Creating a Green Oasis at Home
a part of the GREEN THUMB LIVING ESSENTIALS SERIES

Creating a green oasis at home is a rewarding endeavour that brings nature’s tranquillity right into your living space. It’s about transforming your home into a lush, plant-filled sanctuary that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to your physical and mental well-being. From purifying the air to reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm, a green oasis can significantly improve the quality of your indoor environment. This article will guide you through the process of creating your own green oasis at home, offering practical tips and insights to help you cultivate a thriving indoor garden.
Tips for selecting the right indoor plants
Selecting the right indoor plants based on available light and space involves considering several factors:
Consider Your Lighting: Different plants require different levels of light. Some plants need full sun, while others can thrive in low-light conditions. For example, if your room gets a lot of sunlight, consider plants like succulents or cacti. If you have a low-light room, try plants like snake plants or pothos.
Think about the Temperature and Humidity: Plants thrive in different temperature and humidity conditions. Ensure the plants you choose are suitable for your home’s conditions.
Determine Your Skill Level: Not all plants are created equal, and some require more care than others. Choose plants that match your gardening skills and time commitment.
Consider Your Space: The size of the plant should match the space available. Larger plants may be suitable for spacious rooms, while smaller plants or hanging plants may be better for smaller spaces.
Think About Your Style: The plant should also match your style and the decor of your home.
Remember, the best indoor plant for you will depend on your style, daily schedule, and routine. Many of these plants are easy to care for, allowing you to enjoy their presence and reap the health rewards.
Low-maintenance indoor plant options
1. Spider Plant: Ideal for beginners, these plants are known for their easy care and adaptability.
2. Snake Plant: These plants tolerate low light conditions and require minimal watering.
3. ZZ Plant: Thrives in low light settings and requires infrequent watering.
4. Pothos: These plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.
5. Peace Lily: Prefers low-light environments and doesn’t require frequent watering.
6. Aloe Vera: Adaptable to different light conditions and requires minimal watering.
7. Jade Plant: Known for tolerating neglect, these plants are great for busy individuals.
8. Chinese Evergreen: Great for low light and artificial environments, these plants require minimal care.
9. Monstera Deliciosa: Known for its big leaves, this plant can tolerate low light and less water.
10. African Spear Plant: This is a low-maintenance succulent that needs indirect light and does not require frequent watering.
Remember, even low-maintenance plants require some care, such as watering when the soil is dry and providing the right amount of light. But these plants are generally more forgiving and can thrive even if you forget to water them once in a while.
Incorporating plants into different rooms
Incorporating plants into different rooms can enhance the aesthetics and improve the air quality of your home. Here are some tips for each room:
1. Living Room
- Hanging Garden: Hang plants next to the stove so you can pluck fresh herbs to season your soup with ease.
- Lime Tree: If your living room gets a lot of sunlight, consider growing dwarf citrus trees.
- Countertop Herb Garden: Plant an herb garden in a low, flat pot.
- Macrame Hanging Planter: Hang plants from the ceiling or walls to add a pop of colour along with a lot of green.
- Vertical Herb Garden: Position a wall-mounted herb garden strategically to get light from the skylight.
2. Bedroom
- Placement and Styling: Utilize different heights and textures to create an aesthetically pleasing display.
- Bedside Bliss: Incorporate plants on your bedside table.
- Green Walls and Vertical Gardens: If you have limited floor space in your bedroom, consider creating a green wall or a vertical garden.
- Maintenance and Care: Provide your plants with proper care.
3. Kitchen
- Hanging Plants: Hang plants around the kitchen sink or on shelves for an eye-catching display.
- Kitchen Garden in Pots: Create a mini herb garden in your kitchen.
- Kitchen Windowsill Plants: Add flowering plants on the ledge behind your kitchen sink.
- Plants Walls: If you have a wall in your kitchen, consider creating a green wall.
4. Bathroom
- Air Plants: These plants don’t need soil and can get most of the water they need from the air. They love bright, indirect sunlight or artificial light and require good air circulation.
- Fiddle-leaf fig, Orchid, Begonia, Snake Plant, Bamboo, aloe vera: These plants are ideal for bathrooms as they love moisture and heat and can survive in low light.
- Placement: You can hang plants from the ceiling or use a hook to keep them right at eye level. If you have enough space, you can place them on shelves or just beside your bathtub.
- Freestanding Plant Stands: If your bathroom has ample floor space, freestanding plant stands are perfect. You can place a variety of planters on the stand to create a lush oasis.
Remember, the best indoor plant for you will depend on your style, daily schedule, and routine. Many of these plants are easy to care for, allowing you to enjoy their presence and reap the health rewards.
Read the next article in the Green Thumb Living Essentials Series: Herbs and Edible Plants.