When you’re constantly surrounded by the concrete jungle of skyscrapers and highways, doesn’t it seem tempting to create a hideaway with plants? Imagine sipping a homemade margarita surrounded by large-leaved plants, feeling like you’re on a trip somewhere in the Amazon. Sounds cool, right?
Even if you have limited space, there are some neat tricks to create your own indoor jungle:
- Use walls, shelves, and vertical spaces
There are many species of plants that can trail gracefully along your door, wall, or shelf and create a unique feel of your living space. - Don’t be afraid to group different plants
You can let yourself go and choose any plants you like. The wider variety in shapes, sizes, and colors is, the better. Just be sure that the plants have similar care requirements. This way, it’ll be easier for you to keep track of their needs. - Fill awkward spaces
Large pots with eye-catching plants are ideal for awkward spots like the one behind the couch, as they instantly fill the room with their presence and make it feel better-organized.
Here are 8 plants to build your indoor jungle with:
First, you need to start with some statement plants
- Monstera deliciosa. This tropical plant will take your breath away with its magnificent large leaves with dramatic holes. It’s great for covering awkward spots in the room, as it’ll fill the space and attract attention to its beauty instead.
- Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum. Looking at this plant, you can’t help but think of the humid tropical forests of Brazil. Its trademark deeply lobed rich green foliage will become the crown jewel of your indoor plant collection.
Then, add a few shade-loving plants
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia. The ZZ plant is perfect for growing indoors, as it doesn’t require lots of light. You can use it to decorate the farthest corners of your room without worrying about its foliage drooping because of a lack of sunlight.
- Spathiphyllum. Growing peace lilies is a rewarding experience, as they don’t take too much effort but bright up your day with their amazing blooms and brilliant foliage.
- Nephrolepis exaltata. The sword fern will charm you with its cheerful appearance. Despite needing very little light to prosper, this plant screams summer, heat, and tropics.
Finish with a couple of hanging plants
- Hoya. This is a stunning vine that will dazzle you with its beauty for many years to come. Hoya can trail along the wall or door frame. You can also plant it in a hanging basket and attach it to the ceiling. The choice is yours!
- Ceropegia woodii. The string of hearts will liven up your home with its wiry stems and cute heart-shaped leaves. This funky guy looks best in hanging baskets or trailing along the shelf; however, you can also grow it in a pot.
When creating your indoor jungle, you need to consider the following care requirements for tropical plants:
- Natural light. Always consider each plant’s light requirements. Be sure to place sun-loving plants closer to the window and move shade-tolerant ones to the corner.
- Humidity. Tropical plants thrive in high humidity, so you need to mimic their natural environment by misting regularly. You can also put a humidifier in the room.
- Pests and Diseases. If one of your plants gets infected or infested, you need to quarantine it as quickly as possible to protect the rest of your jungle. Ideally, you need to treat each plant to avoid any possibility of spreading the infection or infestation.
- Care. Each plant has its own needs. Group plants with similar care requirements to make your day-to-day life easier.
Now that you know all about having an indoor jungle, it’s time you went on a shopping spree! Share this article with your friends who are also passionate about plants so you can all have jungles to visit.