Plant styling mistakes that have sent your home interiors into disarray

Houseplants are one of those home trends that never go out of style. In fact, you may even have heard this season hailed as the ‘garden girl summer‘. Houseplant styling is undeniably in right now. The question is, why can you never seem to get it right?

Far from the lush and thriving forest that’s soon set to take over your Pinterest inspo board, your houseplants could easily look a little lacking. Perhaps you simply can’t achieve the same richness of plant depth, or perhaps even your hoard of plantlings doesn’t hit the right greenery notes. Either way, something needs to change, and you may develop some idea of what that is if you keep on reading to find out about these common houseplant mistakes!

Mistake # 1 – The niggle of neglect

We’re going right in with the big guns because, much as we hate to say it, neglect is the biggest plant styling mistake you can make. After all, houseplants are ideal decor additions because they stand to brighten your space, refresh your home and generally bring a little of the outdoors inside. Are you going to achieve those goals with an unwatered plant that’s barely seen the sun in weeks? Definitely not!

You must overcome this issue to ensure your plants stand a half-decent chance at looking good. Most importantly, you’re going to want to reconsider positioning. This can be a tricky thing to get right – put your plants too close to your windows, and you risk scorching them and blocking your light (neither of which will look good), but plants also need more light than they’ll get from that high shadowy shelf, no matter how great they look up there to start with.

In an ideal world, you should try to place your plants in a bright space that’s away from direct sunlight. Alternatively, look for varieties that need minimal light, such as succulents, peace lilies or spider plants, if you intend to fill dark spaces. That way, you can ensure stylishly attractive plants with no risk of unwanted wilting, or even death, on your hands!

Mistake # 2 – It’s a pot problem

What happens if your plants are fully watered, wonderfully lit, but still struggle to fill your rooms with green joy? Your pots may be the problem! While we often focus on the plants alone when it comes to green decor, the simple reality is that those pots can be just as impactful. Mistakes, including exposing your plant’s plastic pot or choosing an ill-fitting pot, can result in unattractive, off-kilter plant additions.

Instead, you should seek a pot that’s every bit as impressive as the plant it’s housing. You should also match that pot to your broader decor, be that through colours or general style vibes. Your plant should also be a good fit and well-paired to that pot itself!

Luckily, companies like Leaf Envy sell both plants and pots, making it possible to easily match your plant with its ideal pot pairing as you buy. That way, you never need to worry about seeking a third-party pot that’s not a great match, or worse, leaving your plant in its unattractive, faux-terracotta plastic pot until you find the time (or not) to source a new one.

Mistake # 3 – Is bare soil boring?

We’re betting you didn’t even think about this one, but what if we were to tell you that bare, exposed soil simply isn’t in fashion right now? It’s wild, we know, but the interior Gods have deemed that on-display compost may not be the best look for your home. So, where do you go from here?

Well, we’re glad to say that there are plenty of attractive ways to cover the soil and add a real depth of plant-based interest. You’re going to want to find a top dressing for your bare soil, and there are plenty of options. From bark, moss and crushed shells for the natural look, right through to boldly bright aquarium pebbles for a more eclectic home, you can have a lot of fun with this.

One thing we would recommend is to make sure that your top layer also blends well with your pots. After all, grey pebbles would be a bit of an anticlimax if you paired them with a multicoloured pot! Instead, look for top-covers that complement the pot colour or style, ensuring that your plants are well-thought-out, seamless additions to your rooms.

Mistake # 4 – Where’s the plant plan?

Planning is for work, not home, are we right? Maybe not where your plants are concerned! Just like how you have to carefully plan each picture in a gallery wall, thinking in advance about plant positioning can ensure both the best environments for each plant species and also the best-looking finish. Fail to do this, and your plants could start to look more like clutter than a curated collection.

But what exactly should a plant plan look like? Well, you’ll want to ensure that you place every plant intentionally, either to add colour, interest or new textures. You should certainly avoid placing, say, shelf-based plants too close together to avoid overwhelm.

If you want to go all out, you could also have fun thinking about decor groupings, which could see you pairing a striped plant like a philodendron with ornaments that mimic its colours or pattern design. Or, simply pair surrounding decor additions with your plant pot style to ensure a considered appearance, rather than an unruly finish.

