My Indoor Jungle: Living in a House Full of Plants

Have you ever dreamed of living in a lush, green oasis – but inside the comfort of your own home? Well, that’s exactly what I’ve created! My house is overflowing with beautiful, thriving houseplants of all shapes and sizes. It’s my very own indoor jungle paradise. 

Let me take you on a tour and share some tips I’ve learned on my journey living with hundreds of plants.

How Did I End Up With So Many Houseplants?

It all started a few years ago when I bought my first fiddle leaf fig. I instantly fell in love with the tropical vibe it added to my living room. That one plant sparked something in me and before I knew it, I was hooked on houseplants.

I started collecting more and more – a bird of paradise for the corner, hanging pothos vines in the bathroom, a rubber tree as a focal point. Each new green beauty brought me so much joy. My collection grew and grew until I found myself living in a house full of plants!

What Are the Benefits of Living With Lots of Plants?

Besides looking absolutely stunning, did you know that living with plenty of plants has some amazing benefits? Here are a few perks I’ve noticed from my indoor jungle:

1. Cleaner Air

Plants are natural air purifiers. They absorb toxins and carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen. NASA has even studied this and found that houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours. My house always feels so fresh and my air is super clean.

2. Reduced Stress

Being around plants is incredibly calming. After a hectic day, relaxing in my indoor oasis instantly helps me destress. Studies have shown that interacting with indoor plants can reduce both physiological and psychological stress. I can definitely attest to that!

3. Better Focus and Productivity

When I’m working from home, I’ve found that being surrounded by plants helps improve my focus and productivity. It’s like bringing a bit of nature indoors clears my head. Research backs this up – one study found that having plants in the office can increase productivity by 15%!

4. Mood Booster

All the lush greenery just makes me happy! Caring for my plant babies and watching them grow is so rewarding. Indoor plants have been shown to boost mood, increase feelings of well-being, and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. I can’t imagine my home without them now.

What Are My Favorite Houseplants?

With so many plants, it’s hard to choose favorites! But here are a few stars in my collection that I especially adore:

1. Monstera Deliciosa

Also known as the “swiss cheese plant”, I love the iconic split leaves of monstera deliciosa. It’s a fast grower that makes a statement in any room. Plus, it’s pretty easy to care for!

2. Fiddle Leaf Fig

The fiddle leaf fig started my whole plant obsession, so it will always have a special place in my heart. The large, glossy violin-shaped leaves add such a luxe vibe. It can be a bit of a diva, but it’s worth it!

3. Bird of Paradise

For a major tropical feel, you can’t beat a bird of paradise. The tall, upright leaves fan out so beautifully. It commands attention and looks like a work of art.

4. Pothos

If you want a trailing plant, pothos is a classic that’s almost impossible to kill. It grows quickly, looks great in hanging baskets, and comes in lots of fun varieties like neon, marble queen, and golden pothos.

5. Snake Plant

The snake plant is an ideal low-maintenance plant. It tolerates neglect and can survive low light. The tall, upright variegated leaves look modern and sculptural. Plus, it’s an air purifying powerhouse!

6. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is practically indestructible. It can handle very low light conditions and infrequent watering. The ZZ has unique, waxy green leaves that reflect light beautifully. It’s a slow grower, but that also means you won’t need to repot it often.

How Do I Take Care of So Many Plants?

People always ask me how I manage to keep so many houseplants alive and thriving. Here are my best tips for caring for a house full of plants:

1. Choose the Right Plants

Make sure you pick plants that suit your home’s environment. Consider light levels, temperature, and humidity. Be honest about how much time and effort you can dedicate to plant care. Start with easier, low maintenance plants and work your way up to more demanding species.

2. Develop a Routine

Having a regular care routine keeps me on top of plant maintenance. I have designated days for watering, fertilizing, dusting leaves, checking for pests, and rotating plants for even light exposure. Staying consistent prevents problems!

3. Invest in the Right Tools

Having the proper tools makes plant care so much easier. A moisture meter ensures I water correctly. A good mister maintains humidity. Quality pruning shears keep plants tidy. I also love using a squeeze bottle for precision watering smaller plants.

4. Watch for Warning Signs

I keep a close eye on my plants for any signs of trouble – wilting, yellow leaves, brown tips, pests, etc. Catching issues early makes them much easier to treat. I inspect each plant during watering to stay on top of any red flags.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Every home is different, so it can take some trial and error to figure out what works for your space and your plants. I’ve learned to embrace experimenting and not be afraid to move plants around to find their happy place. And if something’s not working, I change it up!

How Can I Display So Many Plants in My Home?

One of my favorite parts of having a house full of plants is finding creative ways to display them. Here are some methods I use to show off my indoor jungle:

1. Use Vertical Space

Take advantage of vertical space to fit in more plants! I hang trailing plants in baskets from the ceiling and walls. Tall plants on plant stands draw the eye up. I even have a living wall filled with air plants and succulents.

2. Group Plants Together

Clustering plants together creates a lush, jungle-like feel. I mix different sizes, colors and textures. It looks abundant and natural. Plus, grouping plants with similar care needs makes maintenance easier.

3. Place Plants at Different Heights

Putting plants at various heights creates visual interest. I use plant stands, stools, shelves, and even upside-down pots to get plants at different levels. It adds dimension to my displays.

4. Match Plants to Your Decor

I choose plants that complement my interior design style. In my boho living room, I have hanging macrame planters and woven baskets. My modern dining room features plants with sleek, architectural foliage in white ceramic pots.

5. Don’t Forget the Bathroom

The bathroom is a great place for humidity-loving plants. I hang vining plants like pothos and philodendron from the ceiling. Ferns love the moisture too. It creates a real at-home spa vibe!

What Challenges Come with Having So Many Plants?

While the benefits of living with a house full of plants are many, there are also some challenges that come with the territory. Here are a few I’ve encountered:

1. Pests can spread quickly

When you have a lot of plants living in close quarters, pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scales can spread like wildfire if left unchecked. I inspect my plants regularly for any signs of infestation and quarantine any affected plants immediately. I treat pests with a mixture of neem oil and gentle dish soap.

2. Some plants can be finicky

While many houseplants are very easy going, some can be quite particular about their conditions. Fiddle leaf figs, for example, are known to drop leaves at the slightest change in their environment. Calatheas can be very sensitive to tap water and may need filtered or distilled water to prevent leaf browning. It’s important to research each plant’s needs and be prepared to cater to them.

3. Plants can be expensive

Collecting houseplants can become an expensive hobby, especially if you fall in love with rare or trendy varieties. Some plants like variegated monsteras can cost hundreds of dollars for a single leaf cutting! To keep costs down, I propagate my own plants, shop at local nurseries instead of big box stores, and participate in plant swaps with friends.

4. They take up a lot of space

As your plant collection grows, you may find your living space shrinking. Large floor plants like fiddle leaf figs and birds of paradise can take up a lot of real estate. I’ve had to get creative with my plant placement, installing hanging baskets and wall-mounted planters to maximize space. It’s important to strike a balance and not let your plants completely take over your home.

FAQs

How many plants is too many plants?

If you ask me, there’s no such thing as too many plants! It’s all about what works for your space and lifestyle. I probably have over 100 plants in my house, but I’ve built up to that over time. It’s a very personal thing. For some people 10 plants is a lot, for others it could be 200+. Go with what brings you joy and you can manage.

What are the easiest houseplants for beginners?

If you’re just starting your houseplant journey, I recommend beginning with hardy, low-maintenance plants. Some great beginner-friendly options include pothos, snake plants, ZZ plants, spider plants, and peace lilies. These can tolerate a bit of neglect while you develop your plant care skills.

How do you avoid overwatering plants?

Overwatering is one of the most common ways to kill houseplants. To avoid it, first make sure your plants are in pots with drainage holes. Then, only water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Stick your finger in the soil to check moisture levels. I also like using a moisture meter to be extra sure. And remember, most plants need less water in winter when they’re semi-dormant.

How often should I fertilize my houseplants?

Most houseplants benefit from regular fertilizing during the spring and summer growing seasons. A general rule of thumb is to fertilize every 2 weeks at half strength, or once a month at full strength. But this varies based on the specific plant. In winter, you can pause fertilizing or fertilize just once or twice. Be sure to follow the directions on your fertilizer and don’t overdo it – too much fertilizer can burn plants!

What’s the best way to get rid of houseplant pests?

Ugh, pests are the worst! But they’re an unfortunate reality of living with plants. I always start with the gentlest treatment and work up from there. First, try physically removing pests by hand or spraying them off with water. For more stubborn infestations, insecticidal soaps or neem oil can help. Isolate any infested plants so pests don’t spread. For severe cases, you may need a systemic chemical pesticide. But I try to avoid those if possible. Prevention and early intervention are key!

Conclusion: It’s a Jungle in Here and I Love It!

Living in a house overflowing with plants brings me so much happiness and peace. My indoor jungle makes my home feel alive. It’s amazing how much houseplants can transform a space and elevate your mood. Yes, it takes some work to care for this many plants, but for me, it’s a joyful labor of love.

If you’re considering filling your home with plants, I say go for it! Start small and build your collection over time. Figure out what works for you and embrace the journey. There’s definitely a learning curve, but don’t let that stop you. Having your own indoor oasis is so rewarding.

To me, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a room bursting with lush green foliage. Plants aren’t just decor for me – they’re a way of life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way! So I encourage you to add some green to your space and experience the magic of living with plants. Trust me, it’s worth it!