How to Pick the Perfect Houseplant

Houseplants are a touchy subject for most people. Images of the Ficus Tree in your Pediatrician's office or your Mother's hideous, half-dead Peace Lily might come to mind. I myself was not a huge fan of indoor flora until moving to Los Angeles where the indoor-outdoor lifestyle is engrained into all aspects of the city. Ive tried my hand with a few houseplants over the years and have slowly learned which ones are my favorites and which ones I can actually keep alive.

There are two important factors to choosing the perfect houseplant: sunlight exposure and style. These attributes allowed me to curate my guide to the best houseplants one can buy.

DRAGON TREE:

The Dragon Tree is native to the Canary Islands, but was transplanted across the world to other semi-arid climates. The tree is known for its spikey, palm like leaves that give it a tropical look without the need for constant sunlight or wet soil. The plant's resilience and alienesque appearance make it one of my favorites and my recommended plant for those who always forget to water their plants. P.S. Dragon Tree leaves are poisonous and can be harmful to animals, so if you've got pets this plant might not be for you.

SAGUARO CACTUS:

If you don't know what a Saguaro Cactus is, just look at the Cactus emoji on your phone. This iconic plant is native to the desert but also thrives indoors. At any size, Saguaros give a bohemian, south western vibe to a room without making your house look like a scene from a John Wayne movie. Whether you put a tiny cactus on your side table or have giant one in the corner, consider a Saguaro for a low maintenance plant that packs a prickly punch.

FIDDLE LEAF FIG:

No indoor plant is more popular right now than the Fiddle Leaf Fig. This tree continually pops up in tons of high-end design editorials due to its versatility. The specie's large, bright green leaves and tall thin trunk give it a low profile look that can fit in the most traditional and most contemporary spaces. The one drawback of the plant is its need for direct sunlight, so if you have a dark space this one might not be for you.

Jonathan Adler's Dining Room ft. Fiddle Leaf Figs

RUBBER PLANT:

Rubber Plants come in a few different colors and sizes, but my personal favorite is the Burgundy variety. The deep aubergine color and large outcropping of leaves can fill any void in a room with life and subtle color. These plants begin their lives at shrub size, but can grow to become a full sized tree if cared for correctly. They need lots of sunlight and regular watering with the occasional spritzing of the leaves, so if you are a hands on indoor gardener this plant could be perfect for you.

OLIVE TREE:

Olive Trees are some of the most storied plants in history. These trees can live for hundreds of years in the appropriate climate and look just as beautiful indoors and they do outdoors. The trend of planting Olive Trees indoors has burst onto the scene over the past year and is one of my absolute favorite trees for a home. Olive Trees need lots of sunlight and dry soil. The tree will grow fast and will need to be planted in a large pot with a drainage tray. If you do it right, an Olive Tree will add a rustic feel to your home that can make any space look aged and sophisticated. Extend an Olive branch and incorporate one into your space.

If you would like to learn more about how to (successfully) grow any of these five plants in your home check out the links below! Hopefully I've inspired you try out using your green thumb.

Happy Growing,

Hugh