6 Tips to selecting the plants to create a stylish space
Are you interested in how plants can add an additional dimension of style to your home or apartment?
Plants are a terrific accessory — they add colour, texture, height and structural elements that add layers to your design. Depending on your overall aesthetic, plant selection can help reinforce the effect you are looking for — calm, cool and tropical with a wispy green palm, architectural Strelitzia, and trailing pothos in a Queenslander. Or structure and interest with succulents, cacti and other architectural plants that will look spectacular in a mid-century setting, or if your home is more modern then soft and calming plants can take the edges off a newly built apartment.
Consider the following when creating your stylish space:
Tip 1: Consider the space you have available. Is it a tall and open space that might lend itself to a large plant in a statement pot or is it a little space on a wall-shelf that you want a trailing plant to fill? Try to choose a plant that is proportional in size to the space, taking into account its future growth. It can be tempting to buy the largest plant you can afford, but a smaller one might look better.
Tip 2: Choose interesting pots. Choose a shape of pot that supports the style of your home you are looking to develop. I’m a big believer in using the plastic nursery grow pots inside an outer decorative pot. Why? Well the plant gets good drainage and air around its roots, reducing root rot issues and you get to change out the pot and move them around more easily. There are lots of pots to choose from in any budget- plastic, ceramic, terracotta, fibreglass and concrete. In choosing your pot consider where the pot going, whether you have to carry it far, and where it’s going to be located.
Tip 3: Think about how can you add variety and interest to your plant cluster. If you have a trailing plant you may want to select a plant that grows upwards and outwards. Perhaps a different colour or leaf shape to avoid everything being same same.
Tip 4. What is the amount of time you have to look after your plants? Plants need regular watering, trimming, occasional repotting, fertilising and pest management for them to look their best. The most stylish spaces are those that have healthy and lush plants.
Tip 5: Your budget available. This will help inform whether you are going to be the proud owner of a Thai Constellation or a lovely Monstera deliciosa. But remember, plants do not have to be unicorns to create a stylish space. Choose a healthy plant that isn’t going to break the bank and you will not regret the purchase.
Tip 6: The fun part! With the space in mind where it will go, select a plant you like and that likes the same conditions as others nearby. Settle it in with a light mist and a light water. This is a good time to check its health. If the plant has been couriered to you it may take a few days for the plant to orient itself to the light in your house so be gentle and patient.
The biggest decision you have to make is to determine the style you want to create. There are so many plants and options that you can choose from and they will look great.
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