My office is stuffed with houseplants here at Bob’s.  Many of them have been used as inspiration for videos and blog posts, while others I have received as gifts.  They make up a significant part of the general feel of the space.  Using houseplants as part of your decor can be a rewarding experience, but there are a few things to consider.

Picking Your Plants

Just like planning your outdoor landscape, you need to weigh a few factors before picking a plant for a specific space.  The primary consideration is light.  Would the plant you want to display in a specific location get the right amount of light there?  If not, can you supplement with a plant light?  Going the opposite route, many houseplants require less light.

The next thing to consider is the space itself.  A big houseplant might make a bold statement, but might eventually get too big for the space.  Likewise, a tiny succulent might get lost among the rest of the décor.  The nice thing is that houseplants come in virtually every shape and size to fill that houseplant-shaped hole in your room … and heart.  😍 🌿

The Pot in a Pot

After picking out a plant and bringing it home comes the fun part, potting it up to enjoy.  I have a somewhat eclectic look in my office so I have pots of all shapes and sizes ranging from classic terra cotta to ceramics and even some cheapo plastics.  If you want a more cohesive and adaptable look, I recommend the pot in a pot method.

This is exactly what it sounds like.  Planting the specimen in a small, cheaper pot and then putting it in a fancier container.  There are a few benefits to this method.  For example, you can change out your pots seasonally and you’re also not limited to using traditional pots.  Have a cool wicker basket?  Just plop the pot inside it!

Topdressing

There’s nothing wrong with potting mix, but it can be a bit … um … ugly.  This is where topdressings come in.  From a moisture management standpoint some topdressings can perform the same function as mulch outdoors, but, for the most part, it is decorative.  River rock, glass beads, moss, hardwood mulch, and more can dress up the top of your houseplant’s pot and also help control moisture.

Lights

Gone are the days of unsightly fluorescent tubes.  There are now a wide selection of stylish and energy efficient LED plant lights to give your plants the supplemental lighting they need.  Some models even have apps so they can be controlled from your phone!

Now more than ever you can create an indoor paradise tailored to fit your style.  At home, my wife and I are shooting for a light and airy look so we’ll probably stick to baskets and white ceramic pots.  Mix, match, and make it your own.

Photos Via pxhere