News Home Trends If You're Building a Houseplant Collection, Start by Styling a Statement Plant A houseplant expert shares why foremost focusing on the big and bold is the best way to get your plant collection going. By Cori Sears Cori Sears Cori Sears has several years of experience in the content creation and digital marketing space, with a fierce passion for houseplants, gardening, and home decor. She contributes regularly to publications like The Spruce and Apartment Therapy, and covers news and trends for Better Homes & Gardens. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on April 24, 2024 Close Photo: Phoebe Cheong When it comes to decor, an impressive houseplant collection is among the most coveted of features—it brings life and color to your home, adds a connection to nature, and can even be good for your mental health. But if you only have but a couple humble plants, how does one get started with knowing how to style an abundance of them? A recent trend answers that: Start with a statement houseplant. These eye-catching plants instantly create a focal point—whether it’s due to their size, color, or leaf shape. While adding one to your space may seem relatively straightforward, there are a few essential tips and tricks to consider. According to an expert, here’s what you need to know about choosing the perfect statement houseplant for your space. 6 Expert Tips for Decorating with Houseplants in Every Room of Your Home The Best Statement Houseplants Technically, you can call any plant that grabs your attention when you walk into a room a statement houseplant. However, there are a few kinds that usually tend to outshine the others. “In general, plants with big, bold foliage—like White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia Nicolai), Monstera deliciosa, fiddle leaf fig, [and] Banana plants (Musa)—are great statement plants because their large leaves automatically draw so much attention,” says Justin Hancock, a horticulturist with Costa Farms. Gabriela Herman You could also lean into colorful foliage if you have limited space: Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema), rubber trees (Ficus elastica), prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura), and several varieties of variegated Philodendron (think pink princess Philodendron, Philodendron white knight, etc.). 9 Best Large Indoor Plants for Making a Big Statement Tips for Choosing and Styling a Statement Houseplant Besides its appearance, here's what to keep in mind when selecting and styling a statement houseplant for your space. Take Your Conditions Into Consideration The first thing you should do when choosing any houseplant for your home is evaluate the conditions of your space—a statement houseplant is no exception. “This includes taking stock of light levels, relative humidity levels, as well as how large of a plant the space can accommodate," Hancock says. "Small but fast-growing houseplants can get large quickly.” Failing to consider your home’s conditions can ultimately result in a very unhappy plant, which isn’t just an eyesore but a waste of money and time. As much as a fiddle leaf fig may look beautiful in your living room, you’ll eventually need to replace it or throw it out if you don't have enough light. Save yourself the heartache give your statement plant a chance by making sure it can thrive where you put it. Dane Tashima Don’t Forget About the Pot The planter you choose allows you to dress up your plant and accent the texture and color of its foliage. Plants with colorful foliage can be made brighter and bolder with an equally-colorful planter or toned down to suit a more neutral space with a simple white or black planter. The right pot can also help blend the plant into the rest of your decor: If you have a mid-century modern space, think of getting a striking hammered brass planter or round white planter with a wooden stand. Alternatively, a planter with a bold pattern or color likely makes the most sense if you have a vibrant, maximalist space. 10 Stylish New Planters from the BHG Collection at Walmart—Starting at $9 Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography LLC Accent with Other Plants Don’t be afraid to accent your statement houseplant with other accent plants. Looking for contrasting foliage can create an even more prominent focal point. Consider the leaves' color, size, and texture. “If I have a big Monstera, for example, I might want to contrast the big leaves with a finer-texture houseplant like Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) or Philodendron tortum," Hancock says. "Or I might want to accent its dark green leaves with a white-variegated plant like Albo Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum ‘albo-variegata’) or Philodendron white knight.” The Perfect Houseplant for Your Zodiac Sign, According to an Astrologer If you’re unsure of where to start, Hancock has a few tried and true favorites. You can never go wrong with low-maintenance options like snake plants and pothos since they thrive in nearly any environment, and there are many different colors and varieties to choose from. “Raven ZZ is another plant that grows in practically any indoor room, so it’s really versatile to pair with,” he says. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit