestyle.
Learning to care for plants can be an excellent hobby so if you have the time and commitment to learning the signs of a sick plant then you should feel comfortable selecting anything that catches your eye. This may also prompt you to collect more plants, as you’ll be able to keep on top of the care requirements of each individual shrub.
However, if you are choosing your first plant or have a fairly busy lifestyle, then you may wish to select something a little easier. As a rule of thumb, plants with thicker leaves like succulents and certain brands of ivy tend to be harder to kill as they are able to store more water, but this isn’t always the case.
Toxicity
If you have pets or small children who make a habit of eating everything in sight then the toxicity levels of plants should be a primary concern. Ferns and spider plants may be your best option, and you should keep them out of reach to maintain a safe home environment.
How to care for indoor plants
Watering
There are two main considerations when watering indoor plants:
1. Consistency: Establish a watering routine based on each plant’s needs. Overwatering is a common mistake, so be mindful of the moisture levels in the soil.
2. Water quality: Room temperature rain or filtered water is best for healthy plants. In some areas, the minerals in tap water can be harmful.
How to tell if a plant needs watering:
Soil dampness: Stick an inch of your finger into the potting mixture and if it comes out dry then your plant needs watering.
Droopy leaves: Some plants will go droopy if left unwatered, and some species will be more dramatic than others.
Research the plant: Different plants have their own unique care requirements and will tell you that they’re thirsty in their own way, so it is important to research your plant’s needs.
Feeding
Some indoor plants require nutrients, so you’ll need to research whether to feed your selected greenery.
Light requirements
Different plants have different light requirements, and knowing exactly where you want to place your plants can determine which ones are best suited to your space. For example, plants that require lots of direct sunlight are best placed on windowsills whereas low-light plants like snake plants can thrive in shaded areas such as bookshelves, studies and desks.
You should also use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from the surface of the leaves, allowing them to photosynthesise light more efficiently.
Humidity
Plants who enjoy a humid environment would be best placed in bathrooms and kitchens. If they are not in an environment where they receive enough moisture then you may need to mist them at regular intervals.
How to get rid of bugs on indoor plants
Regardless of whether your plants are kept indoors or outdoors, they may attract pests but these can be kept at bay with a few key adjustments to your care routine:
Inspect your plants: Early detection is key to controlling pest infestations so make sure to inspect your plants regularly.
Isolate the plant: If one of your houseplants is showing signs of pests then you need to isolate it to prevent the spread to your other plants.
Deep clean: Deep clean your plants with soapy water and a damp cloth.
Use natural pesticides: Natural remedies like specialised oils and herbal sprays will deter pests whilst keeping your plant healthy.
Repotting plants
Repot your plants when they outgrow their containers. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Pruning indoor plants
Prune dead or yellowing leaves to encourage fresh growth. Pinch back stems to maintain a bushy appearance or to simply control the growth of your plants.
Can you use compost for indoor plants?
Yes, you can use compost for indoor plants. However, ensure it’s well-rotted and mixed with potting soil to avoid introducing pests into your home. Compost adds valuable nutrients to the soil, enhancing the overall health of your indoor plants.
How to display indoor plants
If you’re considering purchasing your first indoor plants, then you may have a location in mind already. There are plenty of variations on plant display techniques, but the very best combine your plants needs with the personal aesthetic you plan to achieve.
Standalone: Use large, visually striking plants like fiddle leaf figs as standalone pieces to create a focal point in a room. Sizable pots and plenty of space surrounding the plant will help show it off and give it the ‘wow factor.’
Shelves: Arrange smaller plants on shelves to maximise vertical space. Mix and match different species for a dynamic display. Whether you’re decorating bookshelves, filling space on floating shelves or updating your office space, hanging plants can bring a touch of drama.
Hanging: Hanging planters have grown popular in kitchen displays, potteries and hobby rooms..
Living Wall: Living walls are the ideal solution to utilise vertical space in homes and offices. They allow you to create a wider surface area of green space without compromising on storage or display areas. Living walls can likewise create a dynamic separation in large open areas without completely closing off a space thus contributing to modern indoor living.
Where to buy indoor plants
When searching for your plant selection, it is vital that you find reputable retailers who are knowledgeable about their produce. This will ensure you get the healthiest plants possible, as well as unique care advice to keep your plants thriving in your indoor environment.
If you’re seeking a stunning indoor plant display to elevate your home or office, Walls of Plants is happy to help. Whether you aim to bring a touch of intimacy to a smaller home, or further develop your property by capturing the essence of exterior spaces within, our GreenWalls vertical stacking system is designed to create breathtaking living walls to the interior of your property. Equipped with auto-feed water tank systems and the added option of personalised plant selection, we allow you the freedom to explore indoor planting in a way you’ve never seen before.
