Australia (AU $)

How to Beautify Every Room in Your Home with the Right Indoor Plants

August 01, 2024

Welcome to your comprehensive resource for transforming your home with the lush beauty of indoor plants.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your living room ambience, boost your bedroom's tranquillity, or freshen up your kitchen and bathroom spaces, this guide will walk you through the best ways to integrate plants into every room of your home.

Indoor plants elevate the aesthetic appeal of your spaces and offer tangible health benefits.

Did you know that incorporating indoor plants can improve indoor air quality by up to 25%?

Plants like the Peace Lily and Snake Plant are not just decorative elements; they are natural air purifiers that remove toxins and improve humidity levels, making your home healthier and more comfortable.

From selecting the right species for each room to understanding the care they need to thrive, this guide will provide all the details you need.

So, let’s dive into the world of indoor plants and discover how to bring your home to life with vibrant greens and serene spaces.

#1 Best Indoor Plants for Your Australian Living Room

Transforming your living room into a refreshing oasis starts with selecting the right indoor plants.

Ideal plants for this space should complement the decor and thrive in the living room environment, which can vary from one home to another in terms of light, space, and climate conditions.

Here are some top choices that are both beautiful and beneficial for typical Australian living rooms.

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a stylistic staple in many modern Australian homes. Known for its broad, glossy leaves, it adds a touch of lush greenery that complements minimalist or contemporary interiors.

This plant loves indirect, bright light, so placing it near a sunny window that’s shaded by sheer curtains would be ideal. While it can grow quite tall, regular pruning can help maintain its size and encourage fuller growth.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

One of the most low-maintenance plants you can choose is the Snake Plant. It's robust and adaptable and excels in air purification, removing toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air.

Its upright, sword-shaped leaves make it a perfect fit for corners or areas with limited space.

Snake Plants are drought-tolerant and can thrive on neglect, making them suitable for busy homeowners or those new to indoor gardening.

Philodendron

Philodendrons are beloved for their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines that can add a touch of romance and softness to any living room setting.

They are particularly forgiving and adapt well to moderate light conditions, though they prefer a warm, humid environment.

Regular watering and occasional misting will keep them thriving. With their versatile form, you can hang them in baskets or let them climb along a trellis or shelf.

Care Tips

To ensure these plants not only survive but thrive, consider the following tips:

Light: Ensure each plant receives the right amount of light according to its specific needs. Most living room plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight.
Water: Overwatering is a common mistake. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
Fertiliser: A balanced, water-soluble fertiliser can promote healthy growth during the spring and summer growing seasons.

Incorporating these plants into your living room enhances the visual appeal and improves the air quality, creating a more inviting and healthy environment.

Whether your style is sleek and modern or eclectic and vintage, these plants can significantly boost the aesthetic and atmosphere of your space.

#2 Creating a Tranquil Bedroom with Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants

The bedroom is your sanctuary, a place for rest and rejuvenation. Adding indoor plants can enhance this peaceful atmosphere while also purifying the air, which is essential for a good night's sleep.

Here are some of the best low-maintenance plants perfect for bedrooms, especially in the unique climates across Australia.

Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is renowned not just for its delightful scent but also for its ability to induce relaxation and improve sleep quality. A small pot of lavender on a bedside table or windowsill can provide a gentle, natural aroma that helps to reduce anxiety and enhance sleep.

Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and requires full sun, so it is best placed in a spot with plenty of morning light.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily is an exceptional choice for the bedroom due to its superb air-purifying qualities. It can filter out harmful benzene, formaldehyde, and other toxins.

Its lush, dark green leaves and occasional white blooms add a touch of elegance.

Peace Lilies prefer low to medium light and some humidity, making them ideal for bedrooms away from direct sunlight.

Aloe Vera

Not only is Aloe Vera beneficial for skin care, but it also acts as an air purifier by releasing oxygen at night, which helps promote better sleep.

This succulent is incredibly easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and thriving in indirect sunlight. Its soothing properties and ease of care make it a perfect bedroom companion.

