Horticulturalist Tammy Huynh from Leaf An Impression shows us how to style your home with indoor plants.
It’s no secret that our obsession with indoor plants has grown faster than a devil’s ivy in recent years, with more or us looking for ways to bring the outside in, especially during isolation. As a horticulturist, plant stylist and owner of Leaf an Impression – as well as an avid plant collector for over 10 years – I’m passionate about sharing and teaching the community about the myriad of benefits plants bring, while sharing styling tips that can help you get the most out of your plant pals.
The benefits
Plants soften a space and can tie your interior elements together, but they are more than just aesthetically pleasing. It’s been scientifically proven, time and time again, that greening up our lives with a few fronds is good for our health and wellbeing. The Plant Life Balance simple science report tells us that this is something that has been deeply researched for over fifty years and that plants have the ability to create feelings of relaxation and positivity, and bonus – improved concentration! And not only that, but in a medium-sized room, one plant can increase the air quality by 25%. So, it’s great to have a few (or many) plant babies about the place!
Consider your space
Think about the areas of the home you spend the most time in and work towards bringing plants into these spaces – is it the bedroom, the kitchen or even the bathroom? Then consider what conditions your prospective new fronds will be growing in – is the room brightly it, does it only get afternoon sun, or perhaps there is very little light for most of the day? If you’re not familiar with your plant’s needs, your local horticulturist can advise if the plants you have in mind are suitable – don’t be afraid to take in a photo of the room you plan to green, it makes their job much easier!
Colours and textures
Once you have your plant choices, it’s time to have fun with placement. Now, it sounds easy and don’t get me wrong, it can be, but grouping plants in certain ways can help create a more aesthetically pleasing display. This diversity of plants is also essential in reaping the benefits according to the Plant Life Balance simple science. Grouping plants in odd numbers – 3 or 5 – is usually a good place to start. Play with pot heights by using stands (or even books) and mix foliage colours and textures. The large fenestrated leaves of monstera contrast beautifully with the graceful leathery foliage of the fiddle leaf fig or the glossy dark green leaves of the rubber tree. Hanging plants, particularly with trailing foliage like hoyas or chain of hearts can help soften the display.
If you’re starting out, go for low maintenance options like devil’s ivy, peace lily, or
sansevieria. The Plant Life Balance 2020 trend report also recommends the rubber tree, if you’re looking for a statement piece. Play with pot colour and designs, too. Terracotta pots are great for uniformity and allow more bespoke pieces to shine, or you might want to go for a more monochromatic scheme with different shapes and sizes.
Shelfies and other opportunities
Once you start to see every surface as a planting opportunity, you’ll quickly realise how much space you *actually* have to dedicate to plants – yep, even if you have a ‘small’ apartment. Bookshelves, curtain rods, clothes racks, window sills provided the rooms they reside in the right conditions for plants, they’re all potential planting spots!
I spend a lot of time in the work/study, so I have completely filled the room with plants to give it a lush, jungle vibe. Plants help me relax, but also focus, so it makes sense to surround my workspace with them. I think it’s also important to fill the entrance/hallway with plants – you’re greeted with a lovely ‘welcome home’ every time you open the door.
Last words
Plants and wellbeing go hand-in-hand. But if something goes wrong – a plant loses its leaves or suddenly dies on you – try not to despair. Find out what happened – speaking to a horticulturist can help or try your local nursery – and use it as a lesson for next time as you continue to cultivate your urban jungle dream.
Tammy Huynh
Horticulturist, plant stylist, and owner at Leaf an Impression and Plant Life Balance ambassador. Keep up with Tammy @leaf_an_impression.
The Carousel would like to thank Tammy Huynh for her story.
