An expert’s guide to indoor plants

Nathan Smith and Jason Chongue from The Plant Society stand amongst the many plants within their store.

How to select plants for your apartment (and help them thrive)

 

 

 

 

Not only do indoor plants look good – it turns out they’re good for us, too. Studies have shown that bringing a little bit of the outdoor world into your living space has positive benefits for your physical and mental health.

From reducing stress and fatigue to boosting mood and productivity – and purifying the air while they’re at it – there are plenty of reasons to flex your green thumb and develop an indoor jungle of your own.

This approach to connecting with the natural world – also known as biophilic design – was something we considered when designing the indoor planting for Home. We teamed up with The Plant Society to curate our green interior spaces. “As urban dwellers, we forget the importance of nature in our lives and that even simple additions of greenery make a world of difference in our homes,” says Jason Chongue, co-founder and owner of The Plant Society.

Picking the perfect plants

When choosing plants for your apartment, the first and most important step is to assess your environment. Natural light is the most critical factor here, so pay attention to the intensity and duration of the light on offer in your space.

If you’re just getting started, try not to overcomplicate things by taking on too many plants. Not only will it stop you from overcrowding the space and making it look smaller, but slowly growing your collection also allows you to develop your skills and get into the habit of plant maintenance.

After all, if you take care of your plants – they’ll take care of you.

Book a tour now to see Home’s use of plants in our shared spaces, designed in collaboration The Plant Society.

 

 

JASON CHONGUE’S TOP TIPS FOR GROWING PLANTS IN YOUR APARTMENT

  • Light matters

    Slow down and observe the natural lighting on offer in your home. Always select plants that will thrive in the lighting you have on hand.

  • Go easy (on yourself)

    Gardening is all about building your skill set. Don’t be hard on yourself as you learn.

  • Personal plant style

    Plants can be an extension of your personality. Embrace the aesthetics you love through foliage and texture.

Four essential indoor plants

Fruit Salad Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Illustration of a fruit salad plant in a brown pot.
Fruit Salad Plant (Monstera deliciosa)

An enduring houseplant hero with an easy-care nature and classic leaf shape. As its leaves mature the dark green colour gives way to Swiss cheese-style gaps that provide a focal point that suits any interior. Style them on shelving when they’re small and as they mature move them onto the floor.

  • Care information
  • Light: prefers bright light but can adapt to low light
  • Water: keep moist over the warmer months and reduce watering in the cooler months
  • Ideal temperature: cool to warm
Illustration of a fruit salad plant in a brown pot.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
An illustration of a peace lily plant in a brown pot.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Forgiving when slightly neglected but when conditions are ideal they’ll become lush. Their long oval leaves create an interesting upright plant and make them one of the easiest ways to add height to your decor. When conditions are ideal, you’ll be rewarded with the occasional white lily flower.

  • Care information
  • Light: prefers bright light but can adapt to low light
  • Water: keep moist over the warmer months and reduce watering in the cooler months
  • Ideal temperature: cool to warm
An illustration of a peace lily plant in a brown pot.
Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
An illustration of a devil's ivy plant in a brown pot.
Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

One of the most common houseplants because it’s beginner-friendly and can handle a range of conditions. Even if slightly neglected it will still stand strong. Its glossy heart-shaped leaves will marble with yellow or white as the long trailing growth grows as long as you like.

  • Care information
  • Light: prefers filtered to bright light
  • Water: keep moist over the warmer months and reduce watering in the cooler months
  • Ideal temperature: cool to warm
An illustration of a devil's ivy plant in a brown pot.
Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
An illustration of a Zanzibar gem plant in a brown pot.
Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The perfect plant for a beginner as it’s extremely forgiving. The dark green, waxy-looking leaves give a prehistoric look while creating a sculptural shape that suits most spaces. Add one to your hallway to create an interesting architectural edge to your space.

  • Care information
  • Light: prefers bright, but can adapt to low light
  • Water: water sparingly and keep mostly dry
  • Ideal temperature: cool to warm
An illustration of a Zanzibar gem plant in a brown pot.