Do You Need Help Creating Your Own Indoor Jungle?
Get the latest plant décor ideas and tips to help you curate your own thriving plant oasis.
PLANT DECOR IDEAS
VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
The basic idea behind any indoor jungle is to mirror nature in its incredible diversity of species, sizes, shapes and colors. When creating you own urban jungle at home, variety is key. A combo of different sizes of plants is the initial step. For example, buy a giant plant that goes on the floor and then mix it up with some medium and smaller sized ones. Also, it's important to go for a variety of textures, like combining shiny leaves with prickly plants. To create visual interest, try plant stands and plant hangers to display them at varying levels.
A MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCE
Think about a stroll you took through the forest or in the jungle. Besides the view of trees, plants and bushes, what did it sound like, what did it smell like?
Recreate those moments in your home by adding a nature sounds, or by placing richly fragrant plants like lavender or jasmine. Are you in a dry climate? Adding a humidifier will not only make your plants happy, but will create a jungle-like atmosphere in your home.
BATHROOM OASIS, ANYONE?
No matter the style or size of your bathroom, incorporating houseplants is an impressive highlight. Places like a corner rack in the shower or around the bathroom vanity are ideal. You can also stick suction cup pots on the walls!
The bathroom is the most humid space in your house, much like the ideal tropical conditions that many plants will love.
A few great options are:
PLACE AROUND THE WINDOWSILLS
Little plants like cacti and succulents are perfect here. You can plant them in a variety of pots and create a cute display along your windowsills.
MAKE A STATEMENT
Don’t be hesitant to get one giant, big-leafed plant. You’ll be amazed at how a "hero" plant transforms your space.
Large Plant Recommendations:
INDOOR JUNGLE GARDENING: THE ESSENTIALS
To create and maintain your urban jungle, here are the must-have indoor gardening tools and accessories.
YOU WILL NEED:
Two types of potting soil- There are two types of houseplant soils: a well-drained soil with sand (for cacti, succulents and other dry-type of houseplants) and a moist soil for most other common indoor houseplants, especially the tropical ones. Also, organic soil is the best.
Gravels of different colors for decorative topping
WHICH FACTORS INFLUENCE THE SELECTION OF NEW PLANTS?
Humidity and light levels in your home
Do you have pets?
Are you away a lot?
For example, if you happen to have high humidity levels, plants like ferns and Calatheas are amazing.
Since most homes are on the dry side, hardy species like the large monstera deliciosa, succulents, and cacti are more suitable.
These require minimal maintenance, and would satisfy plant lovers who are not at home regularly.
If you have furry friends, stay away from Pothos and Philodendron as they are toxic to pets. You can check the list of poisonous plants to pets here.
WHICH PLANTS TO BEGIN WITH?
Easy answer- start with the hardy species.
This will not only save you time and money, but also help you gain more experience in your plant caring acumen. It's important to realize that plants are not native to our manmade homes, and some do better than other when it comes to adapting to their new environment. Also, keep in mind that every indoor gardener kills plants from time to time. Experimentation is part of any learning process, so let go of the idea you have a "black thumb." Once you’re more familiar with a plants’ general needs, you can then venture into more exotic and rarer specimens.
SUCCULENTS AND CACTI
Cacti and succulents are some of the easiest indoor plants to care for. Succulents and cacti grow well on neglect and like dry soil.
All you need to remember is to rarely water them- should be easy enough, right? Succulents
and cacti need to be placed closer to the windows where they can capture a lot of sunlight.
During the winter, you just need to keep them cool and dry. That's pretty much it.
CRAWLING AND WALL-CLIMBING PLANTS
Crawling and climbing plants immediately create a dynamic effect. For beginner indoor gardeners, here are some great choices of vines and crawlers to consider:
The string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): a succulent plant that really loves bright light and dry environments and is low maintenance. With string of pearls, it’s best to grow them in a hanging basket.
Creeping fig (ficus pumila): it’s loved by lots of gardeners due to the small, leathery dark green foliage which easily complements other houseplants. Creeping fig is also known for strong growth and loves a dry environment- careful not to overwater it.
Pothos (epipremnum aureum) : most of the Pothos varieties can grow indoors or under direct sunlight so it’s not a problem to find a place for it somewhere in your home.
Ivy: like Pothos, this plant can adapt to a range of light conditions and grows very fast. It needs a wide and shallow planter and prefers a spot where there is direct sunlight. If you love evergreen foliage, try this.
Heartleaf Philodendron: this is one of the most popular plants to create an urban jungle indoors because of their tropical appearance. Also, they are low maintenance. In dried soil and moderate light condition, they will grow no problem.
TERRARIUMS, KOKEDAMA, AND AIR PLANTS
For special effects, try a few unusual plants, such as air plants and make your own terrariums.
Unlike what the name seems to promise, you still need to water air plants FYI.
Another really fun plant option is kokedama, which are Japanese moss balls.
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