Decorating your home with plants not only adds a touch of nature to your surroundings, it can also have a soothing effect on your mood and help you relax in your private space. Whether you have a green thumb or not, it is essential that you make an effort to keep them healthy and mosquito-free, so as not to endanger your family’s wellbeing.

The next step is to find the right plants that will go with your home decoration. For example, contemporary homes go well with plants that have clean lines, and sleek, slender shapes. Victorian styled homes are best enhanced with feminine and frilly ferns, while palm trees and bamboo pots go perfectly with Asian décor and lightweight wicker furniture.

Once you’ve decided what plants you want, start thinking about how you want to place them. You can fill up a corner by grouping plants of varying heights, or combining different plants into a single large container for a unique effect. Just remember to moderate the heights of the plants so you do not have a 6-foot tree next to a short fern. For easier maintenance, group plants that have similar lighting and watering requirements so you can keep them on the same watering schedule.

Besides decking out your living room and balcony, you can also introduce plants into the bathroom to create a spa-like ambience. Because most bathrooms are dark and dismal, choose plants that thrive in high humidity and minimal sunlight, such as ferns and crawlers. And because they are low maintenance by nature, all you have to do is give them a regular shower to keep them happy and green!

Plants can also make attractive centrepieces for your dining or coffee table. Try planting a bunch of different-coloured periwinkles in a pot, or combining a variety of colourful cacti in a shallow clay bowl. For a calming effect, fill a transparent glass container with water and a selection of aquatic plants – the ebb and sway of their fronds in water can add to the mood of relaxation after a hard day’s work.

With a little effort and creativity, it’s not difficult to add a little greenery to your home. However, unlike decorative furniture, plants are living creatures and require a lot of care. So treat them with love and they’ll be a great asset to your home.