If you’ve looked at any interior design top trends list from the past few years, odds are plants were towards the top. With a recent movement towards interior environments that promote wellness, health and connections to the outdoors, it’s no wonder that accessorizing with plants is a major interior design trend these days. Not only can the right type of plant help improve indoor air quality, just looking at a plant or greenery can improve your mood (beat those winter blues!). Since we’re on the cusp of winter, here in the mid-Atlantic, the idea of greenery is any form as we move into the long winter nights is appealing.
Though I’m sure many people reading this can spot off the most common houseplants (Ferns, Ivy, Philodendron, etc.) in this list I’ve tried to bring attention to some lesser known indoor plants that are an interior designers dream and sure to have guests at your next house party talking.
I like to think of myself as a gardener, but the truth is (and my husband will back this up) my green thumb performs better outdoors than in. However, with this list, I’ve put together a sampling of eye-catching indoor plants that will not only add that final touch to your interior space but also are hearty enough to survive the upcoming winter months (even those lacking a green thumb should find them easy to care for).
ZZ Plant (zamioculcas zamiifolia)
– Thrives with minimal light
– Prefers to be dry, minimal watering required
– Smooth waxy leaves give it a polished aesthetic
– Downside: severely toxic to pets and humans
Jade Plant (crassula ovata)
– Minimal water (but you shouldn’t let it dry out completely)
– Does well in dry hot indoor air common in winter
– Commonly used in Feng Shui to attract money or good luck
– Downside: mildly toxic to pets and humans
Wax Plant (hoya obvata)
– Very little maintenance
– Prefer indirect sunlight
– Round waxy leaves and trailing vines have a clean, casual, modern look
– Upside: safe for pets and humans
Staghorn Fern (platycerium bifurcatum)
– Perfect for those looking for the next “wow” plant trend
– Grows on wood, wire frame or pot – vertically or horizontally
– Prefers indirect sunlight and needs to be kept moist
– Upside: safe for pets and humans
– Needs direct light
– Minimal watering required
– Unique “hook” shape helps this gem stand out from other trailing plants
– Downside: mildly toxic to pets and humans
Persian Shield (strobilanthes dyerianus)
– Does well in the hot indoor air common in winter
– Keep soil moist and humid
– Vibrant purple flowers are easy way to add color to an interior space
– Upside: safe for pets and humans
References: 1. Photo + Info: Real Simple 2. Photo + Info: Real Simple 3. Photo + Info: Brit+Co 4. Photo + Info: Urban Gardeners Republic 5. Photo + Info: Domino 6. Photo: Botanical Blissfulness Info: Gardening Know How
Jennie Crouch is a Certified Interior Designer & Brand Coordinator at SR/A. She resides in MD with her husband, Rob and their two rescue dogs, Lander and Angus.
