Decorating with Plants
Christmas is fast approaching. While we prepare for community traditions, new gift ideas and winter wear appear in store displays, and the supermarket shelves present unique treats that we are eager to try. But this festive winter season comes with long dark nights, which for some, lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a temporary state of low mood or depression. Indoor plants can help curb those winter blues. They bring nature indoors and are an effective way to add warmth to the home, and to brighten our mood. Plants also offer direct health benefits by purifying indoor air and improving sleep quality and mental focus.
We are familiar with indoor flowering plants which are popular at Christmas time, such as the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and Cyclamen. They do add a lovely punch of colour to a space, but in addition to these, let us consider how to incorporate larger statement plants which create impact and add elegance and formality. A single ornamental plant, selected with careful consideration and intention is enough to elevate your home decor for a more complete look. Allow your home to feel welcoming by placing a house plant in the entryway. Floor plants such as the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria Trifasciata) can make a sophisticated statement. Its stunning sculptural form of tall flame-like leaves is suitable for areas where space is limited. It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, which is ideal for creating the illusion of height in a room. It has a minimalist appearance which suits modern interiors. Pair it with a tall narrow planter of natural materials such as terracotta or ceramics for a formal look. It is easy to care for and can cope with low light levels.
The Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans Massangeana) is also suitable for entryways. It is tall and narrow in shape and remains compact. It has thick woody stalks with clusters of long striped leaves at their tips which fan out and downwards like an umbrella. Like the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, it is minimalist in appearance, but its woody stalks add a casual touch, making it suitable for Scandinavian and mid-century modern interior styles. It grows to a height of 2 meters and is low maintenance.
The larger living and dining spaces present an opportunity to be more dramatic. Consider placing an Indian Fig (Ficus Benghalensis) or Pink Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica Belize) or Kentia Palm ( Howea forsteriana ) in an empty corner or beside a sofa. They are similar in form in that they each grow upright, but fan outwards. The nuances of their foliage are best enjoyed if placed in front of bare walls. They will create a bold focal point and draw the eyes inwards to the space. They can grow quite tall, up to 3 meters. But simply pruning will keep their heights contained. Select planters which complement their height and width.
The Pink Rubber Plant is a special option because of its variegated leaves of pale pink, green and cream. The pink and cream tones will add warmth and accent colouring to a neutral palette. Or it can look equally beautiful amongst warm pastels and natural wood furniture. You can even place it in a darker moody interior. The Pink Lady Plant is versatile and will bring value to any interior style. Simply select an appropriate sized planter whose form and texture complements the main furniture pieces. It thrives in indirect sunlight. It truly is a conversation piece. To enhance the visual impact of your statement plants in the evenings, consider installing warm accent uplighting at their base. The resulting shadows will add architectural volume and interest to the room, making the space feel so much more special.
When selecting indoor plants for your home, be mindful to first understand the natural lighting conditions of the space in which you intend to place them. They need to receive sufficient natural light to thrive. Think of your statement plants as investments. They are living furniture pieces which you and your guests can enjoy for many years.
As Christmas approaches, bringing greenery into our homes is about more than simply adding seasonal decoration. Carefully chosen statement plants can transform an interior, adding colour, height, texture and a sense of calm during the darker months of the year. Whether you favour the sculptural elegance of a Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the graceful form of a Kentia Palm or the distinctive foliage of a Pink Rubber Plant, the right plant can become a beautiful living feature within your home.
With thoughtful placement, suitable lighting and a planter that complements your interior, these living features can be enjoyed long after the Christmas decorations have been packed away. This winter, consider welcoming nature indoors—not only to brighten your surroundings, but also to create a home that feels warmer, calmer and more inviting throughout the year.