How To Select The Best Home Plants: Tips For Every Room

Bringing greenery into your home not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also improves air quality, promotes relaxation, and creates a more inviting atmosphere. However, choosing the right plants can be a daunting task. Whether you’re looking for low-light options, plants for a sunny window, or something that will thrive in your bathroom, this guide will help you select the best home plants suited to your space and lifestyle.

Understanding Your Environment: 

• Light Conditions
• Best Home Plants for Every Space 
• Tips for Selecting the Right Plants

 Light Conditions

Before selecting your plants, it’s essential to assess the light conditions in your home. Here’s a breakdown of common light types:

• Low Light: These areas receive indirect sunlight or are often shaded. Ideal for plants that can survive with minimal light exposure, like Snake Plant and ZZ Plant. Check how the sunlight enters your home at different times of the day to accurately gauge your low-light areas.
• Medium Light: Spaces that receive a few hours of indirect sunlight daily, such as rooms with sheer curtains. Consider plants like Pothos and Peace Lily, which can thrive in these conditions without becoming leggy or sparse.
• Bright Light: Areas with ample direct sunlight for most of the day, such as north-facing windows. This environment is perfect for sun-loving plants like succulents, cacti, and Geraniums, which require more sunlight to flourish.

Humidity Levels: 

Understanding the humidity in your home is crucial for selecting plants that will thrive. Here’s what to consider:

• High Humidity: Bathrooms and kitchens often have higher humidity levels, making them ideal for tropical plants that love moisture, such as Boston Fern and Spider Plant.
• Moderate Humidity: Living rooms and bedrooms typically have average humidity levels, suitable for many common houseplants like Peace Lily and Dracaena.
• Low Humidity: Dry environments, especially during winter, may necessitate plants that can withstand lower moisture levels, such as Aloe Vera and Cactus.

Temprature: 

Most indoor plants thrive in temperatures between 18°C to 24°C. When placing your plants, keep the following in mind:

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Plants near heaters or air conditioning units may suffer from temperature stress. It’s essential to choose spots that provide a stable environment.
• Consider Seasonal Changes: Some plants, like tropical varieties, may need extra care during colder months, such as moving them away from draughty windows or heating vents.

Best Home Plants For Every Space

1. Best Indoor Plants

Choosing indoor plants that complement your decor and fit your lifestyle can significantly enhance your space. Here are some top choices:

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): This hardy plant is renowned for its trailing vines and adaptability. It can thrive in low to bright indirect light and requires minimal maintenance. It’s perfect for shelves, hanging baskets, or as a tabletop centrepiece.
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Known for its elegant white blooms, the Peace Lily is not only beautiful but also effective in improving air quality by filtering out toxins. It prefers low to medium light and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry.

2. Best Plants for Dark Room

For those darker corners of your home, these plants can thrive with minimal light exposure:

• Snake Plant (Sansevieria): This resilient plant can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making it perfect for beginners. It features upright, sword-like leaves and is known for its air-purifying qualities.
• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): With glossy, dark green leaves, the ZZ Plant is another excellent option for low-light conditions. It requires minimal care and can go weeks without water, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals.

3. Best Plants for Specific Rooms

Selecting plants that suit particular rooms can enhance their function and beauty:

• Best Bathroom Plants:
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): This lush plant thrives in humid conditions and can help maintain moisture levels in your bathroom. Place it in a hanging basket or on a shelf to create a verdant oasis.
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): An excellent choice for high humidity, the Spider Plant produces "pups" that can be propagated easily. It’s great for hanging baskets and can tolerate a range of light conditions.
• Best Bedroom Plants:
• Lavender (Lavandula): Known for its calming scent, Lavender can improve sleep quality and create a soothing atmosphere. It requires bright light and can be grown in pots or as a decorative feature on bedside tables.
• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): This elegant palm is effective at humidifying the air, making it perfect for bedrooms. It prefers bright, indirect light and can reach heights that make it a statement piece.

4. Container Plants and Hanging Baskets

Utilising containers and hanging baskets can add visual interest to your indoor spaces:

• Best Plants for Pots:
• Geraniums (Pelargonium): Known for their vibrant blooms, Geraniums can add a pop of colour to patios or balconies. They thrive in full sun and require regular watering during hot months.
• Succulents: These low-maintenance plants come in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile for different container types. They thrive in bright light and require infrequent watering.
• Best Plants for Hanging Baskets:
• String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii): With its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves, this plant looks stunning in hanging pots. It prefers bright, indirect light and minimal watering.
• Petunias (Petunia): These flowering plants offer vibrant colors and bloom abundantly in hanging baskets, making them ideal for outdoor patios.

5. Best Screening Plants

Plants can serve as natural privacy screens and add a lush backdrop to your garden:

• Lilly Pilly (Syzygium): This fast-growing plant is excellent for creating privacy screens in gardens. It can be shaped easily through pruning and produces beautiful berries that attract wildlife.
• Bamboo: Known for its height and rapid growth, bamboo makes an effective natural barrier. Ensure you choose clumping varieties to prevent spreading and invading other garden areas.

6. Best Air-Cleaning Plants

Many plants can improve indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants:

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): This plant is not only attractive but also known for its air-purifying abilities, making it ideal for homes and offices. It thrives in various lighting conditions and requires minimal maintenance.
• Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): With large, glossy leaves, the Rubber Plant is effective at filtering out toxins and requires moderate light and regular watering to thrive.

Tips for Select the Right Plants

1. Assess Your Lifestyle: Choose plants that fit your maintenance level. If you’re frequently away from home, opt for low-maintenance plants that can withstand periods without water.
2. Consider Plant Size: Make sure the plant’s eventual size suits your space. Avoid large plants in small rooms, which can overwhelm the area.
3. Research Specific Needs: Understand each plant's light, water, and temperature requirements to ensure they will thrive in your specific environment.
4. Think About Placement: Consider how and where you’ll display your plants for maximum effect and health. Some plants may prefer being elevated, while others might thrive in low, shaded corners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best low-maintenance indoor plants?
Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, and Pothos are excellent choices for low-maintenance options that require minimal care and thrive in various conditions.

Can I keep plants in my bathroom?
Yes! Plants like Boston Fern and Spider Plant thrive in humid environments like bathrooms and can enhance the aesthetic while improving air quality.

How often should I water my indoor plants?
Watering needs vary by plant type, but generally, check the soil moisture—if it feels dry an inch below the surface, it’s time to water. Always ensure pots have proper drainage to prevent root rot.

What are the best air-purifying indoor plants?
Spider Plant, Peace Lily, and Rubber Plant are known for their air-cleaning properties and can help improve indoor air quality.

Are there any plants that can survive in full sun?
Yes! Succulents, Cacti, and Geraniums are great options for bright, sunny spots. Ensure they are well-watered during hotter months.

Conclusion

Selecting the best home plants can enhance your living space and improve your quality of life. By understanding your environment and the specific needs of each plant, you can create a vibrant, healthy home that reflects your personal style. For more plant options and gardening tips, check out our plants, seedlings, and seeds section.

Happy planting!

Additional Resources:

• Creating a Water-Saving Garden.
• Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Raised Garden Bed
• Planting Calendar for Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs in Australia