How to Decorate Your Home With Plants, Plus the Best Plant Care Tips

Plants are a versatile accessory and work great to decorate every part of your home. Real or faux, plants liven up any space. Whether you opt for a large statement-making floor plant in the living room or a smaller tabletop plant as an accent, decorating your house with plants will make it feel more cheery and welcoming. 

We asked five of our favorite plant-lovers how they incorporate plants into their interior design, what their best plant-care tips are, and which plants they recommend for decorating. Let these plant-filled spaces inspire you to add some greenery to your own home.

1. Start small

If you’re new to decorating with plants, try adding only a couple at a time so you can get to know them first. Once you become comfortable with your plants’ needs, then you can grow your plant collection. 

“One plant on a coffee table, kitchen island, or in a bathroom is easy to care for. See how you do and from there, you can expand your ‘plant wardrobe,’ one piece at a time, says Erika Wadler of @homeslicehome.  “Before you know it, your house will be styled from top to bottom.” 

2. Look for low-maintenance plants

Not everyone has a green thumb, but that’s OK! Opt for easier-to-care plants such as a pothos or snake plant. “They enjoy bright indirect light and are heartier plants, so if you miss a watering they tend to survive,” says Lindsay of @leafandlolo.

3. Choose plants that match your personal style

When it comes to picking the plants that’ll look best in your home, there’s no right or wrong answer. Plants are personal, so choose what works for you! “I would recommend really any plant that you personally gravitate towards. Those are the ones that will bring you the most joy,” says Emily Sanchez of @classycasita. 

4. Consider your plant’s environment

Choose plants that fit your space’s environment and/or lighting conditions for optimal plant growth. “If you buy a plant that loves bright light and high humidity and you put it in a dry medium-light room, you’re going to end up with a sad plant,” says Robyn Chubney of @life_of_glow.

“My favorite plants for different types of light are fiddle leaf fig (for big, leafy drama!), monstera deliciosa (for wild fun!), all dracenas (for that tropical palm vibe), and pothos (for that trailing vine beauty!).”

5. Quarantine new plants

Wait at least six weeks before putting new plants next to old ones to make sure there are no pests in the new plant. “Keep at least six feet of space during that quarantine period, and check the leaves and stems of the plants often,” Robyn recommends.  

6. Layer your plants for added style

Place plants on varying surfaces to create dimension, especially if you’re decorating your house with a lot of different plants. “To prevent a cluttered look, I like layering and creating depth with my plants,” says Donovan of @hothouse.jungle.

7. Examine your plants regularly

Look for any signs of distress, such as curling leaves, discoloration, pests, etc. “Plants are very visual when it comes to their happiness,” adds Donovan. “Regular examinations can find and catch any issues before they get out of hand.”

8. When it comes to watering, try the ‘finger test’ 

To assess if your plant is in need of water, “simply place your finger two to three inches into the soil,” according to Lindsay.  “If your finger comes up dry, it’s time to water. If any soil has stuck to your finger, wait a couple days and test again. Over time, you’ll begin to notice how often your plant likes to be watered and get on a routine.” 

9. Mind the season

Watering cadence may vary based on the season, so keep that in mind as you care for your plants. Again, when in doubt, try the “finger test.”

Readers: What are your best plant-care tips? Share in the comments below.