Care Tips

To maximise the benefits and ensure the longevity of your bedroom plants, consider the following tips:

Positioning: Plants should be kept where they can receive natural light but are not directly exposed to harsh sunlight, which can be detrimental.
Watering: These plants generally require less water, especially in cooler months. Letting the soil dry out slightly between waterings is crucial to prevent root rot.
Temperature: Most bedroom plants prefer comfortable temperatures (around 18-22 degrees Celsius), so avoid placing them near heaters or air conditioning vents.

Incorporating these plants into your bedroom creates a more relaxing and serene environment and contributes to your overall health by improving air quality and promoting better sleep.

You can enjoy these benefits with minimal effort by choosing low-maintenance plants, making them a practical and beautiful addition to any bedroom.

#3 Optimizing Small Kitchens with Stylish Indoor Plant Ideas

Kitchens, often the heart of the home, can greatly benefit from adding indoor plants. They bring vibrancy and life to the space, purify the air, and provide fresh herbs right at your fingertips.

Here are some creative and practical ways to incorporate plants into even the smallest of kitchens.

Herb Gardens on Windowsills

A simple yet highly effective way to incorporate greenery into your kitchen is through an herb garden on the windowsill.

Herbs like basil, mint, and thyme thrive in well-lit kitchen windows, add freshness to your cooking, and are easily accessible. Plus, their aromatic presence can enhance the overall sensory experience of your kitchen space.

Hanging Planters

Install hanging planters to utilise vertical space. This can be a great way to decorate without sacrificing counter space.

Plants like spider plants, English ivy, or even cherry tomatoes can be hung above your kitchen areas, adding to the aesthetics and purifying the air as they grow.

Magnetic Planters

For those with extremely limited space, magnetic planters attached to fridge doors or other metal surfaces can be an innovative solution. Small succulents or air plants work well in these setups, providing greenery without needing much soil or water.

Care Tips

To ensure your kitchen plants thrive, consider the following:

Light Requirements: Ensure that your plants receive adequate sunlight, which is crucial for their growth. Herbs and vegetables will need at least 6 hours of daylight.
Watering Habits: Be mindful of each plant's watering needs. Herbs like a consistent moisture level, whereas succulents prefer drying out between watering.
Avoid Heat and Smoke: Keep plants away from cooking areas where they might be exposed to excessive heat or smoke, which can be harmful.

Introducing plants into your kitchen enhances its look, improves air quality, and provides fresh herbs for your culinary experiments.

With these space-saving ideas, even the smallest kitchens can accommodate a touch of nature, making the space feel brighter and more inviting.

#4 Bathroom Botanicals: Choosing the Right Plants for Moist Environments

Bathrooms, with their unique conditions of high humidity and often lower light, can be a fantastic place for certain indoor plants to flourish.

These plants add a touch of nature’s beauty and can thrive in your bathroom's steamy conditions, helping to purify the air and create a spa-like atmosphere.

Here are some of the best plants that are particularly suited to bathroom environments.

Orchids (Orchidaceae)

Orchids are well known for their elegant blooms and are particularly well-suited to the humid environment of a bathroom. They thrive in indirect light and high humidity, which makes them perfect for sitting on a bathroom shelf or windowsill where they can receive the gentle morning sun.

Their exotic appearance brings sophistication and a vibrant splash of colour to any bathroom setting.

Bamboo (Bambusoideae)

Bamboo is another excellent choice for a bathroom environment. It doesn't require a lot of light, and it can grow in water alone, making it incredibly easy to maintain.

Place it in a clear vase with pebbles and water for a serene, minimalist aesthetic that promotes calm and renewal.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Known for its resilience and easy care, the Spider Plant can thrive in various conditions, including a bathroom's humid, low-light environment. It’s excellent for hanging baskets or shelves, where its arching leaves and tiny white flowers can drape beautifully.

Spider plants are also known for their ability to combat pollutants like carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in many common household products.

Care Tips

To maximise the benefits of your bathroom plants, consider the following tips:

Proper Lighting: While these plants can tolerate low light, they benefit from indirect sunlight periods. If your bathroom lacks natural light, consider using grow lights.
Watering Needs: Be mindful of the high-humidity environment, which can reduce the need for frequent watering. Always check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Temperature Control: Ensure that the temperature in your bathroom does not fluctuate widely, as extreme changes can stress the plants.

