Big Plant Energy – Styling with Large Floor Plants
There’s a popular saying in design: “Go big or go home.” Well, as plant lovers, we say go big in your home! This blog post is all about channeling that big plant energy. If you’ve got a large floor plant (or want to get one) but aren’t sure how to style it, read on for some easy, high-impact ideas:
The Solo Statement:
Sometimes one big, beautiful plant is all you need. Picture a majestic fiddle-leaf fig or a tall snake plant standing proudly by itself. To maximize the effect, give it a solid-colored background – a plain wall or a large window with a simple curtain works great. This single plant becomes a piece of living art. For example, place a tall cactus in a corner with a spotlight or uplight at its base in the evening; the shadows it casts will add drama. Solo styling is minimal effort: just a good pot and proper placement, and let the plant do the talking. It says “I’m bold, I’m here, and I own this space.”
Group with Friends:
On the flip side, large plants love company too. Styling trick: Group different-sized plants to create a vignette. Imagine your large monstera deliciosa with its massive leaves – at its feet, you add a medium philodendron and perhaps a small fern. This staggered effect (tall, medium, short) is pleasing to the eye. It’s like how interior designers cluster 3 vases of varying heights. The big plant is the star, and the smaller ones are the supporting cast that accentuates its size and shape. Plus, groupings create a microclimate – higher humidity among them, which many big tropical plants enjoy. Just be sure to leave a little breathing room so each plant’s shape is visible.
Elevate and Accessorize:
Large floor plants don’t always have to sit… on the floor. You can elevate them slightly to add importance. A short plant stand (think 6-12 inches high) can give a plant like a large dracaena or rubber plant an extra boost, making it feel even grander. Also, consider what’s at the base of your plant. A trend is to use a decorative mat or tray underneath the pot – maybe a round jute mat or a metal tray – to define that area. It’s almost like giving your plant its own “stage.” And don’t forget the planter itself is an accessory. A large plant in a chic pot (ceramic, basket, or even a repurposed wine barrel for a rustic look) acts as a piece of décor. For example, a sleek black pot can make the greens pop and match modern furniture, whereas a earthy clay pot complements boho or natural styles.
Think Vertical:
Big plants often have height, so use vertical space creatively. If your floor plant is tall but narrow (like a columnar cactus or a schefflera), you have room to add a hanging planter above or beside it, creating layers. Hang a trailing pothos or a string of pearls in that vicinity. The combination of a strong vertical plant with a flowing hanging plant is visually interesting. It’s like matching a tall floor lamp with wall sconces in decor terms – multiple heights and dimensions. Just ensure the hanging plant gets the light it needs and isn’t directly overshadowing the big guy (we want harmony, not competition for light).
Blend with Furniture:
Large plants can be functional in how they interplay with furniture. Got an open floor plan or a big room? Use a cluster of large plants as a natural room divider. For instance, line up two or three tall snake plants or palms behind a couch to create a separation between living and dining areas. It defines spaces while keeping them airy and green. Another idea: flank a TV stand or a console table with tall plants on either side – this balances out an electronic focal point with nature’s presence (and maybe makes binge-watching feel a bit more organic!). If you have a reading nook, try placing a big plant right next to your armchair or bookshelf; it creates a cozy enclave where you’re literally nestled among plants while you read.
Final Touch – Personalize It:
Big plant energy also comes from how you make the scene your own. Maybe you wrap a strand of decorative lights around your indoor Norfolk Island pine for a warm glow. Or you place travel souvenirs at the base of your plant pot (say, stones or figurines) to give it character. One of my favorite personal touches I’ve seen: someone had a huge monstera and they placed a tiny gnome figurine peeking from behind one of the leaves – it was subtle, quirky, and made you smile when you noticed it. So go ahead and infuse a bit of you into the styling, whether it’s through color, little additions, or theme (jungle theme, desert theme with big cacti, etc.).
In short, don’t shy away from large plants – embrace them! They bring life, improved air, and style into a room like nothing else. With these tips, your big floor plant won’t just sit awkwardly in a corner; it’ll belong and elevate your space. Large plants have large personalities – let them shine, and your home will feel more vibrant and alive with that big plant energy.
