The living room is the heart of every home. It's where we relax, entertain guests, and spend time with family. But how can we make our living room even cozier and more inviting? One way is to incorporate houseplants. In this article, we'll introduce you to the 10 best plants for the living room and give you tips on choosing and caring for them.
Why plants are important in the living room
Plants are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also offer numerous health benefits. Houseplants can improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants and producing oxygen. They create a natural and calming atmosphere that can reduce stress. Furthermore, plants can act as natural humidifiers, making the indoor climate more pleasant.
However, plants in the living room can do more than just look good. They can also have a positive effect on our health. A 2019 study showed that the presence of plants indoors can increase concentration and productivity. The researchers found that participants who worked in a room with plants showed better cognitive performance than those who worked in a room without plants.
Health benefits of houseplants
Houseplants have proven positive effects on our health. They can reduce allergens and pollutants in the air, thus helping to prevent allergies and respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, they improve concentration and productivity. Studies have shown that the presence of plants in a room can lead to better cognitive performance.
Another health benefit of houseplants is their ability to increase humidity. Dry indoor air can lead to dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory problems. By placing plants in your living room, you can make the indoor climate more pleasant and avoid these problems.
Improving indoor air quality through plants
Houseplants can improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. These pollutants can be released from furniture, paints, or cleaning products and can cause long-term health problems. That's why it's so important to buy furniture or sofas made from sustainable and certified materials . By placing plants in your living room, you can improve air quality and create a healthier indoor climate.
Besides filtering pollutants , houseplants also produce oxygen. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This can help improve indoor air quality and boost your overall well-being.
There are many different types of houseplants you can place in your living room. Some popular options are the spider plant, the rubber plant, and the snake plant. These plants are not only beautiful to look at but also easy to care for, making them suitable even for beginners. Additionally, ferns and rubber plants have a cooling effect in the summer. You can find more tips for a cool living room here .
To get the most out of your houseplants, you should water and fertilize them regularly. Make sure they receive enough light, but avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause leaf burn. With proper care, houseplants can thrive in your living room for many years and provide you with the many health benefits they offer.
Discover our sustainable product range:
Choosing the right plants for your living room
When choosing plants for your living room, you should consider a few factors.
A green living room creates a pleasant atmosphere and gives your home a natural touch. Houseplants are not only decorative, but also improve air quality by producing oxygen and filtering pollutants. However, choosing the right plants for your living room can be a challenge.
Consideration of light and temperature
Most houseplants need bright, indirect light to thrive. Therefore, if your living room isn't particularly sunny, choose plants that can tolerate low light. There are many plants that grow well in the shade, such as the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) or the snake plant (Sansevieria). However, keep in mind that these plants also need some light to stay healthy.
Besides light, temperature also plays an important role in choosing the right plants. Some plants prefer warmer conditions, while others prefer cooler climates. If your living room is rather cool, cacti or succulents might be the right choice for you. They are adapted to dry and warm environments and don't require much water.
Selection based on maintenance requirements
The care requirements of a houseplant vary depending on the type. If you have little time to look after your plants, choose robust plants that require minimal care. An example of this is the spider plant, which thrives even in less than ideal conditions and only needs occasional watering.
If you enjoy spending time with your plants and want to care for them, you can also choose more demanding plants that require your attention. Orchids, for example, are beautiful plants, but they need special care. They need to be watered and fertilized regularly, and they prefer high humidity.
Another important factor when choosing the right plants for your living room is the available space. Measure the room you have for your plants and choose plants that will fit in that space. It's also important to consider the plants' growth habits to ensure they have enough room to spread out.
Top 10 plants for your living room
Succulents: Low-maintenance beauties
Succulents are the perfect choice if you're looking for low-maintenance plants. They require very little water and tolerate various light conditions. Succulents come in a variety of shapes and colors and bring diversity to your living room.
Did you know that succulents store water in their leaves? This allows them to survive in dry environments where other plants would struggle. Some succulent species even have spiny leaves to protect themselves from predators.
The variety of succulents is impressive. There are smaller varieties that fit perfectly on windowsills, and larger ones that can serve as eye-catchers on a table or dresser. No matter which succulents you choose, they will add a touch of beauty and elegance to your living room.
