Fight the Winter Scaries with Indoor Plants
After the evergreen boughs and bright trimmings of Christmas decor have been packed away, and all the family and friends go back to their own spaces, our homes can seem a little bare. One of my favorite ways to fight the winter blues is bringing in a new houseplant or two. The verdant hues and organic shapes of houseplants give me energy and add a little life back into the space!
Plus, a trip to one of my local nurseries is such a visual treat for my soul. It’s a bit like going to an art museum or seeing a beautiful sunset. There’s so much beauty wrapped up in all the colors, hues, textures, and shapes of houseplants. There are several wonderful plant nurseries in my city, but one of my favorites is Bates Nursery and Garden Center. They have an enormous selection of indoor and outdoor flora! AND they have an entertaining and very informative newsletter that you can subscribe to. I read every copy that hits my inbox. If you’re local check them out.
When choosing a houseplant here’s a few things to consider—
Check the amount of light needed for the health of the plant.
Think about the size in relation to where you will put it.
Consider the shape and color of the leaves in comparison to other plants you may already have in the space.
Personally, I like to add variety to my plant collection when they’re going to share the same room with each other. Contrast is your friend and different leaf shapes and patterns allows each one to shine in its on way. Kinda like people—here’s to diversity!
Follow the directions on the care for the plant. And don’t forget to fertilize.
I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to houseplants. Whether its for my E-design clients or my own spaces, I gravitate to adding in a bit of greenery with indoor flora. Be it real or faux the organic touch of nature adds another layer to the design of any room. Not only does the houseplant itself add dimension and color to the overall aesthetic of the space, so does the planter you put it in.
Whether that be a terracotta planter that patinas with age, a ceramic pot with a smooth glaze that reflects light, or a porcelain planter with asymmetrical hand-carved shapes. Whatever container you choose it adds to the visual layers in the room. And layers add interest!
Things to consider when choosing your planter—
Pick an appropriate planter that fits the size and scale of your plant.
Think about whether your plant needs a deep pot for it’s root system or a wide mouth shallow pot to expand its vine-y tendrils.
Check the drainage situation. Is it watertight? Or does it have a drainage hole?
a drainage hole means it needs a saucer or some sort of tray underneath to catch the excess water and protect your furniture or floor surface.
a lack of drainage hole means you need to provide a way for the root system to have room to aerate. Most plants don’t like to perpetually stand in water. It can lead to root rot. This article is helpful to arm you with the knowledge of how to prep a pot with no drainage hole.
Consider adding a cork mat underneath the pot to protect the surface it’s sitting on.
This small white porcelain planter, with its asymmetrical hand-carved shapes, is a lovely art piece in its own right! It would add a layer of dimension to a small houseplant.
The warm patina of this large brass planter would shine alongside a larger houseplant or tree.
These pots from Etsy seller, Tectle—a Canadian based company—are works of art in their own right! AND they can be purchased with a water plate/saucer.
Here’s a round up of some of my current favorites—
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Bergs Potter’s Simona & Saturn Clay Pots (I have several of these and I love them!)
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Lightweight Turin Planter (great price!)
Cork Mat, in various sizes
It’s a bit of trial and error to see what grows best in my space. I have them scattered throughout my home. So if one isn’t doing too good in one spot I can move it to a different room and see if that makes it happier.
What about you? Do you have favorites?