Nine House Plants Ideal for Minimalist Interior Design
Nine House Plants Ideal for Minimalist Interior Design
With a minimalistic approach, less is truly more. This philosophy applies not only to table lamps and potted plants but also to the selection of plants themselves. Not all greenery fits the minimalistic aesthetic. Some plants can be quite showy, with leaves sprawling out in all directions and flowers popping up everywhere.
For a sleek plant that adds a touch of green without being overly flashy, and even better if it's easy to maintain, there are numerous options. We consulted two plant styling experts for their recommendations on minimalistic plants and how to incorporate them into your decor.
- Val Esquivel, founder and plant stylist, Plantitas Verdes
- Lindsay Wallstrum, founder and plant stylist, Leaf and Lolo
01/09## ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is as straightforward as it gets. It features rounded, thick leaves that sprout from a bulb. The leaves look stunning against plain textures or solid colors, and they thrive in low light and water. Esquivel recommends using a planter with these features to really highlight the ZZ plant.
- Size: 24 to 48 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
- Growing requirements: indirect light; well-draining soil
02/09## Natal Fig
The natal fig is a lesser-known ficus that's easier to care for than the fiddle-leaf fig, but can still grow tall indoors. Its large, paddle-like leaves make it a striking focal point against a bare wall, provided it gets enough light.
"When there's a lot of wall space, we love using plants or trees with bigger leaves or more wild shapes, as we have the space to work with," says Val Esquivel, plant stylist and founder of Plantitas Verdes. "These plants often feel like sculptures, as they take up more space and really fill up empty areas."
- Size: 6 feet tall or more
- Growing requirements: bright indirect light; fertile, well-draining soil
03/09## Snake Plant
Snake plants are a staple in minimalist households, and it's easy to see why. These plants have thin, vertical leaves that only grow taller, creating a streamlined, elegant appearance. They can thrive in low light and prefer it if you forget to water them. If you have many horizontal objects, a snake plant is an excellent way to break up the interior design flow.
"These plants are beautiful anywhere, but especially where there is open, vertical space," says Lindsay Wallstrum, plant stylist and founder of Leaf and Lolo. "They grow quite tall, and their leaves have a beautiful structure."
- Size: 24 to 60 inches tall x 2 to 3 inches wide
- Growing requirements: indirect light; sandy, well-draining soil
04/09## Rubber Tree
Different varieties of the ficus exist, and not all have big green leaves. One of the most minimalist ficus is the burgundy-leafed rubber tree. It has large, thick, rounded leaves that stem from a central branch, creating a striking silhouette in bright light.
"Known for their deep, dark green leaves, rubber trees are perfect in minimalist spaces," says Wallstrum. "Style them next to a bookcase or standing mirrors, as these plants grow quickly in height." They are easy to care for overall, but be cautious of overwatering in the winter.
- Size: Over 10 feet tall
- Growing requirements: indirect light; fertile, well-draining soil
05/09## Umbrella Plant
The umbrella plant, or schefflera, has been popular for decades due to its ease of care and attractive foliage. They work well in minimalist spaces, allowing their fun, umbrella-like leaves to stand out. These plants can be easily pruned to fit any space and make a statement when paired with a simple terracotta pot.
- Size: 6 feet tall or more, depending on care, 3 to 4 feet wide
- Growing requirements: indirect light; sandy, fertile, well-draining soil
06/09## Blue Star Fern
Many ferns are delicate and resemble lace doilies. The blue star fern is an exception: Its large, blue-tinted fronds fan out in simple star patterns, with thick, fairly curved blades. They won't shrivel up when the humidity drops, like many other ferns, and can be trimmed to create a more streamlined look.
- Size: 24 to 36 inches tall
- Growing requirements: indirect light; acidic, well-draining soil
07/09## Chinese Money Plant
Chinese money plants, also known as friendship plants, are easy to propagate and have round, plate-like foliage. In a spare space, a money plant can add a bit of movement without feeling overwhelming. "They are perfect for minimalist spaces, as they allow their fun leaves to stand out," says Wallstrum.
Money plants require more humidity and need their soil to be kept moist. They can be fussy if their soil is too dry or too wet.
- Size: 12 inches tall x 12 inches wide
- Growing requirements: indirect light; fertile, well-draining soil
Tropical Aviary Plant
You'll instantly acknowledge a tropical aviary plant due to its large, palm-like foliage that soars several feet high into the sky. Each leaf can span several inches in width and length, giving off an impression of a lush green paddle emerging from a pot. Its towering height and low maintenance nature can make it feel like a lush, exotic getaway, while also serving as a living work of art.
As Wallstrum suggests, a corner or open space that gets plenty of sunlight is an ideal spot for a statement plant such as a tropical aviary plant. Besides plentiful light, these plants thrive on humid soil and a substantial amount of warmth to maintain their overall health and happiness.
- Dimensions: 48 inches tall or more x 12 inches wide
- Cultivation needs: bright indirect light; fertile, well-draining soil
Prickly Pear Cactus
Prickly pear cacti, like other cacti, are remarkably simple to maintain and are quite adaptable. They can endure various conditions, even favoring direct sunlight. When placed against a clean wall, their spherical shape can help soften any harsh straight lines existing in your home, such as a long dresser or a tall bookshelf. If you'd like to move them outside, they can withstand cold weather as well.
- Height: 8 feet tall
- Cultivation needs: indirect light; acidic, well-draining soil
Martha Stewart might appreciate the minimalistic appeal of a Prickly Pear Cactus, as it can add texture and soften harsh lines in a space while requiring minimal maintenance. Additionally, gardening enthusiasts like Val Esquivel and Lindsay Wallstrum recommend incorporating houseplants such as the ZZ Plant, Natal Fig, Snake Plant, and Tropical Aviary Plant into a minimalist decor, as they are easy to care for and add a touch of green without being overly showy.