As requested, here are photos of the plants around our house and a few ideas about where to place them and what to put them in. We favor clean white ceramic Ikea planters (usually $2–10). Small pots work well on windowsills and on top of stacks of books, while the larger ones look great on the floor and help purify the air. Their simple lines keep things modern rather than dated.
Here’s a cheerful burro’s tail in the guest bedroom. These succulents are extremely easy to care for—water sparingly, about once a week, and they thrive.
Our paperwhite bulbs bloomed right in time for the holidays, and we managed to snap a picture. One benefit of using matching white planters is that plants can be moved around without worrying whether they “match” their new spot. In this case we simply nudged the burro’s tail a few inches over.
In the bedroom we keep a large corn plant—one often recommended for improving indoor air quality—paired with a small English ivy in the window to add trailing greenery.
Another burro’s tail sits on the TV stand in the den. We paired it with a ceramic horse head to create an arrangement that feels balanced but not overly symmetrical—the contrast between the organic plant and the sculptural piece keeps things interesting.
We also use ultra-low-maintenance options: dried grasses in floating vases and two large purple hydrangeas that dried but retained their deep, moody color.
In the third bedroom we have an orchid—one of two we recently grabbed after discovering how easy they are to care for. A weekly watering and some indirect light keep them happy. The other orchid lives on the fireplace mantel in the den.
Nothing beats clipping a few leafy branches from an evergreen bush and dropping them into a short clear vase—fresh, free, and they often root in water if you leave them long enough.
In the guest bedroom corner we keep a croton that develops fiery red variegated leaves throughout the year. We picked it up for about $12 at Home Depot.
And one more burro’s tail lives on the kitchen sill, soaking up whatever sun the room gets.
What about you? Any favorite planters or plant varieties you love? Tell us your houseplant tips and favorites.
More Plant Guides
If you want more information on some of our favorite plants—real and faux—check out these posts:
- Snake Plant Care Guide
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Guide
- Tree Philodendron Care Guide
- How to Build An Easy Plant Shelf
- Protecting Outdoor Plants In A Deep Freeze
- Getting Started With Houseplants, An Expert Interview
- My Favorite Faux Plants
- 10 Houseplants For Better Indoor Air Quality
For additional reading on easy houseplants, consult reputable plant-care resources to find varieties that suit your light and watering conditions.