Guide to Houseplant Care: Everything You Need to Know to Start an Indoor Jungle

Inviting a sense of serenity into our homes is essential in today’s unpredictable world. For anyone in the midst of the urban concrete jungle, this is easier said than done, however. 

 

hilton carter chaise with plants
From the home of Hilton Carter, a sunny corner with a cozy chaise that is surrounded by a jungle of large potted plants, with smaller cacti and succulents on the windowsill. (from Hilton Carter via Essence)

As a result, more and more people are turning to houseplants to create their very own indoor jungle. Bringing nature indoors has well-documented benefits on our mental wellbeing, air quality, and feelings of tranquillity. Not to mention – a home overflowing with greenery and nature looks simply stunning.

So, what exactly is an indoor jungle and how can you transform your home into a green, rejuvenating space?  

 

What is an indoor jungle?

An indoor jungle can incorporate just about any plants that take your fancy.

The magic combination is care and curation. Just like a jungle in the wild, try to mix and match a variety of houseplants. The more diverse and vibrant, the better!

Hilton Carter (a Baltimore creative and plants/interiors guru) recently spoke with Pinterest about the transformative impact of his own indoor jungle. He described how it gave him an entirely new perspective on life:

“I was someone who, before bringing plants in, was a very stressed individual. In caring for plants, it helped me understand that you have to put the time in, you have to watch for the smaller changes, the little nuances that develop to understand something a bit better. It was in plant care that I found my source of meditation.”

Of course, before you can enjoy the enriching qualities of indoor plants – you’ve got to pick the right greenery for your space. 

Here are three key things to keep in mind when designing your indoor jungle…

 

old desk with modern lamp and plants
An empty corner comes alive with an old desk topped with a modern lamp, and tons of potted plants. (via Pinterest)

1. Plant placement

Don’t make the mistake of choosing a plant before you’ve got a place for it!

Different plants thrive in different conditions. There are many variables to consider, from the amount of space and light in your home, to temperate and humidity.

As a rule, don’t squeeze a plant in a small space where there isn’t much airflow. Good circulation is crucial for maintaining a steady temperature. It results in healthier, longer-living plants, lowering the incidence of many diseases.

 

indoor plant wall jungle
The solution for small spaces: an indoor plant wall. Get the look on the left with our faux Spanish moss in a wall pot.  (both images via Pinterest)

There’s a further bonus. Plants improve the air quality in your home (releasing oxygen and using up carbon dioxide) – so placing them in a prominent position is a win-win.

 

A light-filled living room with tall ceilings is perfect for these slender and super tall cacti, succulents, and a large agave in a big and tall ceramic planter. (via Pinterest)

2. Light levels

Select plants that thrive in the light levels your home enjoys. No one wants to look out at sad, limp houseplants.

Pick your exact spot and do your research before heading to the garden store. Aloes and succulents, for example, need a lot of bright direct sunlight – so won’t be great in a dark corner.

Assess what direction your windows face. South-west facing windows will give high light levels, east or west will be medium and north-facing windows provide low light levels.

 

bathroom with green walls awith green tiles and plants
A bathroom becomes a green oasis with lime green walls, emerald-hued tiles, bath linens with leafy print designs, baskets, and a variety of plants. (via Dunelm)

3. Humidity and temperature

Just as different plants need different light levels, certain plants need more humidity and higher temperatures.

Most homes have low humidity due to heating and air conditioning units drying out the air. Don’t put your plants directly next to radiators or A/C units for this reason.

If you’re looking at tropical plants (such as Bird of Paradise or Philodendrons) you’ll probably have to mist them daily.

 

tall bookcase in modern apartment filled with potted plants
Tall bookshelves can hold potted plants. (via Studio Pepe)

 

Choosing the right pots for your plants

You’ve found the ideal plant for that unfilled spot in your home. Great! The next step is picking picture-perfect pots.

When creating an indoor jungle, variety is important – so don’t be scared to play around with your colors, textures, and styles. You can mix stone effect pots with natural wood bowls and wicker baskets.

 

artificial plants fake palms philodendron plants anthuriums in wood pots in loft
Don’t have a green thumb? Get this urban jungle look with a mix of artificial potted plants in wood pots. Draw the eye up with a long monstera leaf garland hanging in the window.

You can add additional interest to your indoor jungle by adding statement pillar candles and metallic lanterns to give a touch of glamour.

Grouping plants and pots of various sizes and looks is key. Just make sure the result matches your home décor and of course the size of the plants themselves.

 

putnam and putnam nyc studio plant jungle
A garden urn and matching pedestal, terra cotta pots, and ceramic planters from “a lush bohemian corner of the Putnam & Putnam studio.” – One Kings Lane

If you’re going for a modern look, for instance, small silver planters combined with raised standing nickel pots could be a great option. For a more traditional atmosphere, you can’t go far wrong with classic garden urns.

 

Terrariums

For an extra wow factor, have you considered a terrarium?

Terrariums can be made from just about any glass container – from hanging glass jars to display cloches or even intricate honeycomb candleholders.

 

glass terrariums by window with ferns and orchids
Especially during the cold winter months, having a tabletop terrarium to take care of can help satisfy our need for greenery. – Better Homes and Gardens

They’re usually planted to look like a miniature garden or woodland encircled in its own little world. Moss, ferns, succulents, and air plants are particularly good choices – growing well with fine soil.

You can decorate your terrarium with decorative sand and polished river stones for a natural effect.

Vibrant celestite stones (said to bring mental calm and clarity) or white tumbled marble will give a striking modern look to any planting scheme.

 

indoor jungle with mature monstera plant
The look with less: A very mature monstera plant creates the ‘urban jungle’ look all on its own. (via Pinterest)

Time to get planning 

Now you’ve got all the info, it’s time to get started! Remember that at the heart of all indoor jungles is variety. Colors, materials, and textures, of both pots and plants, are all fair game for mixing and matching.

Big dramatic plants, such as tropical fan palms, will pair well with smaller mosses and ferns nestled around their base. Don’t forget that trailing plants such as the humble ivy can also create fabulous effects spilling over shelving.

You can use plants like furniture to break up space. For instance, tree ferns or striking large-leafed plants (such as calathea orbifolia) can be placed behind a sofa to define areas.

Remember your plants will grow too! When buying plants, go for ones slightly smaller than the size you ultimately want. If you live in a small apartment, you won’t want a fast growing plant that takes over all the space.

 And, for more inspiration and indoor gardening tips, check out Hilton Carter’s Instagram.

If you’re creating an indoor jungle, Jamali Garden has everything you need to transform your space. 

Browse our extensive collection of stunning pots and planters, garden décor, and supplies. You’ll soon be enjoying the mindful benefits of planning, growing, and appreciating your very own bit of nature. Good luck and happy gardening.