Ficus: A classic for the living room
The ficus is a popular houseplant found in many living rooms. It is robust, air-purifying, and requires only low light. The ficus can become an eye-catching feature in your living room while simultaneously improving the indoor air quality.
There are various types of ficus plants, including Ficus benjamina, Ficus elastica, and Ficus lyrata. Each of these species has its own unique characteristics and can add a special atmosphere to your living room.
The Ficus benjamina, for example, has delicate, green leaves that bring a touch of freshness to the room. The Ficus elastica, also known as the rubber tree, has glossy, dark green leaves that create an elegant look. The Ficus lyrata, also known as the fiddle-leaf fig, has large, feathery leaves that add a dramatic accent.
Orchids: Exotic elegance
Orchids are known for their exotic beauty and elegance. They bloom in a variety of colors and can transform your living room into a tropical oasis. Orchids require a little more attention, but the effort is well worth it for their breathtaking floral display.
There are thousands of orchid species in the world, many of which are native to tropical regions. Each species has its own specific requirements for light, temperature, and humidity. If you decide to keep orchids, it's important to understand the needs of your chosen species to ensure they thrive in your living room.
Orchids are also known for their long flowering period. Some varieties can bloom for several months, while others only flower for a few weeks. No matter which orchid variety you choose, it will add an exotic touch to your living room and become a conversation starter for your guests.
Monstera: The trendsetter among houseplants
The Monstera is a houseplant that is currently very popular. It has large, decorative leaves that contribute to a trendy look in your living room. The Monstera needs bright, indirect light and regular watering.
The characteristic holes in the leaves of the Monstera make it a unique houseplant. These holes, also called windows, allow more light to reach the leaves while giving them an interesting texture. The Monstera is a climbing plant that can grow up a moss pole or a wall.
The Monstera is also known as the "Swiss Cheese Plant" due to the resemblance of its leaves to Swiss cheese. With its trendy look and appealing design, the Monstera is the perfect choice to add a modern touch to your living room.
Philodendron: The easy-care climbing plant
Philodendrons are climbing plants that are well-suited for living rooms. They require little light and can grow on shelves or walls. Philodendrons are easy to care for and can even help beginners enjoy incorporating plants into their homes.
There are many different types of philodendrons, each with its own unique characteristics. Some philodendron species have heart-shaped leaves, while others have oblong or lobed leaves. The color of the leaves also varies, from deep green to bright yellow.
Philodendrons are also known for their air-purifying properties. They can filter pollutants from the air, thus improving the air quality in your living room. With their easy care and attractive appearance, philodendrons are a great choice for anyone looking for a climbing plant to beautify their living room.
Sansevieria: The indestructible desert plant
The sansevieria, also known as snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue, is an extremely resilient plant. It can survive with little light and water, making it perfect for living rooms that don't receive much natural light. With its long, upright leaves, the sansevieria is a great choice for bringing greenery into your living room.
The sansevieria is a succulent and stores water in its leaves, which helps it survive periods of drought. This plant is also known for its air-purifying properties. It can filter pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, thus improving the air quality in your living room.
There are various types of Sansevieria, some with striped or spotted leaves. Thanks to its robust nature and interesting appearance, it is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-care plant to add a natural touch to their living room.
Aloe Vera: The medicinal plant for the living room
Aloe vera is not only a beautiful houseplant, but also a medicinal plant. The gel from its leaves has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and can be used for skin injuries or sunburn. It needs bright light, but direct sunlight should be avoided.
As a succulent, the aloe vera stores water in its fleshy leaves, which helps it survive in dry environments. It has long, pointed leaves and can grow to an impressive size.
To extract the gel from the leaves, simply cut off a leaf and squeeze out the gel. This can then be applied directly to the skin to benefit from its healing properties. With its dual function as both a houseplant and a medicinal plant, aloe vera is a great addition to any living room.
Pothos: The ideal hanging plant
The pothos is a popular hanging plant for the living room. It has long tendrils that can grow down from hanging baskets or shelves. It needs bright, indirect light and regular watering, and is perfect for filling empty corners or high shelves in the living room.
The pothos is a robust plant and can thrive in various environments. It is also known for its air-purifying properties and can filter pollutants from the air. It has heart-shaped leaves that come in various shades of green.
Pothos plants are also easy to propagate. You can take cuttings from the plant and root them in water or soil. This way you can multiply your pothos and get more plants for your living room or to give as gifts.
