How to start your indoor jungle

Bringing joy, colour and texture, plants add life to a home in more ways than one. To help you find the perfect plants for your space, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Barratt London to bring you the ultimate guide to creating your indoor and outdoor jungle. Whether you’re a first-time plant parent or an experienced green thumb, follow these tips to bring your home to life, one leafy friend at a time. 

Why should you have houseplants?

There are so many benefits to having plants in your home. They keep you connected to the natural world, bringing the outside in and injecting greenery and organic shapes into your space. Caring for plants is great for your physical and mental health, boosting your mood, increasing your attention span (particularly helpful if you WFH) and reducing stress and fatigue. Your plant care routine can be a mindful, nurturing activity for both yourself and your plants, and nothing beats the joy in seeing your leafy friends thrive and grow. And let’s not forget that as plants absorb CO2 and release O2, they contribute to a fresher, healthier living environment. Simply put, they’re pretty great to have around. 

Things to think about

Do you have room to grow?

Before you start your plant collection, think about how much space you have to play with. Do you have room for a complete green oasis or would subtle pops be better? If your floor space is limited then you might want to consider smaller plants that can sit on your shelves or coffee table, or those that can hang from the ceiling and won’t take up much room. Alternatively choose plants like Dracaenas that have a tall, narrow growth habit or those that are trained up a moss pole like Devil’s ivy.

Are you a beginner or a plant pro?

First-time plant parent? Ease yourself in with our most laid-back houseplants – we call them our (almost) Unkillables, because they’re plants pretty much anyone can keep alive. Experienced green thumb? Set yourself a challenge – fussier plants like Calathea are beautiful, rewarding plants that need a little more attention.

Do you have pets or young children?

Our range of pet- and child-friendly plants are perfect for homes with little fingers or curious paws. They’re completely non-toxic, and won’t take it personally if a well-meaning housemate takes a bite. Perfect for bringing peace of mind.

How much light does your home have?

Last but not least, it’s important to choose plants that will enjoy and thrive in the conditions of your home. One of the biggest things to think about is how much natural light your home gets and what kind of light it is. Some plants are quite happy in bright direct light – the kind that will shine into a south-facing room for instance – while others prefer filtered, and some are quite happy in shadier spaces.

Best plants for the kitchen or bathroom

Houseplants like Peace lilies, Ferns, Anthuriums and Calatheas live in tropical places in the wild, and have lush or delicate leaves that thrive in humid conditions. To help remind them of home, place them in a steamier spot such as in a bathroom or kitchen. Not only will they add soft greenery and texture to these more practical spaces, but they’ll absolutely love soaking up the humidity. Balance this out with filtered natural light and your plants will thrive, bringing jungle vibes to your indoor oasis.

Best plants for the bedroom or living room

Whether it’s to create a calming bedroom for snoozing or to add character to soft furnishings in your living room, bringing plants into your living spaces immediately elevates the interiors. For trailing vines, look to hanging plants such as Devil’s ivy, ‘Marble Queen’ pothos or English ivy, all of which are easy to care for and grow quickly, adding dramatic greenery to shelving and bookcases. If you have an empty corner, opt for a large statement plant such as a Fiddle-leaf fig, Kentia palm or Strelitzia nicolai – these big leafy wonders add instant impact to a space. Fancy getting creative? Read our guide on how to decorate with plants for more tips and inspiration.

Best plants for your balcony or patio

Let’s take this outside. If you have a balcony or patio that’s looking a little sparse, look to our edit of easy-care outdoor plants for ideas and inspiration. From balconies to terraces, suntraps to shadier spots, we have ideas for every style of outside space. If you’re not sure where to begin, start with our range of (almost) Unkillables – plants like English ivy, Chamaerops humilis, bay trees, olive trees, Cordyline and Fatsias are low-maintenance and thrive in most light conditions. They require little upkeep and attention, making them great options for beginner plant parents. For a plant that’s more specific to your environment, be sure to check out our guide to the best plant for every outdoor space.

Ready to get growing? Explore the Patch X Barratt London edit below for our top easy-care picks for first-time plant parent. You can find out more about Barratt London here.