Incorporating these plants into your bathroom decor enhances the visual appeal and transforms your bathroom into a more tranquil and relaxing space.

You can enjoy a fresher atmosphere and a more delightful bathroom experience with the right plants.

#5 Native Australian Indoor Plants for Authentic Decor

Embracing native Australian plants in your indoor decor adds unique beauty and character to your home. They support local flora and are generally easier to maintain due to their adaptation to the local climate.

Here are some of the best native plants to consider for indoor settings that bring a touch of Australia’s natural landscape into your home.

Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)

Kangaroo Paw is renowned for its striking flowers and long, slender leaves, making it a standout choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. It thrives in well-lit environments and can add a dramatic touch with its vibrant red, green, yellow, or orange flowers.

This plant prefers dry conditions and requires minimal watering, making it perfect for those who want low-maintenance indoor greenery.

Bottlebrush (Callistemon)

The Bottlebrush is another excellent native choice. It is famous for its cylindrical, brush-like flowers ranging from red to pink and even purple. The plant can thrive indoors if placed in a sunny spot and regularly pruned to maintain a manageable size.

Bottlebrush plants are visually striking and attract friendly pollinators if occasionally placed outside during blooming season.

Waratah (Telopea)

With its spectacular red blooms, the Waratah can be a stunning addition to any indoor setting, although it requires a bit more care and attention. It needs bright, indirect light and well-drained soil, making it ideal for a sunny indoor location with some shade.

Waratahs can become the focal point of any room, offering a bold splash of colour and an instant conversation starter.

Care Tips

To ensure the success of these native plants in your indoor environments, consider the following:

Light Requirements: Provide ample light but protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching.
Watering Practices: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, especially for Kangaroo Paw and Bottlebrush, which are adapted to drier conditions.
Feeding: Use a slow-release fertiliser during the growing season to support healthy growth and blooming.

Incorporating native Australian plants into your indoor decor promotes local biodiversity and provides a unique, refreshing, and distinctly Australian aesthetic.

These plants are well-adapted to local conditions, making them easier to care for and a sustainable choice for your home.

#6 Indoor Plants That Purify Air: Health Benefits in Every Room

Bringing indoor plants into your home isn’t just about aesthetics; it's also about enhancing the health of your living environment. Certain plants are particularly effective at purifying indoor air, removing toxins and improving overall air quality.

Here are some of the best plants for this purpose, ideal for any room in your Australian home.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston Fern is renowned for removing indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. With its lush, feathery fronds, it adds both greenery and grace to any space.

This plant thrives in high humidity and indirect light, making it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens, but it is just as effective in living rooms and bedrooms where moisture can be maintained.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The Rubber Plant is not only stylish with its glossy, dark green leaves, but it’s also highly efficient at cleaning the air.

It excels at absorbing airborne chemicals and converting them into plant nutrients, effectively reducing the levels of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

It prefers bright, indirect light and can grow quite large, making a striking statement in spacious rooms.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant is one of the toughest houseplants, making it ideal for beginners. It’s particularly noted for its ability to produce oxygen at night, unlike most plants, which do so during the day.

This quality makes it an excellent bedroom choice to ensure fresh air as you sleep. It can tolerate low light and irregular watering, making it a fuss-free addition to any room.

Care Tips

To maximise the air-purifying effects of these plants, consider the following care tips:

Placement: Spread these plants throughout your home to maximise their air-purifying impact.
Watering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in plants like the Boston Fern and Rubber Plant, which prefers well-drained soil.
Cleaning: Regularly dust the leaves to ensure efficient photosynthesis and air purification.

Incorporating these air-purifying plants into your home decor adds natural beauty and is crucial in maintaining a healthier indoor environment.

These plants are particularly valuable for those living in urban areas or homes with limited ventilation. They offer a natural way to enhance air quality and overall well-being.

#7 Pet-Friendly Plants: Safe Choices for Homes with Furry Friends

Pet owners must choose indoor plants with care to ensure the safety of furry family members. Many common houseplants can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

Fortunately, several beautiful and safe options are available that can enhance your home without posing a risk to pets.

