Create an easy flow between your home and nature with a layered approach to using houseplants for biophilic design. Using plenty of green leafy foliage in your home has well-established benefits and has become one of the most popular biophilic design trends recently. It’s part of the growing trend to boost wellbeing through nature, either inside or out.
Biophilic design is the science-backed principle based on the fact that we are innately drawn to nature, and that environments designed around that connection drive measurable gains in wellbeing. It’s an easy win, tapping into bold, contemporary plant styling and immersive living environments to redefine your interior aesthetic, and works however small your space.
Think of it as the intentional integration of nature into your home. The latest biophilic garden design trends focus on lush, sculptural, and calming varieties of plants. Aim to replicate the sense of immersion in nature you feel outside. One tall, leafy houseplant in a woven basket planter (using natural materials is important too) has the ability to transform a room as well as reduce stress and improve your mood.
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Why Using Houseplants For Biophilic Design Is Good For You
Biophilic design aims to make everyday spaces healthier and more inspiring. This sculptural ‘tree’ introduces a strong visual connection to nature.
(Image credit: 1508 London)
‘As our lives become increasingly fast-paced and overstimulating, people are looking to their homes as places to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with nature,’ says Giovanni Medina Marenco, Miami-based design director at 1508 London. ‘In turn, designers are embracing thoughtful choices that create more meaningful emotional and sensory experiences.’
Giovanni incorporates biophilic design principles into his work, most recently at Mandarin Oriental Residences, Beverly Hills, where jade plants were used in the private courtyards that serve as tranquil sanctuaries, offering a peaceful retreat from the energy of the city while bringing nature directly into the home.
Using houseplants for biophilic design is a big trend in interior design, as it lets you create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, fostering a sense of serenity and reflection. Some houseplants are better than others at achieving this. Here’s our expert list of the best houseplants for biophilic design to tap into this trend in your own home.
Giovanni Medina Marenco is design director at 1508 London, leading the studio’s Miami practice and helping shape its growing presence across the Americas. With more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality and residential design, he brings an international perspective to the studio’s work. The portfolio of 1508 London’s global design practice includes collaborations with leading luxury hospitality and lifestyle brands, including Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, St Regis, Raffles, Park Hyatt, Cipriani, and Ritz-Carlton.
1. Jade Plant
The benefits of living with nature have been known for years, but it’s only recently that interior designers are starting to celebrate biophilic design
(Image credit: Blue Sky in My Pocket/Getty Images)
‘The jade plant is intentionally selected not only for its resilience and sculptural form, but also for its symbolism,’ says Giovanni. ‘Long associated with prosperity, endurance, growth, balance, calm, and stability, this plant is revered across different cultures as a symbol of fortune.
‘In Feng Shui and Chinese culture, the jade plant is often referred to as the “money plant” because of its coin-shaped leaves and deep green hue, and is considered by some to be one of the luckiest indoor plants to keep in the home.’
Larger jade plants with a shapely outline resemble miniature trees, so this can be used to great advantage in biophilic design. Smaller plants can be arranged on shelves and side tables to layer up indoor greenery in a way that enhances the space.
Try this vibrant Sunset Jade Plant with red-orange accents from The Sill to enhance your indoor plant collection
2. Fern
The Boston fern is popular in biophilic design as it’s known for its lush, green fronds
(Image credit: Jane Atherton/Cottage Fever)
‘I have a special interest in biophilic design and the positive impact it can have on our mental health,’ says interior designer Jane Atherton. ‘In a world where we spend 80-90% of our time indoors, bringing the outdoors into our homes can actually help to reduce stress and improve our cognitive function and creativity.’
One of the most direct ways of doing this is by growing houseplants. ‘My personal favorites are ferns as they’re fairly easy to grow, are very forgiving and the textural quality of the fronds creates visual and tactile interest,’ says Jane. ‘Not only do plants help to improve air quality, but they can have a powerful effect on our mood too.’
Try a Boston fern like this one from The Sill, which Jane suggests planting in a lovely Bergs Potter Terracotta planter as it makes the perfect combination with the leafy greens. These durable pots are designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
Other ways to incorporate biophilic design principles in your interior are by creating an indirect connection to nature. ‘This can be through using natural materials, shapes and patterns,’ says Jane. ‘Wood grain, wicker, and rope are all evocative of nature. Naturalistic shapes, colors and patterns form the foundations of biophilic design.’
As the owner of Cottage Fever Interior Design, Jane Atherton has a particularly compelling design laboratory of her own: a log cabin perched on the edge of Vancouver Island, overlooking British Columbia’s Salish Sea. Jane offers a distinctive perspective at the intersection of coastal living, small-space transformation, found-object decorating and authentic West Coast style.
3. Dragon Tree
The dragon tree is a must for biophilic design if you’re looking for height and lush foliage
(Image credit: Svetlana Repnitskaya/Getty Images)
Indoor plants are an important element in biophilic design because they truly bring nature into your interior space. Bringing nature inside adds a nice touch to your home, making it more aesthetically pleasing and welcoming.
‘Live plants have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, increase productivity, and boost mood,’ says Tanya Shively, creator of Well Designed Homes. ‘They also contribute to a healthier indoor environment by not only absorbing CO2 but also emitting oxygen. Plants are natural air purifiers that can effectively remove harmful toxins, making them a simple yet effective solution for improving your home’s air quality.’
