Don't get me wrong, I'm not a maximalist hater. But there's just something about no-frills minimalist plant styling that feels soothingly beautiful. Since plants sport rich colors and eye-catching textures all on their own, you don't always need a splashy setup.
Think indoor garden ideas like dainty houseplants, minimalist planters, and a cohesive vignette where your cultivars (and the hard work it takes to grow them) take centre stage.
There's an art to making your houseplants look effortlessly stylish. So, here's some expert advice to help you bring the trend home. And for good measure, I've included some of my favorite houseplants and accessories to weave the aesthetic together.
What Is Houseplant Minimalism?
"Minimalism is all about pared-back living, simplicity, space, and an appreciation of beauty in the crafted and well-made," says Kelly Dyer, lead horticulturalist and plant doctor at Patch Plants.
"It’s more than an aesthetic; it’s a way of life. One often associated with the philosophy of Zen and incorporating elements of Feng Shui, or sensitivity to energy in an environment."
And the same principle applies to your indoor plant corners, too. It's less about seeking out bright plants and statement pots, and more about curating a lush collection that has been styled with intention.
Simple things like swapping out plastic planters, trimming leafage, and arranging your houseplants can make a world of a difference.
How to Style for Houseplant Minimalism
According to Kelly, plants play a central role in minimalism, with a less-is-more approach that sits counter to obsessive collecting and creating immersive jungle-like displays.
"To start a minimalist indoor garden, choose a space where there are fewer furnishings, uncluttered surfaces and neutral colors, plant choice is highly selective, and the focus is on features, particularly size, habit (the overall shape in which a plant grows) and the architectural structure of the stem or trunk and leaves," she notes.
"This is because the plant you choose is a statement, as well as an opportunity for contemplation and care. Since they are selected to stand out, the choice of the pot in which you’ll display your plant is as important as the plant itself, so choose wisely."
She also tells me that the planter styles you choose should show off your plant, not distract from it. "It is the holding vessel for natural beauty, and so in a minimalist environment, ornamental pots are usually neutral and monotone in colour, with smooth or natural textures chosen to usher in Earth energy," she adds.
You can also translate inspiration from concepts like soft minimalism interiors and cozy minimalism aesthetics to lend your interior garden a fuller look.
Size: Small Floor (30 cm x 38 cm)
This Cady Cradled Ficonstone Indoor/Outdoor Planter from West Elm is exactly the kind of minimalist accessory that feels refined.
Quantity: Set of 2
There's nothing like a naturally aged planters to lend your indoor garden some charm.
Color: Light Yellow
Butter yellow is still in and considerably minimalist, which makes this planter from H&M a great choice.
Color: Pink
Hop your plant on a plinth, pedestal, or stand like this to give help it go from background character to protagonist.
Color: Brown
If you have more than five houseplants, this Agnes Plant Stand will help you elevate your strongest cultivar. If you're going solo, you can opt for the tall stand.
Size: 48 cm
I love the idea of styling a slow-growing bonsai or a sweet white flowering plant on this Soma Plant Stand.
What Are the Best Minimalist Houseplants?
When it comes to selecting minimalist houseplants, Kelly recommends choosing classic cultivars like money tree and monstera deliciosa. "I also suggest including plants like Bali the Schefflera and Bono the Japanese Elm Bonsai," she adds.
Houseplants on lava rocks and Japandi plants are great examples of how simple plants can make a solid statement without doing too much. And then of course, there's pretty species like the fiddle leaf fig and the lucky money tree.
Size: 110 cm to 120 cm
This Guiana Chestnut plant, with its braided trunk, will make your indoor garden so much more interesting.
Size: 60 cm to 80 cm
Pair this Cast Iron Houseplant with this Metal Plant Pot from H&M for an unbeatably classic combination.
Size: 100 cm to 110 cm
Fiddle leaf figs might need a touch of extra care, but they make a great case for minimalist houseplants with character.
Size: 20 cm to 30 cm
How cute is this Ficus Ginseng Decorative Indoor Bonsai from Gardeners Dream?
Size: 40 cm to 50 cm
Ziggy the Variegated Monstera remains minimalist while adding interest through its dual-toned leaves.
Size: 40 cm to 45 cm
With spring on its way, this White Hydrangea in Ceramic Pot is a gorgeous addition to any interior garden.
Of course, minimalism isn't everyone's cup of tea. So if you do like a bolder interior garden, then houseplant maximalism is the trend that takes up space in a gorgeous way. And I recommend signing up for our newsletter so you can help your garden flourish, regardless of how it's being fashioned.
