Easy-Care Plants for Interior Design

Plants add a layer of life to an interior project like nothing else can, but when your client is new to plants (or has never had success in keeping them alive), the idea of caring for them may be very intimidating. You don’t have to be a plant expert to make plant care more accessible though- a great combo of truly easy-to-care-for plants with the right wholesale pots and planters can transform anyone into a confident plant parent.

Go-To Plants For Beginners

Sansevieria
Commonly known as ‘Snake Plants’, Sansevierias offer a huge range of shapes and colors beyond the most ubiquitous varieties you may be acquainted with. Few plants tolerate low light like Sansevierias can, and they should only be watered when the soil is dry all the way to the bottom- making them a great choice for anyone looking for a plant that doesn’t need frequent watering, or for people who travel often.

Pair with: Astrid Pot
The round curves of Astrid provide a great balance to the angular shapes of most Sansevieria species. Just be sure to keep the Sansevieria in the grower pot, then remove it when it’s time to water. Allow the water to drain out, then return the plant to the decorative pot. This is especially important for Sansevieria, since they don’t tolerate overly wet soil. 

ZZ (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
ZZ plants are one of the only other plants with the remarkable ability to tolerate lower light levels and have similar watering needs as Sansevierias so they make great companions to Sansevieria, while adding more variety in shape.

Pair with: Bosky Pot
The graceful, arching shape of a large ZZ combined with an elegant sculptural pot like Bosky elevates this easy-care favorite to living art in any space. Because Bosky features a drainage hole and saucer, it’s perfect for a plant like a ZZ- allowing for excess water to drain out, ensuring root health.  

Philodendron
There are a ton of different species of Philodendron, but many of the more common ones are easy to care for- tolerating medium light and only needing water when the top ⅓ of the soil is dry. Some of my favorites for beginners are: 

Heart Leaf (Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium)

Pair with: Hestia Hanging Pot
Since the full and lush foliage of Heart Leaf Philodendrons can quickly cover the pot they’re in, the decorative arched trellis above the bowl of the Hestia Hanging Pot adds visual interest that you’ll still be able to see as your plant grows. Simply remove the plant in the grower pot when it’s time to water, let the excess water drain out, and return to the Hestia Pot. 

Birkin (Philodendron ‘Birkin’)

Pair with: Draken Pot
The clean white color of the Draken makes a perfect backdrop to the contrasting striped leaves of the Birkin- and the included drainage hole and saucer will keep the vigorous roots happy. 

Congo or Rojo Congo (Philodendron ‘Congo’/’Rojo Congo’)

Pair with: Reverie
Over time, Philodendron Congo can grow to be quite spread out, so taller pots like Reverie pair nicely- keeping broad leaves from touching the floor. The overall effect of a combo like this makes a great statement moment in a room as well. 

Epipremnum

Often called “Pothos” there are a wide variety of Epipremnum species as well, but some are easier to care for than others. My top picks have similar care to the Philodendrons above- they tolerate medium light and only need water when the top ⅓ of the soil is dry (or the leaves start to look just slightly softer). 

Cebu Blue (Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’)

Pair with: Winding Trellis
Epipremnum are avid climbers in the wild, and when given something to climb like the Winding Trellis, their leaves can grow into a more mature size and shape, while also adding the visual interest of the plant climbing this metal trellis. 

Jade (Epipremnum aureum ’Jade’)

Pair with: Jazi Hanging Planter
Even a ubiquitous plant like Epipremnum ‘Jade’ is transformed into an attention-grabbing moment when paired with a grouping of wall mounted planters like the Jazi

Beaucarnea (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Though the Beaucarnea, commonly called a ‘Ponytail Palm’, needs direct sun, in every other way it’s a very easy plant to care for- it only needs water when the soil has dried all the way to the bottom of the pot. These plants have fun, sculptural shapes that give you the sense that each plant has its own ‘personality’- perfect for a focal point in a room. 

Pair with: Kadin Pot
Pots like Kadin that are narrower at the opening compliment the narrow trunk/full top foliage of Beaucarnea so nicely, and the drainage hole and saucer of Kadin keep the shallow, delicate roots of the Beaucarnea healthy. 

Now the next time a client shows interest in incorporating plants, you’ll be ready with this list of options that all make a great starting point for anyone ready to add the beauty of plants to their space- while not becoming totally overwhelmed by their care. 

To shop Accent Decor’s wholesale decor and wholesale pots and vases including all new and flower, plant and home products, visit accentdecor.com. 

About the author:
 Danae Horst is the founder of Los Angeles based plant boutique and plant styling studio, Folia Collective. Her life-long love of plants and interior styling, paired with her desire to empower people to keep their plants happy and healthy, led her to start Folia in 2016. In her past work as an interior photo stylist and plant care columnist at the Jungalow, and in the years since starting Folia, Danae has guided tens of thousands of people to the right plants for their space and lifestyle. Danae’s work and plant advice have been featured in the Wallstreet Journal, Washington Post, LA Times, House Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens, Fine Gardening, and more. The Folia Instagram feed was called a “Plant-Filled Instagram That Will Turn Your Black Thumb Green” by Domino Magazine. Danae’s book, Houseplants For All is available anywhere books are sold. Danae, her husband Bill, and their rescue dog Homer live in a little plant-filled bungalow in Pasadena, California. 

Photo Credit: Amy Dickerson

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