Conclusion: Can you become a great plant parent after all?

It’s easy to purchase a plant and assume it will look great at home no matter what you do, but that’s simply not the reality. Instead, plants should be carefully considered, well-styled home additions that receive all the attention they deserve. However, fear not, if you’ve always fallen short as a plant parent until now – avoiding these top plant styling mistakes could be all it takes to finally turn things around for you and your plant family!

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Green thumb dreams on a budget: Entry-level plants for the newbie gardener

So, you’ve been bitten by the gardening bug! The idea of nurturing life from a tiny seed or a humble cutting fills you with excitement. But the sheer volume of information and the fear of instant plant demise can be daunting. Don’t worry, budding botanist! You don’t need a fancy greenhouse or years of experience to cultivate a thriving indoor or outdoor space. This informative guide will introduce you to some resilient and forgiving entry-level plants that are perfect for the newbie gardener.

These plants are chosen for their ease of care, adaptability and ability to bounce back from beginner mistakes. They’ll help you build confidence and develop fundamental gardening skills without the constant pressure of perfection.

Indoor heroes: Bringing the outdoors in

Let’s start with plants that thrive indoors, bringing a touch of nature to your living space:

Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Often called “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” this plant is practically indestructible. It tolerates low light, infrequent watering and regular neglect. Its striking, upright leaves add a modern touch and it’s also known for its air-purifying qualities.
Care tip: Water only when the soil is completely dry.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): A trailing vine that’s incredibly versatile. Pothos can handle various light conditions (though bright, indirect light is best), and it’s tolerant of under-watering. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or shelves.
Care tip: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Propagating pothos is super easy – just snip a stem and pop it in water until roots grow!
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): A classic for a reason! Spider plants are easy to grow and produce “spiderettes” (baby plants) on long stems, giving you even more green to enjoy. They like bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
Care tip: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. You can easily pot up the spiderettes once they develop roots.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The epitome of low-maintenance. The ZZ plant can tolerate drought, low light and even infrequent fertilisation. Its waxy, dark green leaves add a touch of sophistication.
Care tip: Seriously, don’t overwater! This plant prefers to dry out between waterings.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum): While a little more sensitive than the others on this list, the peace lily is wonderful for showing you when it needs water – it dramatically droops! It prefers shade and moist soil at all times. It also offers beautiful white blooms in the right conditions.

Outdoor champions: Sprucing up your garden

Ready to venture outdoors? Here are some easy-to-grow plants that will thrive in your garden or patio containers:

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.): These cheerful flowers are not only beautiful but also surprisingly low-maintenance. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and are incredibly tolerant of neglect. They also act as natural pest repellents!
Care tip: Deadhead (remove spent blooms) regularly to encourage more flowering.
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans): Another vibrant and easy-to-grow annual. Zinnias come in a wide array of colours and sizes and are loved by pollinators. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Care tip: Like marigolds, deadheading zinnias will encourage more blooms.
Succulents (various): These drought-tolerant beauties are perfect for sunny spots and require minimal watering. Choose from a variety of shapes, colours and textures. Sedums, Echeverias and Sempervivums are good choices for beginners.
Care tip: Ensure your succulents have well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Herbs (mint, basil, chives): Growing your own herbs is a rewarding experience. Mint, basil and chives are relatively easy to grow, even for beginners. Plant them in pots or in the ground in a sunny location.
Care tip: Harvest herbs regularly to encourage bushier growth. Be careful with mint, as it can be invasive!

Essential tips for newbie gardeners:

Start small: Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many plants at once. Begin with a few and gradually expand your collection as you gain confidence and experience.
Do your research: Before bringing a plant home, research its specific needs regarding light, water and soil.
Don’t overwater: Overwatering is a common mistake made by beginners. It’s always better to underwater slightly than to overwater.
Observe your plants: Pay attention to your plants and learn to recognise the signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves, drooping or pests.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Local nurseries and garden centres are excellent resources for information and advice.
Embrace the learning process: Gardening is a journey, not a destination. There’ll be successes and failures along the way. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes; learn from them and keep growing!

With these easy-to-care-for plants and essential tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving indoor or outdoor oasis. Happy gardening!

