Houseplant Haven: Turning your House into an Indoor Oasis

Houseplants have a reputation for being boring, like that unsociable political aide that nobody likes or the grouchy inventor whose invention perpetually fails. Yet, whether you’re a middle-aged cat lady or an ambitious entrepreneur, houseplants resonate with the human psyche in their own subtle ways. 

You don’t need a Moroccan courtyard to curate a bevy of good-looking houseplants in your home. Find yourself missing the sun south of the equator? Maybe you want to take your Victorian-era obsession for terrariums indoors or simply seek to brighten the dead space inside your office. Whatever the case, it’s time to dust off these planters that have been collecting dust and transform your house into an indoor houseplant haven. 

The Basics of Houseplants 

Houseplants are pretty easy to take care of, and the best thing is, can be scattered haphazardly and still maintain a semblance of cohesion as long as you aim for a general vibe. Most gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts are probably not too fussy about the schematics of their houseplants, which is a good thing because they’re relatively portable. 

Beyond the basic houseplant care, you don’t need to expend too much effort into taking care of your houseplants. And while you may encounter the occasional dead snake plant, houseplants are generally tough and can endure a lot.  

Houseplant Care: 

• Lighting: Houseplants prefer bright, indirect light – anywhere near a large, open window suffices. Pothos, Dracaena, Zamioculcas (ZZ Plant), and prayer plants can all tolerate low light. 
• Fertilizer: Houseplants will need fertilizer throughout the growing season to maintain nutrient levels. 
• Watering: Overwatering is one of the primary causes of dead houseplants, so be sure to monitor water intake. 
• Rarer varieties: More experienced gardeners can choose rarer or more unusual specimens that require more maintenance, with an eye towards humidity levels and lighting requirements. 
• Assess your style: Evaluate your space and determine the specifics. Consider how many houseplants can fit and explore creative arrangements. Some find themselves drawn to paler flowers like jasmine while others prefer the variegated leaves of the Monstera plant, which are among the more expensive varieties. 

1. Stack Houseplants Together to Cascade Harmoniously 

Houseplants are one of these things that are ‘just there,’ proliferating as a jungle-like mass of tangled fronds. However, making the conscious effort to style your houseplants can be a fun and relaxing project. 

To maximize available space, use decorative planters or elevated containers. Multi-plant stands allow you to stack houseplants of varying heights, creating a harmonious display. Plants like philodendrons, Boston ferns, and chain of hearts are happy to trail down a shelf or from a hanging basket. Situate larger plants such as lucky bamboo above shorter plants like orchids in a circular arrangement to form a lush curvature of green. Unexpected places can also be used to your advantage, including the space below the rails and certain corners of the bathroom. 

2. Research the Care Requirements for Houseplants 

If you’re a beginner, select sturdy houseplants that thrive without or without you. These can run the gauntlet from plants that tolerate low-light to these that can go weeks without water and will still rebound back with a vengeance. They may not be the most interesting or attractive (heart leaf philodendron comes to mind), but they’ll always be there. Phalaenopsis (moth orchids), the basic ones you find at the grocery store, will flourish with moderate neglect, while collector’s orchids may require more attention. For something less basic, look for African violets or begonias. 

3. Grow Herbs Indoors   

Gardening can be hard work, and it’s not something that everybody is willing to do. However, herbs are among the easier crops to grow (even for veterate plant killers), thriving indoors provided that there’s an ample light source. Even those with an irrational hatred of houseplants will be drawn to the simple charm of herbs, which can be used to instantly elevate the taste of a dish. With Vego’s line of indoor herb planters, you can now effortlessly showcase your herbs throughout the home, whether on coffee tables or window ledges. You don’t even need to venture outside to have fresh herbs handy – perfect for the self-professed couch potato. 

4. Scout for Intriguing, Lesser-Known Houseplants     

Orchid aficionados are like tomato enthusiasts, and while not readily prevalent, are out there. In fact, the frenzy for rare orchids lives on in infamous illegal orchid trades, a testament to the staying power of the strange and beautiful. For those wanting to undertake legal routes, the Monnierara Millennium Magic 'Witchcraft' is a darkly-petalled orchid – among the darkest – that makes a great addition for those seeking to cultivate a Victorian aesthetic. When it comes to bedazzling colors, few are as evocative or descriptive as bromeliads. Look for Aechmea fasciata (silver vase) for statement impact.  

While grocery store varieties often carry a stigma as ‘poor man’s plants’ and may not be as sought-after, some unusual varieties do turn up once and a while. Variegated versions of ordinary houseplants like ZZs are usually more coveted (if you’ve been brought into the houseplant craze, then you know how much a full-grown Monstera Albo costs). Keep in mind that so-called rare plants like Medinilla magnifica may not be rare in their native habitats, where they are pulled out like weeds. For the more intrepid, look for plant swaps or browse Facebook marketplace for unusual cultivars that have been mistaken for lesser plants by the uninitiated. 

5. Embrace Old-Fashioned Trends  

 Although garden themes are usually meant for the outdoors, you can style your houseplants to reflect a certain theme, albeit on a smaller scale. Curate a group of pale-colored flowers for a look reminiscent of a moonlight garden, or gather colorful bromeliads to evoke the feel of a tropical jungle. Peruse older houseplant books for inspiration on what styles used to be in fashion. Huge ferns and flowering houseplants were once in vogue and now languish in obscurity, waiting to be revived again. Nobody seems to hang planters using macrame holders anymore, but that shouldn’t stop you from doing so.