Biophilic design is an emerging field that aims to connect people with nature in the built environment. One pioneering biophilic designer has taken this approach to new heights in her own home by filling it with over 140 plants, including a stunning plant wall feature. We had the opportunity to speak with this plant-loving designer to learn more about her living biophilic design project.
The Journey to 140 Plants
Our designer’s love of nature started in childhood. She grew up in a small town surrounded by forests and meadows. Long hikes through the countryside fostered in her a deep appreciation for the natural world. As she got older, she came to realize how being among nature enhanced her mood, reduced stress, and brought a sense of calm.
When it came time to design her own space, bringing nature indoors through abundant greenery was a natural choice. She started small by adding a few potted plants throughout her home. Over time, her collection grew through plant gifts, nursery visits, and propagation. Fast forward a few years and her plant family now includes over 140 thriving members!
Embracing Biophilic Design
Our designer didn’t initially set out to create a “biophilic” home. She simply wanted to be surrounded by the natural beauty she loves. It was only later that she discovered the biophilic design movement. This approach views nature as essential to human health and happiness. When she learned about the research showing nature’s positive impacts, the connection to her own experience clicked.
She has since become intentional about incorporating biophilic principles throughout the home. Key strategies include:
- Abundant vegetation filling every room
- Dynamic & diffuse natural lighting
- Natural materials & textures
- Organic shapes and forms
- Indirect references to nature through materials, patterns, colors, and artwork
- Views and access to the outdoors
By thoughtfully applying these and other biophilic techniques, her home has truly become a nurturing, tranquil oasis.
The Focal Point: A Living Plant Wall
The crown jewel of the home’s botanical design is a stunning 2-story plant wall. This focal living feature dominates the entryway with cascading greenery. Over 60 varieties of tropical plants thrive on its vertically mounted panels. The display changes seasonally when certain plants are moved outside for the summer.
Creating a living plant wall was something our designer had long dreamed of. When designing the home, she knew this spot would be the perfect location. The wall faces a bright southeastern exposure. For plant health, she installed grow lights above to compensate for backlit conditions. A drip irrigation system provides steady moisture.
Beyond aesthetics, the wall offers many benefits:
- Purifies indoor air
- Increases humidity
- Reduces noise
- Provides thermal insulation
- Visually expands the space
Caring for the wall does require commitment. Each plant needs individual care – watering, feeding, pruning, and pest management. While demanding, our designer finds the maintenance ritual relaxing and rewarding. Being up close with the plants allows her to appreciate all their wonderful intricacies.
Q&A with a Biophilic Designer
We sat down with our biophilic designer to ask her some questions about creating nature-filled interiors. Here are some highlights from our informative discussion:
Q: What tips do you have for people who want to incorporate more houseplants in their spaces?
A: Start slow and small. Just choose one or two plants that grab your attention and are suitable for your home’s environment. Focus on getting those established first before expanding your collection. And don’t be afraid to start with “easy” plants – there are many lovely options that don’t require much care. Building confidence with a few hardy specimens will motivate you to gradually add more.
Q: How do you recommend caring for large indoor plant collections?
A: Try to adopt consistent daily or weekly care routines. I spend time each morning checking soil moisture, wiping leaves, and removing dead plant material. Proper watering technique is key – each plant’s needs are unique. Beyond routine maintenance, group plants with similar needs together so treatments can be streamlined. Tools like drip irrigation and self-watering pots are extremely helpful for large plantings. Don’t feel like you need to care for everything at once. Tackle a section each day and rotate.
Q: What design elements best complement indoor plants?
A: Elements that evoke nature work beautifully. Think light wood tones, natural fiber rugs, stone and marble accents, rattan and wicker baskets. Wallpaper or artwork with plant motifs also enhances the theme. And don’t overlook the power of water elements. We transformed a simple fountain into a plant feature by growing papyrus and ivy around it. The pleasant trickling sound is so relaxing. Use your imagination to find creative ways to engage the senses.
Q: How do you recommend maintaining plant health in darker indoor spaces?
A: There are definitely challenges, but solutions exist! Focus on low-light specimens like pothos, ZZ plants, philodendrons, and ferns. Place them in bright windowsills whenever possible. Supplement with adjustable grow lights. Use light reflective paint colors and strategic mirrors. Glass front cabinets showcase plants while amplifying light. And embrace the lush jungle vibe of a darker plant-filled room! It creates an intriguing atmosphere.
Q: What are your favorite unique houseplants?
A: I love displaying unexpected statement plants like ornamental bananas, pineapple tops, coffee plants, or corkscrew willows. For texture, epiphytic cacti and staghorn ferns are eye-catching. Coloring is fun too – purple shamrocks, pink Chinese evergreens, and variegated aglaonemas. I also adore terrariums filled with tiny mosses and foliage. The goal is to surprise visitors with something they’ve never seen!
Q: How do you maintain high indoor humidity for tropical plants?
A: Group plants together to create a naturally humid microclimate. Use gravel trays or pebble humidifiers. Install an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier and keep it running. Take plants into the bathroom when showering. Place bowls of water near plants to gently evaporate. And don’t be afraid of a little humidity damage on walls or windows – embrace it as part of the tropical theme!
Q: How often do you recommend fertilizing indoor container plants?
