A Green Oasis: How to create an indoor Jungle
A Green Oasis
How to create an indoor Jungle
Does the sound of coming home to a lush green landscape fill your heart with joy? Then one of your goals in life should be to create an indoor jungle right in your home. Not all plant parents are the same. Some are drawn to wall to wall plants while others may prefer a more minimalist look. If you’re the plant parent that only sees green, then you’re going to want to learn about the design principles to create your dream green landscape.
Jungle Tiers
You may be surprised to find out that the jungle plants have different tiers. You can use these same tier concepts to bring the jungle into your home. There are four different categories of plants that make up the jungle. Each group makes a different contribution to what a jungle looks and feels like. The four groups are:
- Canopy Plants
- Understory Plants
- Ground Level Plants
- Vines and Hanging Plants
Jungle plants come in four categories and each can help support the growth of the others.
Canopy Plants
Canopy trees are the tallest plants in the jungle. They grow to extreme heights and cast shade on ground below. Canopy plants determine how the plants on the ground level will live and grow. This is the Canopy Effect. It can be mimicked at home by including some indoor trees in your plant family. There are numerous species that meet this definition, and many will remain small enough to keep in your living room. Here are a few of the best indoor trees to add to your indoor jungle:
- Ficus
- Citrus Tree
- Fig Trees
- Guiana Chestnut
- Umbrella Trees
- Dragon Tree
- Dwarf Palm
Canopy Plants grow above the other plants and shade them from direct sunlight.
Understory Plants
Canopy Plants are the top level of the jungle and the next level down is the Understory. Understory trees are a bit smaller and often thrive in the filtered light that the canopy provides. In the jungle they may look like a small tree or a shrub. Understory Plants provide a bit of mystery in the jungle. They are the plants that many animals tend to live in and hide behind., adding to the surprises that await in the jungle. Without a good balance of Understory Plants the indoor jungle will look incomplete. Here are some of the plant varieties that would be great options:
- Yucca
- Rubber Trees
- Split Leaf
- Dwarf Palms
- Bonsai Trees
- Cast-Iron Plant
In the jungle, Understory Plants are often the home for most wildlife.
Ground-Level Plants
At the lowest level of the jungle, you will find plants that are small and grow just above the ground. While these plants may not stand out as much as the taller trees, they still add a degree of depth to your indoor jungle. They can add intrigue and texture to a more blended background. These Ground-Level Plant species add additional greenery and complete the jungle effect in your home. Here are a few options to add to your jungle:
- Aloe Vera
- Ferns
- Succulents
- Jade Plant
- Anthurium
Ground-level plants grow on the jungle floor and can be used to add depth to your indoor jungle.
Vines and Hanging Plants
Vines are a jungle staple. One can’t picture Tarzan without him swinging from jungle vine. Vines and Hanging Plants add to the excitement of an indoor jungle. Vines can be seen as the jungle highway for many animals and critters. When most of us envision a jungle, our imagination includes vines that drape themselves along the branches of larger trees. These vines add to the wilderness of the jungle and are a necessary part to complete your jungle oasis. But rather than having your vines grow on another plant it is best for you to set up a few hanging pots throughout your indoor jungle. Lush vines that drape like curtains can be accomplished with the following plants:
- Pothos
- English Ivy
- Creeping Fig
- Heartleaf Philodendron
- Peperomia
- Arrowhead Plant
In the jungle, vines grow from other plants but in your indoor jungle it’s best to grow them in hanging potters.
HousePlantSitter Tips for Your Indoor Jungle
Now that you have a great understanding of the plants that you should include in your indoor jungle, it’s time for some additional tips. Here are some of the best rituals to ensure the success of your indoor jungle.
Humidity for Jungle Plants
Jungles are known as some of the most humid environments. It is no surprise to learn that many of the plants that grow there require plenty of moisture in the air. In an indoor setting that moisture can be difficult to recreate. If the air in your home is too dry, you may find that many of your jungle plants will struggle. One of the best ways to avoid this is to use a spray bottle. Begin by identifying the plant species that have the greatest need for air moisture, then mist them regularly to keep them healthy and recreate the humidity they love.
Sunlight needs for Jungle Plants
Sunlight is the food source for all plants. Jungle plants rely on the sun to grow and thrive. The lack of sunlight in indoor spaces is a challenge to anyone who wishes to grow plants inside. This issue is especially important for many of the jungle plant species. You should start by determining which area of your home receives the most sunlight. For those with less than adequate lighting options, a grow light is always a viable option. It’s important for your jungle plants to be situated in an area that receives as much light as possible.
Have Fun with Planters
What better way to solidify your signature homestyle than with some planters that match your jungle aesthetic. This container will be the protective dome for the nutrient soil that your jungle plants need to live on for years. The right set of containers can be extremely useful and put a great finishing touch on your indoor jungle design.
Need some help starting or maintaining your indoor jungle?
Contact HousePlantSitter to get assistance from our plant experts