Most popular ornamental plants to grow at home

Ornamental plants enchant and fill the eyes with their shapes and colors, providing a true transformation in the projects where they are found. Besides beautifying, these plants offer a series of advantages that go beyond aesthetic aspects. When well chosen and cared for, ornamental plants can harmonize spaces and integrate nature into daily life in a unique way. We made a selection of different aspects of ornamental plants, highlighting the benefits they bring to homes, such as selecting the ideal species for each corner of the house, fundamental care and maintenance tips, as well as current trends in plant decoration.

What are ornamental plants?

Ornamental plants, more than decorative elements, offer several benefits that directly impact the quality of life of residents. One of the main advantages of having them nearby is the improvement of air quality. Many of these plants, such as ferns and dracaena, have the ability to purify the projects by absorbing pollutants, contributing to cleaner and healthier air. Furthermore, studies indicate that the presence of plants in indoor projects can reduce stress levels, provide a feeling of well-being, and even increase productivity. They create a calming effect and help establish a true connection with nature, essential in times of hectic and urban routines. Incorporating ornamental plants into the home environment also encourages creativity and the enhancement of the design of the space. They can be used as focal points in living rooms, as dividers or as beautiful contrasts in neutral color palettes. Plants such as African violet and anthurium, for example, add vibrant colors and fascinating shapes, creating an impressive visual impact and providing liveliness to the project.

Species of ornamental plants

Ornamental plants are an excellent choice for those who wish to bring more life, color, and harmony to the projects, whether they are indoor or outdoor. Below, discover five species that stand out for their beauty and versatility in landscaping and interior decoration.

1. Orchid

Orquídeas (Orchidaceae) (Unsplash/Divulgação)

The orchids are plants with exotic flowers, varying in shape and color. They adapt well to indoor projects with indirect light and good ventilation. They are also highly appreciated for their beauty and sophistication, being a symbol of elegance in decoration.

2. Swiss Cheese Plant

Costela-de-adão (Monstera deliciosa) (Unsplash/CASACOR)

The swiss cheese plant has large, cut leaves and a tropical appearance that catches attention. It is ideal for semi-shaded projects, such as well-lit living rooms and offices, and has become one of the favorites in urban jungle style decoration.

3. Bromeliad

Bromélias são plantas tropicais, portanto, adoram o clima úmido. (Reprodução/CASACOR)

Bromeliads have rigid leaves arranged in a rosette shape and colorful flowers that give an exotic touch to projects. They prefer bright locations, but without direct sunlight, and adapt very well to indoor projects.

4. Peace Lily

Lírio-da-paz (Spathiphyllum wallisii) (Divulgação/Divulgação)

The peace lily stands out for its dark green leaves and elegant white flowers. It is a shade or indirect light plant, perfect for offices and living rooms. Besides being ornamental, it is also known for its air-purifying properties.

5. Hibiscus

Hibisco (Ibiscus rosa-sinensis) (Lucía Alós/Flickr/Divulgação)

The hibiscus is a flowering shrub that produces large, vibrant flowers in various colors. It loves full sun, making it ideal for outdoor gardens. It is widely used in tropical landscaping and as ornamental hedging.

How to choose the ideal plant for each project

Selecting the ideal ornamental plant for each space requires careful consideration of the specific needs of each species, as well as the conditions of the projects in which they will be grown. Factors such as light incidence, temperature, humidity, and the maintenance each plant requires are crucial for its good development. For indoor projects with low light, species like the peace lily and the zamioculca are ideal, as they adapt well to these conditions, while well-lit areas favor plants such as the orchid and the lucky bamboo, which require more natural light to bloom and maintain their vitality. In places where humidity is a challenge, succulents like echeverias and cacti are practical options, as they have a natural ability to store water in their leaves and tolerate drier climates. For those with outdoor spaces, the choice can include larger plants like palms and ornamental shrubs, which complement gardens spectacularly and make outdoor projects more pleasant and inviting.

Care and maintenance tips

Keeping ornamental plants healthy requires attention and care that, although simple, must be adapted to the needs of each species. Watering correctly is one of the most important steps: too much water can be just as harmful as a lack of it. Thus, it is essential to know the specifics of each plant. Plants with thin leaves generally require more humidity, while succulents and cacti need more spaced watering. Investing in pots with good drainage is vital to prevent the accumulation of water in the roots. Another care is fertilization: using organic fertilizers or specific for ornamental plants can boost growth and flowering. Regular pruning and removal of dry leaves or damaged parts are also essential for ornamental plants to remain vigorous and beautiful. Protecting the plants from common pests, such as aphids and scale insects, through natural and non-toxic methods preserves their health and the projects they are part of.

Trends in plant decoration

Incorporating ornamental plants into home decoration has never been so popular. One of the most popular trends is the urban jungle, where the goal is to create an "urban jungle" inside the house, using a large variety of plants to form a project full of life and nature. Other trends include the use of terrariums and vertical gardens, creative solutions that optimize space and bring greenery into smaller projects. The mix of plants of different sizes and shapes in a single space offers a dynamic and interesting design. Hanging plants, such as ivy and string of pearls, can be used on high shelves or suspensions to create a unique and active look. Additionally, decorative pots have become an integral part of the aesthetic identity of the projects, aligning with the color palette and furniture styles, allowing ornamental plants to function both as natural elements and as components of sophisticated design. CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.