Learn how to start a plant collection: see tips and list of species

In addition to bringing beauty to spaces, plants contribute to freshness and a sense of well-being. It is no coincidence that, in recent years, they have become a trend in interior design projects. If you are thinking about buying one or a few plants to have at home, but don't know where to start, check out the suggestions from Marcos Mortara , biologist, botanical consultant and master's student at the National School of Tropical Botany at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. He shared valuable tips on how to choose the ideal plant for your home and recommended species that are easy to care for .

5 essential tips for starting a plant collection

1. Know the plant you want. "Each species has its own set of cultivation characteristics. You need to know the amount of light, water, the ideal substrate, etc.", explains Marcos. 2. Assess the sunlight. "Before choosing a plant, check how much sunlight the location receives daily. Places that receive direct sunlight for several hours are ideal for plants that require full sun. Places with partial or total shade are better for plants that prefer low light. Important: no plant will survive in places with no light at all. They should be placed near windows," warns the expert. 3. Consider the humidity. "Some plants need more humidity in the air, while others do well in dry environments. So, it's important to observe the humidity of the place where you intend to place the plant," he says.

5. Ease of care. "For beginners, it's important to choose plants that don't require a lot of care or constant attention," he concludes.

Easy to care for plants

Marcos Mortara has prepared a selection of species that require little maintenance , ideal for those who are thinking of starting a plant collection and are not very familiar with the subject. The specialist separated the recommendations according to the sunlight available in the location. Plants for full sun (outdoor areas, balconies that receive more than six hours of direct sunlight)

• Snake Plant ( Dracena trifasciata ): tolerant to various light and humidity conditions. Very hardy and easy to care for. Water two to three times a month!
• Brazilian succulents (various species of cacti and succulents): great for places with lots of sunlight and little need for water.
• Brazilian cacti ( Cereus jamacaru, Pilosocereus pachycladus ): require little water and lots of sunlight. Ideal for those who forget to water.

Plants for partial shade (external areas surrounded by walls, internal areas near windows that receive three hours of sunlight per day)

• Peperomia ( Peperomia scandens ): prefers indirect light and more humid environments. It is an easy-care plant.
• Snake plant ( Epipremnum aureum) : adapts well to different light levels, but prefers indirect light. Very hardy.
• Fern ( Nephrolepis exaltata ): likes partial shade and humid environments. Requires regular watering, but is easy to care for.

Plants for shade (indoor environments near windows, under large trees that receive less than three hours of sunlight per day)

• Zamioculca ( Zamioculcas zamiifolia ): tolerates lack of light well and is very hardy. Ideal for indoor environments with little light. Can be watered twice a month.
• Maranta , Calatheas , Ctenanthes : prefer indirect light and high humidity. Easy to care for if humidity conditions are adequate. They hate being transplanted. They like to be watered every three days or when the substrate is dry.
• Anthurium ( Anthurium andraeanum ): likes shade and humidity. It requires regular watering, but it is a resistant plant. It does not like to be grown in soil, but in a substrate similar to that of orchids.