Houseplant Placement – Houseplants And Where To Put Them
There are so many great reasons for growing houseplants, but figuring out exactly where to put plants in your home can get tricky and sometimes even confusing. Hopefully, the following information on houseplant placement will help you sort it out.
Best Places for Houseplants
When you’re thinking about houseplant placement, it’s fine to be concerned about what plant will look prettiest in which room. However, if you want healthy, beautiful, long-lived plants, growing conditions must be considered before anything else.
Sunlight is the number one requirement for indoor plants. All plants need light, but the amount varies substantially. Although some plants, including certain types of cacti and succulents, need bright sunlight, most prefer more moderate, less intense light.
Bright, indirect light, such as from an east-facing window, is good for many plants. If your windows face west or south, you may need to move the plants away from the window or soften the intensity with sheer drapes or a light curtain.
If you’re itching to put plants in a low-light room consider plants such as:
Remember that low light doesn’t mean no light at all. If your rooms are too dark, you can supplement available light with a grow light, which can also add to the ambiance.
Drainage is essential for all plants. Unless you’re growing aquatic plants, every pot must have a drainage hole in the bottom. If you can’t resist a beautiful pot and you don’t want to risk drilling a hole, put the plant in a regular container with a drainage hole, then set it inside the decorative pot. Be sure the inner pot never stands in water. Moisture that absorbs through the hole can cause the plant to rot.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Where to Put My Houseplants: Houseplant Placement and Aesthetics
Here are a few general tips on houseplants and where to put them:
Spreading plants around the perimeter and away from the center of the room can make the space appear larger. For instance, place plants on shelves, windowsills, or in corners.
Hanging plants are back in style, but it’s essential to find the best spot. Don’t hang a plant where tall guests can bump their heads. Be sure the plant is safely anchored, preferably not above a walkway or easy chair. You’ll also need to water the plant, so consider how the pot drains.
Use your imagination. If you have space, set plants on the rungs of an old ladder or on top of a cupboard. Remember that heat rises so plants in high spots may require more water.
If plants are at eye level, cover the potting mix with decorative stones or pebbles.
Don’t forget plants in the bathrooms. Although succulents won’t be happy with all that steamy air, many plants, including philodendrons, spider plants, pothoses, and most ferns, will thrive in the warmth and humidity.
A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
Grow A Music Garden: Hit The High Notes By Making Musical Instruments From Nature
Music lovers and gardening lovers can find a natural groove using items growing and resting around them. Find out how easy it is making musical instruments from nature
By Teo Spengler
-
Why You Should Eat Invasive Plants – A Tasty Way To Control Unwanted Species
Eat invasive plants for nutrition and their amazing varied flavors, but be sure to properly identify the plant and know how to eat it.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
8 Easy Care Houseplants That Live A Long Time
Click here to learn about our 8 favorite low maintenance houseplants that can, with proper care, live a long time.
By Amy Grant
-
How Often Should You Repot Plants?
Escaping roots and shrinking leaves may mean your plant wants a new pot, but some like staying cramped and cozy.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Orange Flowering Houseplant Varieties With Tropical Flair
Click here to learn about some cheerful orange-blooming houseplants you can try growing.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Variegated Houseplants With Lovely Leaves
What are some of the best variegated houseplants to add to your collection? Click here to find out.
By Amy Grant
-
Lovely, Lacy Indoor Foliage Plants
Click here to learn about some houseplants with lacy foliage to add to your collection.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Best Christmas Houseplants And Plants For Winter Holidays
Click here for an idea of the best houseplants to use for holiday décor for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s.
By Laura Miller
-
Best Big Houseplants To Create An Indoor Oasis
If you have the space you may want to grow some large houseplants. Here are some ideas.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Relaxing Plants To Grow Indoors For A Calmer Mind
Are there houseplants that can help you to relax? Click here to find out.
By Laura Miller