A: I stick to a consistent monthly fertilizing regimen using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. For heavy feeders like hibiscus, more frequent application is needed. For dormant plants, fertilizer gets cut back or eliminated in winter. Pay attention to plant condition and tweak your schedule accordingly. Flush soil regularly with plain water to prevent buildup. And reduce fertilizer for pot-bound, root-restricted plants that can’t take up nutrients.
Q: What are your best tips for managing pests on indoor plants?
A: Prevention is critical – isolate and inspect new plants before introducing. Remove affected leaves immediately and treat aggressively at first signs. Low toxicity options like neem oil, insecticidal soap, and horticultural oil are reasonably effective for most pests. For severe infestations, systemic treatments or targeted sprays may be needed under guidance of a horticultural professional. Maintain vigor with proper care, and growing conditions will favor the plants over pests. But some losses may happen – it’s part of coexisting with nature.
Q: How do you recommend getting started with a living plant wall?
A: Living walls require some investment and commitment. But you can start small! A simple wooden pallet can hold a few potted trailing plants to test your interest. There are also modular panel systems that allow gradual expansion. Select low-maintenance trailing varieties suitable for your light and moisture conditions. Focus on fundamentals like consistent watering and fertilizing at first. Then you can add complexity over time by installing permanent irrigation and lighting systems. The most important tip? Start growing! You’ll learn so much through direct experience.
Bringing Biophilia Home
Our biophilic designer’s home is truly an inspiration. Though not everyone can accommodate 140+ plants, even a few thoughtful additions can enhance wellness by connecting us to nature.
If you feel moved to invite more greenery into your life, approach the process mindfully. Start with plants you feel inherently drawn to. Be patient as you learn their care needs and yours. Note how different species make you feel – content, calm, cheerful? Let these observations guide your curation.
Aim not for instagrammable styling, but for meaningful interactions. Become enchanted observing subtle daily growth. Feel pride in sustaining each unique organism. Appreciate your plants for the living wonders they are.
When thoughtfully incorporated, nature nurtures. The emerging science confirms this truth that our biophilic designer knows intimately. One need only wander through her indoor oasis to experience nature’s profound restorative power.
Conclusion
Our biophilic designer’s journey shows that filling our living spaces with abundant greenery is achievable and deeply enriching. Her stunning plant collection and living wall reveal nature’s beauty while also enhancing health and wellbeing. By embracing biophilic principles in our own homes, we too can flourish surrounded by the natural world we inherently crave. Our designer’s abundant plants beckon us to reconnect with our innate biophilia.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about incorporating biophilic design elements like houseplants into home interiors:
Q: What are the benefits of having indoor houseplants?
A: Houseplants provide many scientifically-proven benefits. They purify indoor air by removing pollutants. They increase humidity. Studies show living with plants can reduce stress, elevate mood, boost productivity, and enhance concentration and memory retention. Plants also provide soothing nature views and connect us with the natural environment.
Q: How many plants are too many for an indoor space?
A: There’s no definitive limit, but moderation is key. Start with a few plants in key locations rather than cramming shelves haphazardly. Scale plant quantities to fit your space. As your collection grows, group plants artfully and prune back overgrowth. Creating different “vignettes” around the home provides variety while preventing clutter. Most importantly, only acquire what you can reasonably care for long-term.
Q: What are good low light houseplants for indoor spaces?
A: Many houseplants actually prefer lower light levels indoors. Top picks include pothos, Chinese evergreens, cast iron plants, philodendrons, ZZ plants, snake plants, and ferns. Place these plants near north or east facing windows. Supplement with grow lights as needed. Also embrace naturally low-light plants like mosses and tropical understory plants.
Q: How can I add biophilic design elements on a budget?
A: Fortunately, many biophilic enhancements are low cost. Add a few potted plants in choice locations for maximum impact. Install a small water feature. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Use organic materials and natural textures in your decor. Add wood accents and greenery in frames. Start a mini indoor herb or veggie garden. Use nature imagery on walls or fabrics. Listen to nature soundtracks.
Q: What are good hydration strategies for numerous indoor plants?
A: Consistent watering is crucial but time-consuming. Grouping plants with similar needs makes watering more efficient. Using moisture meters takes the guesswork out of deciding when to water each plant. Self-watering pots are extremely helpful for reducing maintenance. For larger collections, installing drip irrigation or an automatic irrigation system can be a worthwhile investment.
Q: How can I create a plant wall in my home?
A: Start simple by mounting a wooden pallet or wire grid on a wall to hold several potted trailing plants. Use S-hooks to hang trailing vines like pothos on the wall. Adhesive wall planters attach right to surfaces. For a more permanent installation, vertical hydroponic systems or modular living wall planters can be purchased. Or get creative and design your own DIY living wall!
Q: What are some challenges of having abundant indoor plants?
A: The main requirements are commitment to consistent care and willingness to tackle occasional pests and diseases. Leaf litter, soil spills, moisture damage, and high humidity levels also come with the territory. Plants restricted in small containers may become lanky or unruly. Achieving adequate sunlight and finding space for larger collections can be tricky. Houseplant obsession can get expensive too! But the benefits outweigh the work for most plant parents.
Q: How should I choose houseplants suitable for my space and lifestyle?
A: Assess your space and maintenance commitment level before acquiring plants. Note lighting conditions, room humidity, temperature fluctuations and ventilation. Also consider your design style and plant preferences. Choose a few plants in your preferred styles that fit the environment you can provide. Slowly expand from there once you’ve mastered the basics. Seek plants known to tolerate the specific conditions in the spaces you want to place them.