Your guide to easy low-light houseplants

Many of us feel the need to have greenery about the house, but don’t successfully manage it due to lack of sunlight.

Lots of us live in environments with scant natural light. This makes growing healthy houseplants seem like an impossible mission. We have good news, though!

There are many low-light houseplants that not only survive but downright flourish in darker situations. These tough plants are ideal for dark nooks that require a little dose of nature, like shady offices or poorly lit rooms.

Let’s explore the amazing world of simple low-light houseplants.

The best low-light houseplants for your home

Understanding why these specific plants thrive without much sunlight helps us appreciate them.

Usually native to the forest floor, where they grow organically under the cover of larger trees, low-light plants usually depend on filtered or indirect light for survival. They’ve adapted remarkably well to flourish with little light.

These plants are your perfect choice if you’ve been cursed with low-sunlight rooms.

Sansevieria trifasciata

Often called the ‘unkillable plant’, snake plants are the ultimate survivors.

Their broad, straight leaves not only look amazing, but also help to effectively clean the air. Not only that, they can survive just fine if you forget to water them occasionally. A snake plant can withstand neglect like a pro!

Put them in a dark corner and their sword-like leaves will still look amazing.

Just be careful to not overwater them. They prefer dry soil, which is ideal for those of us who sometimes inadvertently overlook our plants.

ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Novice and experienced gardeners alike love the ZZ plant with its shiny, waxy leaves.

It thrives on neglect and only needs water when the soil is totally dry. This low-light marvel can manage the most negligent of plant parents. It can also brighten the worst of interiors and is quite tolerant of low light.

The strong, nearly indestructible character of the ZZ plant is fantastic for low-light environments. It’s perfect for busy people, too, as it’s extremely self-sufficient. It’s also pest-resistant, requires no pruning and can survive for long periods without water.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, sometimes known as Devil’s Ivy, is a vine that almost seems to be designed for low-light conditions.

Whether on shelves, in hanging baskets, or even cascading from a high point, Pothos looks amazing with its trailing green and often variegated leaves. This one requires little maintenance and thrives even under fluorescent illumination. It is a beautiful plant and one of the easiest to cultivate.

Pothos eliminates impurities that are prevalent in offices and homes, therefore cleaning the air. They’re usually added in highly polluted areas.

It is also extremely enduring when it comes to dry spells or total darkness.

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are making a major comeback, thanks to their laid-back nature and odd look.

Their arching green and white striped leaves are ideal for hanging baskets where they can dangle free. Perfect for any place, spider plants are tolerant of low light and flourish in less-than-perfect conditions.

Seeing a spider plant create plantlets, which you can propagate and present to friends or put around your house, is one of the pleasures of owning one. In addition, it also naturally cleans your environment by acting as an air filter.

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)

Loved for its elegant white blossoms and glossy green leaves, the peace lily is a classic houseplant.

If you want a little elegance in your room, this is one of the few plants that blooms in low light. Low-maintenance peace lilies communicate nicely with their carers. If they’re thirsty, they will droop slightly to indicate it’s time for a drink.

These plants are also well-known for their air-purifying properties. They address typical indoor contaminants and help to create better surroundings.

Just keep the soil moist and give them the odd wipe-down to maintain the brightness and health of their leaves.

Tips for caring for low-light houseplants

These laid-back plants still need some care, even though they’re low maintenance.

These basic ideas will help you to keep your low-light plants in perfect shape:

Most low-light plants prefer dry soil between watering. The fastest method to harm a low-light plant is overwatering, so always inspect the soil well before adding extra water.
Dust the leaves gently every now and again to ensure they look their best. Dust can prevent light from reaching them and remarkably impact their health. Use a moist cloth to clean them.
Plants often grow towards the light. Rotating them every few weeks helps them grow uniformly and preserve a balanced form.

Bringing greenery into every room

Low-light plants enhance air quality, add life and create a calming environment that will raise your mood.

From bathrooms to basements, these flexible plants find a home almost anywhere and brighten even the darkest nooks.

If you need help growing these shade-loving plants, schedule an appointment with a professional gardener.

