- Architectural Digest magazine along with plant-styling posts on Instagram and Pinterest are contributing to the surge in popularity of houseplants—keep reading for essential tips and easy-to-care-for suggestions to get you started.
- We received advice from specialists such as Hilton Carter, author of The Propagation Handbook, and Tim Wong, the founder of Quest Terrarium – both of whom helped select the vegetation for Hong Kong’s Soho House.
Have you ever entered a room and felt like something was amiss? Despite current interior design trends leaning towards vibrant hues, tactile wall coverings, and sustainable resources, there remains an enduring staple that professionals consistently rely on to add that perfect finishing touch to a setting: abundant foliage.
Incorporating a bit of green into your living space has surged in popularity, with publications such as Architectural Digest and platforms like Instagram and Pinterest emphasizing the impact of plants as key decor elements for homes.
For me, plants and interior design have always been intertwined. Houseplants offer numerous advantages such as air purification, versatile decor options, and eco-friendliness. Our relationship with flora dates back generations,” explains American plant designer Hilton Carter, author of multiple publications on this subject, notably his latest work, The Propagation Handbook.
Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and developments globally? Find your answers here. SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform offers carefully selected content including explanations, frequently asked questions, detailed analysis, and informative infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team.
"In the fast-paced world we inhabit nowadays, we've essentially lost touch with our origins—quite literally. Introducing a plant into one’s living space brings vitality to the surroundings. A thriving plant within your home serves as an indicator that it is a warm and supportive setting," he explains.
Although adding plants to your own environment might seem straightforward, the abundance and diversity of available vegetation make selecting an appropriate plant more challenging than ever before. Once considered reliable choices like snake plants or species from the aroid genus were simpler solutions; however, specialists now recommend evaluating several aspects prior to embracing these greener additions.
“Priority number one – every plant requires several essentials to thrive: sunlight, airflow, soil, water, and attention. Therefore, choosing the right location and determining your level of commitment to caring for a plant is crucial. The last thing you’d want is for it to become a burden,” explains Tim Wong, who founded the plant styling business Quest Terrarium and recently launched his new site called Quest Plants & Supply.
"I suggest beginning with up to two or three plants at most. Although many individuals prefer selecting a single plant as the centerpiece, I find value in grouping several plants together—think pairing a shorter plant with a taller one, or mixing mediumsized and smaller ones. This approach helps create an equilibrium," he explains.
Wong advises clients to think about the atmosphere they wish to achieve with their greenery. In a minimalistic environment, succulents or plants featuring structured or sleek designs work well, whereas individuals aiming for a boho-chic ambiance might prefer tropical options like the bird of paradise or beet peperomia. Additionally, Wong emphasizes so-called “edgy” or distinctive plants, including the Australian bottle tree and the dragon tree (Dracaena marginata), which are particularly popular among his clientele at present.
He advises considering the plant’s form and its growth pattern over time. For instance, certain varieties may spread horizontally rather than vertically, making them unsuitable for limited areas.
Adding a new element to your living environment isn’t solely about the plants themselves; it’s also about how they enhance your personal style within the house. As Carter points out, incorporating distinctive elements like planters and pots allows you to express yourself further. Social media has highlighted popular choices such as aged limestone and terracotta containers, but choosing an eclectic mix of brightly colored options could infuse vibrancy into any room.
Carter motivates his clients to get creative with their selection of greenery. He suggests that for individuals hesitant about maintaining live plants, artificial alternatives can be an excellent substitute. Although living-wall installations and moss art pieces might currently be fashionable, they often require significant investment in terms of both expense and effort to keep them looking good.
Wong enjoys suggesting terrariums because these are simple to care for due to their self-contained ecosystems. Additionally, he promotes air plants like staghorn ferns that do not need soil; instead, they can be attached to a piece of driftwood to create an appealing decorative feature.
Ultimately, keep in mind that plants represent an investment and have the potential to endure for a lifetime.
"Consider plants as living entities within your home instead of mere decorations. There’s no need to replace them unless their condition deteriorates beyond recovery. Some of my cherished plants have been with me for more than a decade. While they may not look flawless, I appreciate witnessing their robust growth through various settings," explains Carter.
5 easy-care plants that pack plenty of flair
Snake
Esteemed for its rigid, vertical foliage, this adaptable plant has the ability to flourish both with and without direct sunlight.
Spider
An indoor plant with an elaborate design, renowned for its ability to cleanse the air and offer medical benefits.
Pothos
Ideal for novices and dimly lit spaces, this plant can be shaped into different forms or dimensions.
Dragon
The plant's multicolored leaves make it ideal for those wanting to create a striking impression. Additionally, being a tropical species, it thrives in warmer climates.
Tillandsia
These commonly referred to as air plants have the ability to flourish without soil and are ideal for damp settings such as bathrooms.
More Articles from SCMP
Van driver detained following crash in Hong Kong injures 8 individuals
Who is Gayle King’s former husband, William Bumpus—the man who described her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue as his 'teenage fantasy'? This private attorney was wedded to Oprah Winfrey’s close friend from 1982 until 1993.
The contributions of Hong Kong's trade office to relations with the UK should not be overlooked.
China develops slimmer, fleshier pigs to boost food security efforts.
The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2024. South ChinaMorning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
0 Comments