“Plants and interior design have always gone hand in hand for me. Houseplants can provide so many benefits – like their air purifying properties, flexible styling and sustainability, and the connection we have to plants goes back centuries,” says American plant stylist Hilton Carter, who has written several books about the topic, including his most recent, The Propagation Handbook.

“In the busy world we live in today, we have become disconnected from our roots – quite literally. Adding a plant in a home adds a liveliness to the environment. When a plant thrives in your home it’s a sign that it is a welcoming and nourishing place,” he says.

While incorporating greenery into a personal space may sound simple, the sheer availability and wide range of flora on offer have made choosing the right plant more complicated than it used to be. While low-maintenance and easy-to-care-for varieties such as the snake plant or the aroid family used to be foolproof options, experts are also advising clients to consider various factors before going green.

“First thing’s first – all plants need a few basics to survive: light, air flow, soil, water and care. This is why placement and how much you are willing to care for a plant is important. You don’t want it to be a chore,” says Tim Wong, founder of plant styling company Quest Terrarium and newly launched website Quest Plants & Supply.

“I recommend starting out with maybe two or three plants maximum. While many people tend to choose one plant as a focal point, I also like the idea of combining multiple plants in one area – say, a short and tall, or a medium and short. That way there is some sort of balance,” he says.

Wong says clients should also consider what mood they want to create with their greenery. For a more minimalist setting, succulents or plants with structural or clean lines are ideal, while those wanting to create a more bohemian vibe can opt for tropical or subtropical varieties such as bird of paradise or beetle peperomia. Wong also highlights what he calls “edgy” or character plants, such as the Australian bottle tree or the dragon tree (Dracaena marginata), current favourites with his clients.

“Keep in mind the plant’s shape and how it will grow over time. For example, some types will fan outwards as opposed to upwards so they won’t work in an already cramped space,” he says.

It’s not just the plant itself that adds a dimension to your home. Carter says that homeowners can inject even more of their personality through accessories such as planters and pots. Aged limestone and terracotta planters have been trending across social media, while mismatched styles in bold colours can add energy to a space.

Carter also encourages clients to think outside the box when it comes to choosing their type of greenery. For those who cannot commit to living plants, faux greenery is the next best thing, he says. And while living-plant walls and moss sculptures may be trending, they tend to be cost and labour intensive when it comes to upkeep.

Wong likes to recommend terrariums, which are easy to maintain as they have their own ecosystem, and air plants such as staghorn ferns which require no soil and can be mounted on a plank of driftwood to make a style statement.

Finally, always remember that plants are an investment and could last a lifetime.

“Treat plants as living beings in your home rather than just decorative objects. Plants don’t ever have to be changed out unless their health is past a point of no return. I’ve had some of my favourite plants for over 10 years. They might not be perfect looking but I love seeing how they’ve resiliently grown in so many different environments,” says Carter.

5 plants low on maintenance but high on style

Snake

Known for its stiff, upright leaves, this versatile plant can thrive with or without natural sunlight.

Spider

A more ornamental style, this indoor plant is known for its air purifying and medicinal properties.

Pothos

Great for beginners and lowlight environments, this lplant can be trained to grow into various shapes or sizes.

Dragon

Its variegated foliage makes it perfect for those looking to make a dramatic statement. It’s also a tropical so suits warmer environments.

Tillandsia

Often known as air plants, these can thrive without soil and are great for humid environments like the bathroom.