Care tips for your living room plants
The living room is a popular place to place houseplants. They not only give the room a pleasant atmosphere but also improve air quality. However, to keep your living room plants healthy and beautiful, it's important to care for them properly. Here are some tips to help you:
Irrigation and fertilization
Most houseplants need regular watering to survive. However, it's important to pay attention to the right time and the right amount of water. Regularly check the soil moisture by inserting your finger about a centimeter into the soil. If the top layer is dry, it's time to water your plants. Avoid overwatering, however, as this can lead to root rot.
Besides watering, fertilization is also important to provide your plants with the necessary nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains all the essential nutrients. The frequency of fertilization depends on the type of plant and the time of year. Generally, you should fertilize your houseplants every two weeks during the growing season. In winter, when plant growth is slower, you can reduce fertilization to once a month.
Repotting and pruning
Houseplants grow over time and therefore occasionally need a larger pot to accommodate their root growth. Observe your plants' growth and check the roots regularly. If you notice that the roots are filling the available space and sticking out of the pot, it's time to repot. Choose a pot that is at least 2-3 cm larger than the old one and use fresh potting soil.
In addition to repotting, regularly pruning your houseplants is important for promoting growth and health. Remove dead leaves or shoots to make room for new growth. Also, trim excessively long shoots to encourage bushy and compact growth. Always use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant.
By following these care tips, you can ensure your houseplants stay healthy and beautiful. Don't forget to check your plants regularly and watch out for any pests or diseases. With a little attention and care, your houseplants will become a real eye-catcher in your living room.
Common problems and solutions for houseplants
Pest infestation and diseases
Sometimes your houseplants can be infested with pests such as aphids, spider mites, or fungus gnats. Regularly check your plants for signs of infestation and take steps to get rid of the pests. Diseases such as mold or fungal infections can be caused by overwatering, so make sure the soil isn't too moist.
It's important to regularly inspect your houseplants and watch out for potential pests. Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap and can weaken the leaves. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that spin fine threads and suck sap from plant leaves. Fungus gnats are small flies that lay their eggs in the soil, and their larvae can eat the roots of plants.
To get rid of pests, you can use various methods. One option is to use insecticides specifically formulated for houseplants. These are available as sprays or granules. Another option is to use natural pest control products such as neem oil or a mixture of water and dish soap. These can be sprayed onto the plants to kill the pests.
To prevent diseases like mold or fungal infections, it's important to water your houseplants correctly. Make sure the soil doesn't get too wet, as excess water can encourage mold growth. It's also advisable to ventilate the room regularly to reduce humidity and decrease the likelihood of fungal growth.
Solutions for yellow leaves and growth problems
Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering or a nutrient deficiency. Reduce the amount of water and check the soil's nutrient content. If your plants aren't growing properly or their leaves are wilting, they may be receiving too much or too little light. Change the position of your plants to meet their optimal light requirements.
It's important that houseplants receive enough light to grow healthily. Most houseplants prefer bright, indirect light coming through a window or door. If your plants don't get enough light, their leaves can turn yellow and their growth can be stunted. In this case, you can use an artificial light source, such as a grow light, to meet your plants' light needs.
Another possible reason for yellow leaves and growth problems could be a nutrient deficiency. Houseplants need specific nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow healthily. Check the nutrient content of the soil and supplement it with a suitable fertilizer if necessary. However, be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to over-fertilization.
With the right plants and proper care, you can transform your living room into a green oasis. Choose plants that suit your personal taste and create the desired atmosphere in your living room. Enjoy observing your plants and developing your green thumb skills!
There is a wide variety of houseplants to choose from. Some popular houseplants include the spider plant, distinguished by its long, green leaves, and the rubber plant, which has large, glossy leaves. The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is another popular houseplant that requires little light and water, making it ideal for beginners.
It's important to regularly care for your houseplants to ensure they stay healthy. This includes watering them regularly, removing dead leaves, and repotting when the plant outgrows its current pot. Also, make sure your houseplants aren't near drafts or radiators, as this can cause them to dry out.
Caring for houseplants can also be a relaxing and stress-reducing activity. Watching your plants grow and attending to their needs can give you a sense of fulfillment. It can also help improve the air quality in your living room, as plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
