Decorating With Plants: A Simple Guide to Bringing the Outdoors In

Before you purchase plants, take a moment to research which ones are best suited to your environment by checking their light, temperature, and humidity needs. A little planning up front can go a long way toward keeping your plants healthy and happy.

For low-light areas, try easy-care options like snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, or Chinese money plants. These can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions and are great for beginners. If you have a space that gets bright, direct sunlight, consider succulents or cacti—plants that naturally thrive in dry, sunny environments. For areas with moderate light, ferns, rubber plants, or peace lilies are a great option and adapt well to a mix of natural and artificial light.

One of the easiest ways to create visual interest in your indoor plant decor is to use a variety of plant and planter sizes and shapes. It’s important to think about how they interact in your space. Large pieces can act as focal points, while smaller ones add subtle accents. Try combining tall, upright plants with trailing or compact varieties to create contrast and depth.

You can also play with color and texture. Using plants in various shades of green or with variegated leaves adds extra interest to your space. And don’t forget your planters—coordinating or contrasting planter colors can tie the whole look together or add a bold accent. This simple approach makes your choices feel more intentional and visually appealing.

The planter you choose can have just as much impact on your space as the plant itself. As you plan your decor, think about your room’s style and choose a container that complements it. For a clean, modern look, sleek metal or metallic planters are a great fit. If your home has a more traditional or bohemian vibe, terracotta pots bring in warmth and texture.

Beyond appearance, proportion plays a key role. A planter should suit the size of the plant to keep the arrangement balanced. When chosen well, it can also help define the mood of the entire space.

Thoughtful placement can make all the difference when working plants into your space, so consider the flow of the room and where people spend the most time. A plant placed near a window, for example, can act as a natural divider between different areas of the room. You can also use planters to add a pop of color to a neutral space or to soften sharp corners and hard lines.

Choose plants that visually balance with your furniture and decor, helping the space feel cohesive rather than crowded. And be sure to match your plant choices to the lighting available to keep them looking healthy.

Finally, don’t be afraid to let your personal style guide your choices. The way you incorporate greenery can say just as much about your taste as your furniture or color palette. Think about the overall aesthetic of your home and choose plants that enhance it. If you have a more minimalist or modern style, clean-lined options like snake plants or cacti work well. For a more vintage-inspired space, try plants with added texture or color, such as ferns or African violets.

Indoor plant decor is about more than just greenery—it’s a chance to make your space feel truly your own. Have fun experimenting with different plant types, containers, and placements until you find a look that is uniquely you.