For many years, houseplants in the home consisted of a ficus tree in the corner and an African violet on the windowsill. Thankfully, times have changed. People are now embracing the aesthetic advantages of using multiple plants throughout the home and the many health benefits they offer.
Houseplants can transform a space from dull and stale to light, bright and modern. Shades of green and an assortment of textures make plants a strong design asset that should not be ignored. Additionally, many houseplants have the ability to clean the air we breathe and add oxygen back into your home.
Create a modern arrangement of plants in a beautiful and functional manner by incorporating one or more of the plants below into your home.
Snake Plant
The upright sword shaped leaves and low-maintenance needs of the snake plant make this houseplant a popular option for homes and offices. They prefer a tight, narrow pot and look best in an entryway, underneath a windowsill or anywhere else you may need a modern accent. Snake plants clean the air by producing unusually high amounts of oxygen during the day.
ZZ Plant
The glossy green leaves of this plant create an upright palm-like effect. ZZ plants remove toxins from the air that are commonly found in varnishes, paint, nail polish, rubber and leather. They are the perfect plant for your office desk, bathroom or kitchen counter.
Swiss Cheese Plant
This plant gets its name from its large heart shaped leaves that contains holes that look just like Swiss cheese. Use one or more in your sun room, living room or anywhere else you’d like a larger plant with tons of texture. It helps to clean the air of many toxins including those found in flooring and cabinets.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
One of the most popular plants in urban design, the fiddle leaf fig has beautiful wide shiny leaves with lots of texture. You often see them used in an empty corner or near a window to add instant height and color. This plant cleans the air of many different indoor pollutants.
Succulents
If you are looking for architecturally interesting plants to add to a coffee table, dining room or office, consider succulents. There are many interesting options to choose from. Consider using different types of glass vessels to add a designer feel or purchase a wall planter to take your design vertical. The design possibilities are endless with succulents.
Update your space to feel more urban and modern with the addition of architecturally interesting houseplants. They will not only look beautiful but will also clean the air you breathe.
Karen Musgrave, CNLP, is a marketing and education specialist at Hicks Nurseries.
