To say houseplants are having their moment in the sun would be an understatement. Leafy greens are owning the indoor decor space, so much so that they’ve become the preferred token of therapy for some – especially in our new normal. 

According to terrarium gurus, The Botanical Boys, having nature around us makes us feel connected to the wider world. “Being close to gardens, trees, lying on some grass or simply listening to the swaying of the leaves in a gust of wind, reminds us these plants are keeping us alive. We are part of the ecosystem on this planet and spending time nurturing also nurtures our wellness.”

With so many of us adjusting to a new era of working from home, it’s no wonder we’re seeing a push towards bringing the outdoors in. Transforming the home into a haven and a relaxing sanctuary is one of the reasons why houseplants have become so popular. Then there are the environmental and mental benefits of houseplants.

How do plants positively affect our space?

Plants purify the air in a room. “Plants have positive air filtering qualities in and around our homes. They soak up carbon and give us oxygen,” said The Botanical Boys, adding that visually, plants impact our wellness too. “Just looking at them usually helps us relax and they soften a space.” 

Some plants even help with sleep. Placed in your bedroom, either hanging in a basket or beside your bed, plants like Jasmine or lavender emit a scent that acts on your nervous system, calming you down so that you can sleep better. 

Want tips on how to care for your indoor plants? Watch this tutorial video by The Botanical Boys.

How to buy plants online

Filling your home with healing, air-purifying and beautifying plants has never been easier. Plant delivery companies like Cuemars and The Botanical Boys deliver luscious leafy greens and DIY terrarium kits to your door. 

And if you don’t have green fingers, don’t worry! Plants like sansevieria, cactus, succulents, Schefflera, and Ficus Elastica, amongst others, are great for beginners. These plants are very easy to care for and do not need too much of your time, whilst at the same time providing immediate green impact to your space. 

And if you’re really unsure about your skills as a plant parent, these Houseplant Care Cards will give you all the information and tips you need to keep your houseplants thriving, from guidance on watering and light conditions to repotting and common mistakes. 

How to choose the best houseplants for your home

Everyone has a favourite, but before you buy plants online, make sure you create the best conditions for them to flourish. Some plants need more light than others. Some can’t handle direct sunlight, and others thrive in damp, shady areas (like bathrooms). 

Start with these easy-care plants to buy online:

1. Snake Plant

The Sansevieria Trifasciata Prain, most commonly known as Snake Plant, is one of our favourite indoor plants to buy online for the newbie plant owner. Due to its versatility, it is considered almost indestructible!

It will handle any light conditions, even low light, however, it is more comfortable in moderate to bright light. Water it thoroughly, allowing it to drain completely. 

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an easy-care tropical houseplant staple, and a lovely low-maintenance addition to your jungle under the right care and conditions. The gel from its leaves can be used to ease scratches and burns if applied topically. A houseplant that looks after you in return! 

It’s happiest in bright, indirect sunlight, near a window. Water it thoroughly but infrequently to avoid over saturating the roots. 

3. Compact Star

The Calathea Compact Star is a houseplant favourite with its beautiful red and green leaves and easy care maintenance. This plant loves humidity, so make sure to mist it weekly to avoid brown tips or group it with other plants to make your very own micro-climate.

The Compact Star likes bright, indirect light to moderate shade. Keep the soil moist, watering weekly or whenever the top layer of soil dries out. 

4. Prayer Plant

The Maranta Leuconeura, most commonly known as Prayer Plant, is one of the most beautiful indoor tropical plants to buy online. It’s a sturdy plant characterised by its unique dark green leaves and deep pink veins. The Prayer Plant receives this name due to the unusual characteristic of lying flat during the day and closing upwards at night as if in prayer.

The Prayer Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) at all times.

5. Strelitzia “Bird of Paradise”

The Strelitzia “Bird of Paradise” is commonly known as the Crane Flower in South Africa. In its natural habitat, it flowers throughout the spring and summer months creating beautiful “bird-like” flowers.

Keep your plant indoors in direct sun to protect it from hard cold winters. The plant will flower usually after 3-5 years since germination. The optimum flowering period is the winter and summer months. Keep the soil consistently moist weekly throughout the summer months and mist the leaves often. 

Buy terrarium kits online

Why not bring the whole garden indoors? Build your very own indoor garden at home with terrarium kits from The Botanical Boys. By creating a terrarium, it helps you to feel calm and relaxed and by getting your hands dirty you are literally connecting with nature.

The Baiospherers Terrariums are perfect for dark spaces in the home where no other plants can survive. Whether on the desk in the office or on top of the bedside table thanks to the full spectrum LEDs, your terrarium feels good everywhere. 

The small landscapes form independent ecosystems that bring a piece of calming nature to even the smallest of homes. The terrarium comes with a range of plants and moss and a free online live Zoom tutorial to build your terrarium in your own home online.

Don’t forget the accessories

Make sure you have everything you need to keep your houseplants in top shape with the perfect plant accessories. 

Showcase your greens in one-of-a-kind planters. We love this Jute Hanging Planter from The Botanical Boys, made from 100% cotton grown locally in South Africa by farmers who are members of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI).

Another top pick is this sustainable cotton macramé hanger from Cuemars. This chunky handmade plant hanger has been made using 100% recycling cotton rope. It combines two different macramé knots and will make your plants pop, whether you are framing a window or decorating an empty corner at home. 

Make your tropical house plants thrive by increasing the levels of humidity and help them retain the moisture that their leaves need with this contemporary plant mister (pretty enough you won’t need to pack it away between waterings!).

Written by Michelle Randall