How to style our homes with indoor plants
I love plants, but I don’t have a knack for taking care of them.
I didn’t inherit my maternal grandmother’s genes. She built an import and export business in the ’60s called Orchids Philippines, using her New Manila home as a nursery.
I do have an advantage: a dear friend of mine, Bobby Gopiao, is one of the best landscape designers in the Philippines. I met Bobby during one of my first projects with Century Properties called Canyon Ranch, back in 2004, and have since worked with him on various multi-residential developments where his landscaping has tied together both architecture and interiors.
Bobby’s style is an exact landscape version of my interiors. If I were to look for a maximalist, stylized landscape designer, that would be him—always surprising clients with something new and dramatic.
For this week’s article, we asked Bobby to share a few tips and techniques on indoor plants. I noticed that he has a way of making them look integrated into the interiors. We are also sharing images of his award-winning house, designed by Ar. Jason Buensalido, featuring snippets of his glamorous plant arrangements.
Q: Do indoor plants really clean the air? Are there plants that give better air than others?
There are different thoughts on this. Personally, I think that through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar for energy while releasing oxygen.
Plants purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide through their leaves, where a chemical reaction with chlorophyll in the presence of light produces glucose for the plant and releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
In short, the cleaning benefits of plants include reducing carbon dioxide, increasing humidity, and reducing pollutants in the air such as dust and other particulates.
Q: What’s the best time to water the plants? Frequency? Water can or sprayer for misting?
The watering frequency of indoor plants depends on the plant variety, the type of potting medium, and their placement indoors.
Indoor plants generally do not need to be watered very often. I allow the medium to dry out between waterings. A common mistake is overwatering, which may cause the root to rot.
Watering methods can vary, from direct watering to spraying or misting. Water only when the soil is dry or nearly dry, but do not wait until the plants begin to wilt. Observe your plants closely. Different plants have different watering needs. Know your plants.
Q: What are the best indoor plants I can use for a condo space considering the amount of natural light coming in?
The best plants for indoors are those that require less sunlight. These are aglaonemas, philodendrons, palms (rhapis, seifrizii, licuala), spathiphyllums, anthurium (some varieties), and orchids.
Q: How do I pick the right pot for my plants and when should I repot my plants?
The size of pots depends on the size of the plants.
Q: What are the best placements for my indoor plants? Any area in the room?
The best area is in the brightest part of the room, as light is essential to the health and appearance of plants. In darker areas, you can use “grow lights”. These are artificial light fixtures that emit specific wavelengths and intensities of light required for photosynthesis.
Q: Which indoor plants are safe especially for dogs and cats?
Most plants are safe for dogs and cats—although some types of philodendrons, ficus, begonias, and cacti are harmful when ingested by pets.
Q: How can I make my indoor plants look lush and voluminous? I am not a one-pot plant person. I would love my living room to look like a Bobby Gopiao mini garden! Can you give us tips and techniques on how to achieve that?
Layer plants in containers. You can put multiple plants in a single planter. Play with size, height, texture, and color. Provide interesting bases for your planters, such as stone or metal. And be adventurous in using various types of pots and containers.