Conclusion

Adding houseplants to your home doesn’t need to be a war against sunlight. With the right choice and care, you can turn your darkest room into a green haven. There’s always a low-light plant that will embrace the shadier parts of your home.

Whether it’s a simple ZZ plant or an extravagant snake one, your house will have a fabulous green vibe.

These plants are bred to survive dry spells and scarce light. Choose your preferred type and let your house blossom regardless of its apparent darkness.

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Factors to consider before using an online plant delivery service

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How much time people spend at home varies and depends on several factors like the type of work they do. While some people spend the better part of their day at work or on the road, others are indoors – almost round the clock. Remote work has always been a thing, but many people will agree that the events that took place in 2020 really made it popular.

But regardless of whether you spend the whole day at home or not, the home should still look nice right? For people who work from home, it’s especially important that the home look lively if you’re to enjoy working and spending so much time in it. Click here to learn more about how your workspace can affect remote work.

There are a few ways to go about this. One, you could repaint the area you’ve set up as your workstation with a colour with much more energy. Many people think white is the way to go, however, several studies have shown that white tends to have a negative effect on workers’ productivity. Experts recommend other punchier colours like blue, red and green.

If this sounds like a lot of work, there’s a simple change you can make that would have a drastic effect on you and your workstation. Live plants can drastically affect you and your workstation for the better. There are several benefits that come with having them around including increased productivity, better mood, reduced stress levels, improved indoor air quality and much more.

Rather than have your whole house repainted, a few flowers here and there can have as much effect if not more. What’s great is that you can purchase a wide range of species from the comfort of your home. All you need do is find a reliable plant delivery service and you’re all set. Once you complete your purchase order, the plant is shipped straight to your door. Talk about convenience!

But for first-timers, it’s easy to make mistakes buying plants via the internet or using a delivery service. In this post, we’ll go over a few factors you might want to consider before using an online plant delivery service.

Reputation

When it comes to plant delivery, reputation is a big consideration for many customers and there are a few reasons for this. One is the fact that a lot can go wrong when transporting the ordered plants. For example, the vase or pot could get cracked or broken during transit or the plant may be damaged; and this isn’t uncommon for larger specimens.

While issues like these are a part of the business, some companies and brands handle them better than others. These are the ones from whom you’d want to purchase. Aside from the fact that they’re constantly seeking ways to reduce or eliminate these problems, they have returns policies that are favourable to their customers. Visit Planted Pot to learn more.

Delivery and delivery area

This is really important as online plant delivery services usually have defined areas to which they deliver. You want to make sure that the one you choose delivers to where you live before placing an order. One would think that this should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised just how many first-timers make this mistake. Sometimes, this information isn’t on their website so, you may have to send an email or put a call through to make your inquiry.

Let’s say they deliver to your area, that’s great. Now you also have to find out what days in the week they make those deliveries. This is also important as some plants may be delivered without a vase or much soil, this is often called ‘bare root’. If these plants aren’t replanted straight away, they’d wilt and suffer. So, to avoid such a loss, ensure the delivery is made at a time when you’re available at home.

Price

We know plants have a lot to offer to a home, but you don’t want to break the bank to buy them. There are many online nurseries that buyers can choose from and with so many options, you have the luxury of comparing prices which is a good thing if you’re on a limited budget.

The prices of plants are affected by several factors. The availability and species could drastically influence prices as some are quite rare. The pot may also add cost to the purchase as some are beautifully designed and made. But of course, some shops allow their customers to choose whether they want a special planter or not. Most people choose those specially hand-designed pots when they’re making the purchase as a gift for a special person or occasion. Visit https://www.lifescarousel.com/unique-houseplants/ to find rare and unique house plants.

Plant variety

This is also a key consideration as online plant delivery companies with a wide variety of plants on their sites are usually the more established ones. Aside from that fact, it’s just preferable to have so many options to choose from because this way, you’re more likely to find a few that are worth purchasing in your home. If you’re a big spender, you might want to be a little careful as you may end up buying more than you intended!

Final thoughts

So far, we only talked about the companies and not our home and the plants. Before buying one, you must ensure that you have enough space for it. Ample natural light is very important to most plants, so also have this in mind. Finally, you’d want to know how large the plant grows before bringing in it to avoid space problems in the future.

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Category: plants