Step into any home and you're bound to find a plant or two gracing its living spaces. For centuries, humans have relied on the natural beauty and benefits of plants to bring life and energy into their homes. Whether you're looking to create a zen-like atmosphere in your living room or just want to add a touch of greenery to your office, indoor plants are the perfect way to do it.
📸: @greentica
Plants are more than just a pretty addition. They're a breath of fresh air, literally! They add a splash of color to the interior design, improve air quality, and create a calming and rejuvenating ambiance that enhances your mental and physical well-being.
Today’s world has sustainability and self-care at the forefront of people’s minds, so it is no surprise that indoor plants have all of the spotlights on them. In this blog, we'll take you through everything you need to know about bringing the power of plants into your home in 2023. We'll cover expert tips and advice, choosing the perfect plants for your space, and giving them the care and attention they need to not just survive, but thrive. Grab your gardening gloves and get ready to discover the incredible world of indoor plants.
Don’t just add plants into your home because people tell you it's trendy! Do it because it's one of the smartest decisions you can make for your health and happiness. Not only do these green beauties spruce up your space, but they also have some fantastic benefits that go beyond aesthetics.
For starters, it is well known that indoor plants have the ability to purify the air, making your home a healthier environment to breathe in. These green friends will absorb toxins, reduce pollution and create an overall cleaner atmosphere for you and your family.
Adding plants to your home can have a positive impact on your mental and physical well-being too. Studies show that indoor plants can help to lower stress levels, boost creativity, and even elevate your mood, making you feel happier and more relaxed. Plus, Melvin Cubian gardening expert at PlantIn reminds us that “engaging with simple activities like repotting can reduce stress levels and blood pressure, which is a good distraction when you feel low and unmotivated.”G
Last but not least, plants can create a calming and tranquil atmosphere in your home. Whether you're a fan of leafy greens or prefer a more minimalist approach, plants can help to bring nature indoors, making your space feel more serene and rejuvenating. Mo Bhula, plant specialist at The Botanical Archive points out that plants will “soften the hard lines of a room, add natural color and texture, and create a more welcoming and inviting atmosphere.”
Not all plants are created equal. There are factors to consider like the amount of light, temperature, and humidity in each room. Certain plants, like succulents and cacti, are great for low light and low maintenance, while others such as ferns and tropical plants need more humidity and bright light. So, before rushing out to buy a bunch of plants, take the time to assess each room.
Additionally, some plants are time-consuming to care for. Choosing low-maintenance plants like snake plants or aloe vera can help reduce stress and make it easier to keep your plants healthy and thriving. If you're new to plant parenthood, we recommend starting with easy-to-care-for options and working your way up to more challenging plants.
Don't be afraid to get creative! 2023 is all about individuality and uniqueness in our homes. Because of this, “we see the trend of rarer and more unusual plants continuing, plants like Anthurium Crystallinum, Alocasia Dragon Scale, and Philodendron Pink Princess,” states plant expert Mo Bhula. The trend of trying something new is on the rise. “Indoor olive trees are another plant that we think will enter homes in 2023, often grown outdoors, we are installing these plants in bright indoor spaces more often and they look incredible!”
📸: @lykkeboet
Plants can be incorporated into any area of your home, including your living room, bedroom, bathroom, and even your kitchen. You can choose to place them on shelves, or coffee tables, or hang them from the ceiling. Experiment with different locations and plant species as you decorate your unique home to fit your lifestyle. DIY, plant, and home decor expert Emily Auffrey shares her love for Pothos, “This plant trails and climbs, allowing you to trail or climb it on decor.” Emily continues, “I have a Pothos climbing up my plug-in pendant light cords. It's hiding the cords and providing an aesthetically pleasing look at the same time.” We all have different environments and needs, but the overall goal is to use plants to enhance the look and feel of your space to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Taking care of your indoor plants is also an essential part of having them in your home. Here are some quick tips to help you be a good plant parent:
Plants need light to photosynthesize and grow. Choose a spot in your home with plenty of natural light or supplement with artificial lighting. Make sure the plants receive at least 6 hours of direct light each day. While plants need light, too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves and damage them. To combat this, try placing them in a location with bright, indirect light instead.
Watering your plants consistently is critical for their long-term survival and health. However, be careful not to over-water them, as this can lead to root rot. Instead, wait until the top layer of soil has dried out before watering, and make sure to drain any excess water. As a cheap and affordable tool, we recommend getting a plant moisture meter to assist you in this process.
Plants need nutrients to grow and maintain their health. Fertilize your plants with a balanced plant food every two weeks during the growing season and monthly during the dormant season. Too much fertilizer can damage your plants and lead to salt buildup in the soil. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and use it sparingly.
Something not often thought about is what to do when bringing new plants home. “Quarantine new plants you bring home for 2 weeks,” suggests home decor expert Emily Auffrey. “The new plant could have pests and you don't want it to infect the rest of your plants.”
Repotting your plants every now and then will contribute to long-term health and growth. Melvin Cubian gardening expert at PlantIn emphasizes the importance of repotting your plants “with a well-draining mixture of standard soil, organic material like peat moss or compost, and perlite or sand will keep its roots healthy, aerated, and absorb water and nutrients nicely.”
📸: @fellowtexan
Pruning your plants is important for their growth and health. Cut back any dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves, and prune back any branches that are crossing or touching other parts of the plant. This allows the plant to channel its energy toward the healthy branches for better growth.
The trend of indoor plants will continue to blossom, and we can expect to see a whole new world of exciting and innovative ways to incorporate greenery into our homes. Think unique planter designs, a wider variety of low-maintenance plants, and an increased focus on sustainability in the industry. The possibilities are endless, and we can't wait to see what the future holds!
But the journey doesn't end here. We want you to try adding greenery to your real rooms. If this sounds fun, be sure to check out the DecorMatters app for all things interior design including indoor plants. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or a newbie, the app is the perfect place for visualizing greenery and plants you can buy today, in your real home. So give DecorMatters a try and create your lush and thriving paradise!