January and February aren’t months when most of us want to spend much time in the garden. Though we enjoy relatively mild winters, the chill can still put a damper on outdoor activities. But there’s no reason for us to abandon nature completely while we hibernate indoors. Bring a bit of the outside in and you’ll not only elevate your health but also your style.
That’s right: Houseplants are having a moment. Many of you probably cringe at that statement, recalling the plant-heavy decor of the 1970s, when greenery sat in wicker baskets, burst out of kitschy ceramic, or was cradled in macramé hangers. But rather than being used as a green backdrop for a living space, today’s houseplants are sculptural focal points and chic design accents. They are pieces of decor in and of themselves, strategically placed to accent a room or show off a piece of handcrafted pottery or other unique vessels. Large, sculptural plants are highly sought after, and even full-sized trees are enhancing modern interiors.
For those of you not quite ready to accommodate a large tree in your living room, there are plenty of smaller plants that can complement your space. Here are a few of my favorite easy-care indoor specimens.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, or “ZZ plant” for short, is a tough and resilient indoor performer with beautifully shaped, waxy leaves and thick stems. ZZ plant fits in perfectly in both contemporary and traditional rooms. It will weather your neglect with style and tolerates low-light conditions. It needs only an occasional soaking to stay happy.
Sansevieria, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is just about the toughest indoor plant you’ll come across. It practically challenges you to kill it. The stately, tall foliage is a great complement to contemporary interiors. Foliage colors vary from deep green to variegate with yellow bands. Are you a forgetful waterer? This plant is your soul mate. Moderate to low light and an occasional watering is all it needs.
Aglaonema, or Chinese evergreen, is another old standard that grows well in low-light conditions. Recently, new varieties and colors have made their way to garden centers. Bright foliage colors have modernized Chinese evergreen, making it a good choice to help bring a pop of color to your room.
Rex Begonias have also gone through a renaissance of breeding and offer up some of the most colorful and fancy foliage. Bright but indirect light will keep these plants looking their best, and they don’t like being overwatered. My favorite new variety is called Jurassic “Silver Swirl.”
Fiddle leaf fig, Ficus lyrata, is making a serious comeback. If you peruse style magazines and blogs, you’ll discover this plant is widely beloved and sought after for its sculptural shape. It’s also favored as an efficient “oxygenator” due to its large leaf surface. Its tree-like appearance makes your room feel more outdoorsy.
Don’t want to bother with soil? Air plants have recently experienced a boom. Varieties like tillandsias can be displayed in just about any receptacle, be it a hanging terrarium, a vintage bowl, or a shell. Bright, filtered light and a quick soak in water once a week will keep your tillandsias sturdy.
