Magazine
6 plants with personality for your interior
Plants have an incredible ability to provide a sense of peace and tranquility, which is something we all need right now. That’s why choosing the right plants for your home is just as important as selecting a sofa, a mirror, or a piece of art.
As an interior styler and landscaper Yulia Kovalenko is very happy about the trend of the last few years for incorporating greenery into interiors. Here in Israel with so much sun almost all year round, large windows and spacious balconies, there is a great potential to create green spaces indoors and outdoors.
However, the list of plants most often used in the interiors is limited to 10-15 positions. These plants look great, and are more or less easy to care. But, as a plant stylist Yulia sees much more options.
So here Youlia is sharing a list of her favourite plants – those that may not be the most obvious and low maintenance, but have personality and will make even the simplest space more interesting and unique. She also added basic information on plant care to make it easier for you to choose which plant fits your particular conditions.
1. RHIPSALIS
Exotic succulent with long trailing or upright stems. Their unique shape adds originality to any interior. They create a light and playful atmosphere, perfect for open shelves and workspaces.
CARE AND DESIGN TIPS
LIGHTING: bright indirect light.
WATERING: moderate, after the top layer of soil dries out.
CARE LEVEL: low maintenance.
TOXITY FOR PETS: non toxic.
SPACE: requires little space, perfect for small rooms.
INTERIOR STYLE: modern, minimalist, eclectic.
COMBINATIONS: looks great in compositions with other plants but can be used alone as well.
2. PENCILE CACTUSE
A true architectural masterpiece! It features thin, long stems that resemble pencils. Its form adds synamism to any interior.
CARE AND DESIGN TIPS
LIGHTING: bright light, direct or indirect.
WATERING: moderate, avoid waterlogging.
CARE LEVEL: low maintenance.
TOXITY FOR PETS: toxic.
SPACE: requires little space, perfect for shelves and tables.
INTERIOR STYLE: modern, minimalist, eclectic, industrial.
COMBINATIONS: best used alone to highlight its form.
3. FICUS AUDREY
A striking plant with very special large dark green leaves with contrasting light veins. Its rich foliage make it the perfect “statement plant” and the centerpiece of any interior.
CARE AND DESIGN TIPS
LIGHTING: bright indirect light.
WATERING: when the top layer of soil dries out.
CARE LEVEL: medium.
TOXITY FOR PETS: toxic.
SPACE: requires sufficient space.
INTERIOR STYLE: modern,classic, minimalist, eclectic, industrial, loft.
COMBINATIONS: best used alone to showcase its beauty.
4. EUPHORBIA
A versatile plant with a unique shape and texture that adds dynamism to any interior. Looks super stylish. One is enough to upgrade your interior to the next level.
CARE AND DESIGN TIPS
LIGHTING: bright indirect light, but some varieties thrive in direct sunlight.
WATERING: moderate, avoid waterlogging.
CARE LEVEL: medium.
TOXITY FOR PETS: toxic.
SPACE: requires little space, suitable for various interior zones.
INTERIOR STYLE: modern, minimalist, eclectic, industrial, loft.
COMBINATIONS: both alone and in compositions with other plants.
5. PILEA PEPEROMIOIDES
A cute and charming plant with round leaves, making it ideal for creating cozy nooks. Instagram super star thanks to its photogenicity.
CARE AND DESIGN TIPS
LIGHTING: bright indirect light, but can tolerate half shadow.
WATERING: moderate, avoid waterlogging.
CARE LEVEL: medium.
TOXITY FOR PETS: non toxic.
SPACE: requires little space, suitable for various interior zones.
INTERIOR STYLE: Scandinavian, modern, minimalist, eclectic.
COMBINATIONS: looks great both alone and in compositions with other plants, creating interesting compositions.
6. PHILODENDRON BIRKIN
A stylish plant with bright white stripes on its leaves, making it a true centerpiece in the interior. Will give your interior a touch of elegancy and sophistication.
CARE AND DESIGN TIPS
LIGHTING: bright indirect light.
WATERING: when the top layer of soil dries out.
CARE LEVEL: high.
TOXITY FOR PETS: toxic.
SPACE: requires bit of space, best placed on a separate shelf or table.
INTERIOR STYLE: Scandinavian, modern, minimalist.
COMBINATIONS: best used alone to emphasize its beauty.
I’m Yulia Kovalenko, an interior and plant stylist and landscaper. Inside me there is a deep need to surround myself with beauty and greenery. And I am incredibly lucky to make it my job and share it with other people.
I live in Israel since 2022 and during this time I have completed over 30 projects on landscaping and plant styling, including balconies, rooftops, apartments, offices and a restaurant.
Here in Israel with so much sun almost all year round, there is almost unlimited potential to create green oasises for myself, my customers and in partnerships with interior designers as a part of their design concept.
You can find more about me and what I do on my Instagram.
