How To Create A Home Jungle – Decorating With Plants
Ever since we mastered the outdoors, people have decided to bring the outdoors indoors. This could be because more and more people are spending most of their time indoors, all thanks to the aftermath of the pandemic.
Aside from being aesthetically pleasing and Instagram-worthy, houseplants are also believed to improve the quality of air, health and well-being, reduce stress, and even lower your blood pressure.
There is so much to consider when trying to create a home jungle. But no need to fret – this article will show you everything you need when turning your home into a home jungle or decorating with plants.
What To Consider Before Picking Your Houseplants
The plants you choose to grace your living space will largely depend on your apartment’s or house’s conditions such as lighting, temperature, and more factors. Let’s go over them one by one.
Your Lighting
The lighting in your home plays a major role in the type of plants that will thrive in it. Here are a few things to take note of – the direction of your windows, how much light your space receives, what kind of light it receives, whether it receives direct or indirect light.
You should also take note of the particular time light enters the window, the quality of light, where the light travels to, and when the sun rises and sets. This helps you know how many hours of daylight you will receive during summer, winter, spring, and fall.
Taking note of the quality and amount of light your home receives can be easily done through what is called the “reading test”.
In the afternoon, turn off all indoor lights and try reading any book or piece of paper in different corners of your home. If you can read comfortably, that means that area of the home has medium indirect light.
If you find it difficult to read and start straining your eyes, then that area has low light. But if you feel the need to reach for your sunglasses or avert your eyes, then you have a bright indirect or direct light situation.
Of course, you can always use a light meter to measure the quality of light if you feel more comfortable with that.
Knowing the quality of light in different areas of your home will help you decide what areas plants will thrive best in.
Your Home’s Temperature & Humidity
It is key to take note of the temperature of your home when you are decorating with plants. The ideal temperature would be room temperature in summer and spring.
When focusing on temperature, you should also know your humidity. Taking note of the humidity levels in various areas of your home is very important. This is the only way you can create a conducive environment for your plants without letting the temperature cause your walls to rot.
Different corners of the home can have varying levels of humidity. Some can be 45%, 60%, or 75%. You have to know which areas possess the most humidity so you can pick the best places to grow your plants.
To know the humidity levels of different parts of your home, place a hydrometer in each area.
Most plants thrive in 60% to 70% humidity levels. This level is also low enough for you to live comfortably in your home as well.
However, if your home’s humidity level is lower than this percentage, you can simply increase it by buying a traditional humidifier or essential oil diffuser.
Do You Have Enough Room?
Of course, your plants are not going to remain small forever. They are going to grow, that way you know they are thriving. And for that, they need enough space or room.
You can place the plants on tables, desks, or any flat surface with no restrictive perimeters. This way they can grow in any direction with no restriction and no shade hindering their growth.
Another wonderful way to display plants is to hang them in special holders or baskets, utilizing curtain rods, hooks, nails, and so on. Macrame plant hangers continue to hold sway in plant lovers’ home decor ideas. You can find pretty and inexpensive macrame plant hangers on Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and many many other online marketplaces. If you’re into arts & crafts, you can of course also make one yourself with the help of online tutorials.
Do You Have Any Pets?
Pets can be quite hazardous to houseplants and likewise. So before buying a houseplant you have to ensure it won’t be poisonous or deadly to your pets in case they decide to snack on them.
You also have to place them where they won’t be within easy reach. Cats and other pets can jump really high so keep that in mind when making room for your plants.
Some plants that are toxic to cats and dogs are:
- monstera
- snake plant
- pothos
- peace lily
- English ivy
- cacti
- ZZ plant
- aloe vera
- calathea
- Chinese evergreen
…And many more, so do your research according to the particular needs of your house pet.
Are You Away Often?
Some houseplants require regular watering and care. So if you’re someone who spends prolonged periods away from home