Our Guide to Choosing the Right Plant For Each Room of Your Home

July 20, 2020 Kate Higham

From the obvious aesthetic advantages to improved air quality and personal wellbeing, introducing plants into your home can have so many far-reaching benefits.

However, when it comes to actually choosing the right plant for each space, this can be daunting and even a little confusing.

Will it get enough light? Is the temperature too warm? Or too cold?

These are just some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from new or seasoned plant owners, on their quest for a new houseplant.

No matter the size or environment of your home, we believe there is a plant for every space.

To help make your plant shopping experience as simple and enjoyable as possible, we have put together a fuss-free guide to choosing the right indoor plant for each space in your home.

Couple thinking of dream home

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Indoor Plant

Just like a pet, a houseplant requires love, attention and a level of care however, there are some plants that can handle a certain level of neglect better than others.

To choose a plant that is right for you and your space, there are a number of factors that need to be considered:

How will it fit into your lifestyle? Will you be able to maintain a regular watering scheduling if needed? Are you away a lot?
Do they need to be kept out of reach of pets or children
How much light does your space get throughout the day? Is it direct or indirect? Natural or artificial?
What is the average room temperature? Does this stay consistent or fluctuate throughout the day?
How humid is the space?
Is your space draughty?

Heat and light conditions are vital components when it comes to choosing the right plant for your space.

In a south-facing patio window, plants will receive lots of light however in a west-facing bathroom window, less light will be received but more humidity. With this in mind, it’s important to do a little research and choose a plant that suits your environment best.

Top Tip: If you know where the plant comes from in its natural environment and find the position in your home that mimics their natural conditions... you’re onto a winner! This reduces the maintenance and worries on whether you are providing the right care.

Some examples include:

For spaces with lots of light, consider a Ficus
An Air plant is an excellent choice for a bright bathroom window
Spider Plants or Devil’s Ivy thrive well on shelves or bookcase as they require less light and can withstand irregular watering.

Modern bedroom with redbrick wall and large plants

Choosing Plants for the Bedroom

You spend a lot of time in your bedroom. At least 7-8 hours every night, right?

So, it’s important to ensure that your space is as peaceful and relaxing as possible.

Plants can help with this!

NASA's Clean Air Study has revealed that plants have a calming & cleansing effect on the environment and are most effective for helping you get better sleep and improving the overall vibe in your bedroom! ⁣

According to this study, plants can also help treat people who face sleep difficulties such as insomnia.

The result? A calmer, rested, happy you!

For lots of quality shut-eye, we recommend:

Large plant in house hallway

Choosing Plants for Your Hallway

Most hallways are narrow, lacking in space, poorly lit, and often cold or draughty, making them, unfortunately, an undesirable environment for most indoor plants.

However, all is not lost!

If your heart is set on adorning your entrance space with some green, these disadvantages can be overcome by choosing the right plant, clever display and ample lighting.

According to the practice of “Feng Shui”, the goal for your hallway is to allow energy (Chi) to enter and meander, rather than rush through your home. Placing plants in the hallways can help achieve this.

For a welcoming hallway entrance, we recommend:

Plants for the Living Room

Choosing Plants for Your Living Room

The Living Room is one of the most popular spaces for indoor plants.

And for good reason, as we spend most of our recreational time here.

Broad temperature fluctuations and draughts are uncommon making it an excellent environment for plants to grow and flourish.

In terms of space, there are often many vacant spaces that make excellent creative spaces for your plant. Unused hearths, a bare shelf or empty corners can come alive with the introduction of a plant and depending on the amount of natural light, the right plant can flourish here for many years!

For serious chilled-out living room vibes, we recommend:

Plants for the kitchen

Choosing Plants for Your Kitchen

Lots of light, moist air and water close at hand, no wonder kitchens make a popular space for plants!

You spend tons of time there, so why not surround yourself with the calming effects of nature with kitchen plants?

A south-facing window is best for plants that like bright light, however, if your kitchen has low natural sunlight or zero windows, consider mounting LED grow lights under cabinets to provide supplemental light for small potted plants.

For a refreshing pop of green whilst you cook, we recommend:

Bathroom Plants

Choosing Plants for Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are often an overlooked space when it comes to plants. And it’s a pity because they make an excellent environment for plants that require high humidity and a warm environment.

Your steamy shower is a friend to the best bathroom plants that won't wilt in the humid bathroom.

In smaller bathrooms, plants can be placed on a windowsill or trailing plants can be added to a cabinet. In larger bathroom spaces, some larger specimen plants can grow quite successfully.

For a cheerful bathroom buddy, we recommend: