by Gardens of Babylon | Apr 2, 2024
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Are you a self-proclaimed brown thumb when it comes to houseplants? Do you struggle to keep even the hardiest of houseplants alive? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this edition, we’re sharing our top picks for plants that even those with the brownest of thumbs can keep thriving. These five contenders add life and beauty to your home without demanding too much of your time and attention.
#1 – Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

This plant is stunning and can come in either variegated or non-variegated varieties. Native to French Polynesia, the Golden Pothos, responds to a wide variety of environments from bright indirect light to medium light. This Pothos is a vigorous grower and a trailing wonder, great for hanging baskets or just draping down the bookcase. When given bright light it can even grow up to one leaf per week!
#2 – ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamifolia)


The second plant to mention is the wildly popular ZZ plant. You can put this plant just about anywhere in your home. These thrive in low, medium, and bright light; even artificial plant lights will do! They rarely need watering which is fantastic for lazy plant parents. We love the modern flair they bring into the home with thick, glossy leaves that grow upright.
#3 – Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

The third contender is the Aloe Vera plant. Part of the succulent family, this plant is known for its medicinal purposes and for being easy. Needing bright light this stunner requires very little watering. Its origin stems from the Arabian Peninsula but now is cultivated worldwide. It thrives in well-drained soil and actually likes to be root bound so if you’re slow to repot, that’s ok. And, if you want to propagate, just grab one of their pups and put them in soil!
#4 – Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

The large, variegated broad and bright leaves of the Dumb Cane plant can spruce up any home decor. Apart from its lovely appearance, there are many other Dieffenbachia benefits. According to studies, dieffenbachia topped the list of plants that absorb carbon dioxide efficiently. The Dieffenbachia is an ideal plant for various light situations, but needs to be kept away from very bright windows. With its straight, beautiful stem, broad leaves, colorful blotches, and speckles, the dumb cane looks absolutely stunning.
#5 – Calathea Peacock (Makoyana)

Last but not least is the Calathea Peacock plant. This plant is a true showstopper, known for its jovial behavior. Each day, it gracefully turns its leaves downward in the morning to soak up the sunlight, but at nightfall, it gently stretches them upward. It’s more of a drama queen about lighting than our other plants listed and thrives in filtered light. Originally from a humid environment, the Calathea Peacock plant appreciates a similar atmosphere. Keeping it in a warm temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit will provide the optimal conditions for robust growth and allow this enchanting plant to flourish!
In conclusion, being a self-proclaimed “brown thumb” doesn’t have to mean giving up on the idea of having thriving houseplants. With the right selection, even the most challenged plant enthusiasts can enjoy the benefits of greenery in their homes. For some creative ideas for using plants to green up your spaces, go to our Plantscaping blog here. If you would like expert help with Plantscaping be sure to reach out to our Botanical Design team.
by Gardens of Babylon | Jul 3, 2023
Indoor plants are more than just accessories for your interior spaces. They purify the air, add visual interest, and create a vibrant, welcoming ambiance. Bringing living organic greenery into your space softens the lines of your furniture, walls, and flooring in the way that a blanket does when draped over a chair. Plants bring balance to a room, and when just the right plant is chosen for the space, it can thrive and grow with you. So whether you are an interior designer or a plant mom or plant dad, we hope to give you some fresh ideas in the world of indoor plantscaping.

Levels and Layering
When arranging plants, consider using vertical space to add more depth and interest. Place plants of different heights on plant stands, shelves, furniture, and even hanging baskets. This tiered approach can help to draw the eye around the room and add visual appeal. 
Container Creativity
The pots and containers you use can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your indoor garden. Consider unique pots in different shapes, sizes, and colors. The style and color of pot can help bring cohesiveness to the style of your home. Earthy terra cotta pots can bring a southwestern or European flare, whereas a black or white glazed pot works well in more modern spaces. If you love traditional and country spaces, woven baskets add a nice touch. Copper or gold containers can bring drama to a space that otherwise seems lackluster. Just be sure you consider the lining and drainage of each pot you’re using to meet the needs of the plant.

Mini Indoor Jungle
If you’re a lover of lush greenery, why not turn a corner of your home into a mini indoor jungle? Choose a variety of plants with varying textures and shades of green to mimic the feel of a jungle. Large-leafed plants like Monstera and Fiddle-Leaf Fig can be great additions to this setup.


Plant Groupings
Consider clustering similar types of plants together for visual impact. For instance, you can create a succulent corner or a cacti collection on a sunny windowsill. Grouping plants with similar light and watering needs also make it easier to care for them.


Indoor Herb Garden
For the culinary enthusiast, why not incorporate an indoor herb garden into your kitchen space? Not only will this bring an element of nature into your home, but it also provides a readily available supply of fresh herbs for your cooking. Great potted herbs to try in your kitchen are rosemary, basil, mint, and cilantro. New to herb gardening? We have helpful info here to get you started!

Creative Use of Space
Don’t limit your indoor plants to the floor or tabletops. Utilize all available spaces including walls, ceilings, and stairs. Hanging macrame plant holders can help you with placement by windows when a plant needs more light. Plants that grow in an upward vining nature can be trained up furniture and across walls.

Terrariums and Miniature Gardens
Creating miniature landscapes in glass containers, also known as terrariums, can be a fantastic way to showcase your creativity. Choose small plants like mosses, ferns, and air plants for these mini ecosystems. These are often displayed as table centerpieces but also look fantastic in bathrooms and on windowsills.


Plants as Art
Also known as vertical gardens, living wall art can be designed with a variety of plants to create a vibrant tapestry of life. You can use different types of ferns, ivy, succulents, and even herbs depending on the light and watering conditions. One can also opt for air plants, as they require minimal maintenance. Moss art is an excellent option for those who want to incorporate greenery without having to worry about ongoing maintenance. Moss walls don’t require light or water, making them an excellent choice for rooms with limited natural light, such as a darker den or study. They are created using preserved moss and can be made in a variety of designs and patterns. A botanical designer can create a custom living wall or moss art wall that fits your space perfectly!


Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to plantscaping. It’s a personal journey of exploring your creativity and discovering what works best for your space and lifestyle. Whether you have a green thumb or are a beginner at plant care, these ideas hopefully inspire you to create a living space that’s uniquely yours. Happy Plantscaping!