Here are some of the best pet-friendly plants that are both safe and stylish for your Australian home.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spider Plant is an excellent choice for pet owners due to its non-toxic nature. These plants are incredibly resilient, easy to care for, and can thrive in various conditions, making them perfect for busy pet owners.

Their ability to produce oxygen and purify the air also benefits you and your pets.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Known for its lush, feathery fronds, the Areca Palm is another safe plant for homes with pets. It adds a tropical flair to any room and is known for its air-purifying properties.

This palm prefers bright, indirect light and can grow considerably, making it a focal point in larger rooms.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston fern is safe for both cats and dogs and is another great option for pet-friendly households. Like the Spider Plant, it also helps remove indoor air pollutants.

The humidity-loving fern thrives in a moist, shady environment, making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens with higher moisture levels.

Care Tips

Ensuring the health of your plants and pets involves some simple but important care practices:

Regular Maintenance: Keep the plants healthy and pest-free, as pests can also pose risks to pets.
Proper Placement: Plants should be placed in areas that are less accessible to curious pets to prevent chewing or digging.
Hydration: Ensure plants are adequately watered according to their needs. Overwatered plants can develop mould or other issues that might affect pet health.

Incorporating these pet-friendly plants into your home ensures you can enjoy indoor greenery's beauty and benefits without worrying about your pets' safety.

These plants not only decorate your space but also create a healthier environment for all inhabitants of your home.

Conclusion

Throughout this guide, we've explored various ways to integrate indoor plants into every room of your Australian home.

From the vibrant and purifying presence of the Fiddle Leaf Fig in your living room, the soothing Lavender in your bedroom, to the practical herb gardens in your kitchen, and the humid-loving Orchids in your bathroom, we’ve covered how to enhance each space effectively and beautifully.

We also highlighted native Australian plants like the Kangaroo Paw for an authentic touch and the best air-purifying plants, such as the Boston Fern, to ensure your home isn’t just stylish but healthier, too.

We provided safe plant suggestions for pet owners, such as the Spider Plant and Areca Palm, ensuring that your green decor is safe for every family member.

Remember, the key to thriving indoor plants lies in choosing the right plant for the right space and how you care for them. Regular maintenance, proper lighting, and appropriate watering are essential to keep your plants looking their best.

Now that you know how to decorate your home with indoor plants, why not start today? Head to your local nursery or garden centre and pick out a few plants that resonate with your style and needs.

Share your new green spaces with us on social media using the hashtag #ThrivingGreensAustralia—we’d love to see how you bring your home to life with these natural beauties.

For more tips on home decor and living a greener, healthier lifestyle, subscribe to our blog and join our community of plant enthusiasts.

FAQs

Q1: What are the best indoor plants for living rooms in Australia?

A1: Fiddle Leaf Fig, Snake Plant, and Philodendron are excellent choices for living rooms due to their aesthetic appeal and ease of care. They thrive in the bright, indirect light typical of living room environments.

Q2: Which indoor plants are recommended for bedrooms to promote better sleep?

A2: Lavender, Peace Lily, and aloe vera are ideal for bedrooms. Lavender's calming scent promotes relaxation, while Peace Lily and aloe vera improve air quality by removing toxins and releasing oxygen at night.

Q3: How can I incorporate plants in a small kitchen?

A3: Utilize vertical spaces with hanging planters or grow herbs on windowsills to save space and add freshness to your cooking.

Q4: What are some humidity-loving plants suitable for bathrooms?

A4: Orchids, Bamboo, and Boston Fern thrive in humid bathroom conditions and require minimal light, making them perfect for this environment.

Q5: Are there any Australian native plants that can be grown indoors?

A5: Kangaroo Paw and Bottlebrush are great native Australian plants that adapt well indoors. They require bright light and minimal watering, reflecting their local environmental adaptations.

Q6: Which plants are safe for homes with pets?

A6: Spider Plant, Areca Palm, and Boston Fern are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them safe choices for pet owners.

Q7: How do indoor plants improve indoor air quality?

A7: Plants like the Boston Fern, Rubber Plant, and Snake Plant are known to remove pollutants such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air, improving indoor air quality and enhancing overall health.