When it comes to houseplants, there are endless options to choose from. But not all plants are created equal—some are better suited for certain spaces than others.
You saw a plant that you like, and you want to take it home. So, how do you know if it will thrive there?
Here are a few things to consider:
- The amount of light in your space.
- The size of your space.
- The climate in your home.
- Your own personal preferences!
Once you’ve taken all of these factors into account, you can start narrowing down your options to find the perfect plant for your home. Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our favorite houseplants for different spaces:
The Amount of Light in Your Space
The amount of light that your space receives is important to consider when choosing houseplants. Some plants prefer low-light conditions while others require bright, direct sunlight. Be sure to research the light requirements of any plant before bringing it home.
Low-Light Rooms
If your room doesn’t get a lot of natural light, opt for a plant that doesn’t require much sun to thrive. Some good options include ferns, philodendrons, and peace lilies.
Medium-Light Rooms
If your room gets some natural light but it’s not direct sunlight, choose a plant that can tolerate partial sun. Some good options include: aloe vera, dracaena, snake plants, spider plants, and rubber trees.
Bright Rooms
If your room is bright, gets a lot of direct sunlight, choose a plant that can tolerate full sun. Some good options include: succulents, cacti, and snake plants.
The Size of Your Space
The size of your space and the number of houseplants you can have are directly related. If you live in a small apartment, for example, you may only be able to have a few smaller plants.
If you have a large home, you can likely have more plants, as well as larger ones.
Small Spaces
When you live in a small space, it can be difficult to find room for all of your things – let alone a houseplant. But adding a plant to your home has so many benefits, from improving air quality to boosting your mood.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right houseplant for your small space.
First, consider the amount of light in your space. If you have a south-facing window, you’ll likely have more light than someone with a north-facing window. There are plenty of plants that will do well in low-light conditions, so don’t despair if your space is on the darker side.
Then think about the temperature in your room. If you have a drafty window or your home tends to be on the cooler side, you’ll want to choose a plant that can tolerate those conditions. Cacti and succulents are good options for rooms with cooler temperatures.
Take into account the amount of humidity in your room. If you live in a dry climate or your home has central heating, the air can get quite dry. In that case, you’ll want to choose a plant that doesn’t mind a little bit of extra moisture. Ferns and palms are good options for rooms with low humidity.
If you’re tight on space, go for a smaller plant that won’t take up too much room. Some good options include succulents, cacti, and air plants.
Large Spaces
When you have a large space to fill, it can be tempting to go for a dramatic, statement-making plant. But before you choose something that’s too big for the room (or your budget), consider a few things first.
First, think about what kind of light the space gets. If it’s a sun-filled room, you’ll want a plant that can tolerate bright light; if it’s a more shady space, look for something that doesn’t need as much sun. Second, think about the care that different plants will need; some are high-maintenance (needing frequent watering, pruning, and fertilizing), while others are more low-maintenance (requiring only occasional watering and care).
Take a look at some of the following large houseplants that are sure to make a statement in your home.
Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata):
This striking plant is perfect for a sunny spot in your home; it can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, and its large, glossy leaves are sure to turn heads.
Be aware that this plant is on the higher-maintenance side, though; it needs to be watered regularly (about once a week), and it doesn’t like drafts or sudden changes in temperature.
Rubber tree (Ficus elastica):
Another good choice for a sun-filled room, the rubber tree can grow up to 50 feet tall in its native habitat (though it will be much smaller when grown indoors). It has glossy, dark green leaves and a thick, trunk-like base that makes it a real showstopper. As with the fiddle-leaf fig, the rubber tree needs regular watering (about once a week) and doesn’t like sudden changes in temperature or drafts.
Schefflera (Schefflera actinophylla):
If you’re looking for a plant that’s both large and low-maintenance, the schefflera is a good option. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide, and its leaves are glossy and dark green. It doesn’t need much sun, and it can tolerate some neglect when it comes to watering (it’s OK if you forget to water it occasionally). Just be sure not to let the soil get too dry; if it does, the leaves will start to drop off.
Dragon tree (Dracaena draco):
If you’re looking for a plant that’s both tall and tolerant of low light, the dragon tree is a good option. It can grow up to 50 feet tall in its native habitat, though it will be much smaller when grown indoors. It has long, slender leaves that are glossy and dark green. It doesn’t need much water, and it can tolerate some neglect when it comes to watering (it’s OK if you forget to water it occasionally). Just be sure not to let the soil get too dry; if it does, the leaves will start to drop off.
The Climate in Your Home
When you are choosing houseplants for your home, it is important to consider the climate inside your home. The climate of your home will determine how well your plants will grow and thrive. Here are some things to consider when choosing houseplants:
Dry Conditions
If your home is on the drier side, look for a plant that doesn’t need a lot of water to survive. Some good options include snake plants, aloe vera, and cactus.
If your room is dry (for example, if you have a wood-burning fireplace), choose a plant that doesn’t require much water to thrive. Some good options include: succulents, cacti, and snake plants.
Wet Conditions
If your home is on the more humid side, look for a plant that can tolerate high levels of moisture. Some good options include ferns, orchids, and bromeliads.
If your room is wet (for example, if you have a lot of humidity or if it’s near a bathroom), choose a plant that can tolerate high levels of moisture. Some good options include: ferns, philodendrons, peace lilies, and rubber trees.
Keep Your Houseplant Healthy
Once you’ve found the perfect plant for your space, it’s important to care for it properly to ensure that it thrives.
Be sure to water it regularly, give it the right amount of light, and keep an eye out for pests or diseases. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your houseplant healthy and happy for years to come!