Tanya is a fan of Dracaena marginata (also known as dragon tree plant) to add a strong vertical element and a lush tropical look. ‘This popular plant has slender woody stems and spiky green leaves edged with deep red. It can grow up to 6 feet tall, making it ideal for filling a corner with a high ceiling without feeling overwhelming, thanks to its airy foliage.’
You don’t need a jungle in your home to reap the benefits of plants, according to Tanya. ‘Even a few well-placed plants can significantly improve indoor air quality and your sense of well-being. A tall plant in an otherwise empty corner is a soft touch of nature that feels more welcoming than a lamp or a piece of furniture. A smaller plant on a countertop or a shelf adds that spot of greenery that breaks up the hard surfaces and sharp edges of books or other typical shelf décor.’
Blending organic charm with a delicate touch of artistry, this planter has a textured finish that’s perfect paired with vibrant greenery.
This handmade cement, fiber glass, sand and bamboo planter has a natural appearance that perfectly fits the biophilic design vibe.
A contemporary hand-crafted striped planter that’s perfect for showing off tall houseplants in an elegant way as part of a biophilic design project.
As the owner and principal designer of Sesshu Design, Tanya Shively specializes in crafting ultra-luxury interiors. With over two decades of experience, she has become a sought-after authority on performance-driven design, combining cutting-edge wellness innovations with timeless aesthetics to create homes that enhance health, optimize productivity, and inspire success. Tanya designs spaces that prioritize well-being without compromising on luxury.
4. Fig Plant
Placing an indoor plant such as this fiddle leaf fig next to a window with open views can lift your mood
(Image credit: Rawpixel/Getty Images)
‘True biophilic designs immerse people with plants and nature,’ says Shane Pliska, CEO of Planterra Interior Landscaping. ‘Plants soften an interior, but also give it life. My company provides plants for interiors to contribute to biophilia.’
Shane is also the creator of the Planterra Conservatory, a glass-enclosed botanical venue in West Bloomfield, Michigan. This architectural landmark has become one of the most sought-after event spaces in the region and a living embodiment of Shane’s biophilic design philosophy.
For a true statement plant, a mature Ficus is top of Shane’s list. ‘The beautiful leaf canopy immediately changes the scale of the room, while the twists, turns and imperfections in an older trunk give the plant character. It should look like a living sculpture, not a clone from a nursery. Perfect plants can feel artificial. It’s the twists and irregular growth of a mature specimen that make it interesting.’
The Ficus family includes not only the iconic fiddle leaf fig (like this one available at The Sill), but also rubber plants and weeping figs.
Shane Pliska is a leading authority on biophilic design and interior landscaping. As President and CEO of Planterra, he leads the company his family founded in 1973, one of the first interior landscaping firms in North America and today a trusted partner to Fortune 500 corporations, premier hotel brands, and landmark commercial properties across the U.S. and Canada. Shane serves on the boards of the National Horticulture Foundation and Green Plants for Green Buildings. He is a graduate of Emerson College in Boston.
5. Monstera
Famed for its fenestrated leaves and variegated creamy markings, ‘Thai Constellation’ is a Monstera plant with a difference
(Image credit: Elena Perova/Getty Images)
There are Monsteras; then there is ‘Thai Constellation’, a variegated mutation of the standard green Monstera deliciosa. This plant has been the “it plant” for years now, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. It’s a natural choice as one of the best houseplants for biophilic design, as it oozes feel-good vibes.
Easy to grow, the leaves grow to 2 feet in length and almost as wide. The unfurling of each leaf is an exciting event, with ever-evolving fenestrations and variegation patterns, which makes it a must-have for anyone seeking the best houseplants for biophilic design.
It’s also a personal favorite of Chuck Pavlich, director of new product development at Terra Nova Nurseries. ‘Thai Constellation’ has been the undisputed king of the houseplant craze in recent years, and it’s still one of the most dramatic of all houseplants on the market. It’s easy to grow, and very showy in a good way.’ You can buy Monstera ‘Thai Constellation here at Terranova Nurseries‘.
‘I think biophilic interiors continue to resonate with homeowners because of the feeling associated with plants,’ says Chuck. ‘Houseplants are the antidote to modern life. For Millennials and Gen Z, life is complicated, but houseplants aren’t.’
Educated at Washington State University, Chuck Pavlich is director of new product development at Terra Nova Nurseries. He has worked in the retail nursery business for 30 years. Chuck brings his passion for plants to Terra Nova and is responsible for new ideas for the breeders as well as overseeing the breeding process and shepherding new Terra Nova products to the global market.
6. Fittonia
Add a small design detail to a side table or shelf with a fittonia plant
(Image credit: Alamy/Nash 9owrrah)
If you’re looking for a small and colorful option for indoor plant shelf ideas, as a side table detail or a bedside cupboard, get acquainted with the benefits of the lovely fittonia plant. As well as adding a beautiful detail to your interior, it helps improve indoor air quality by filtering minor impurities. If you live in a small apartment, it’s one of the best houseplants for biophilic design.
‘The fittonia, also known as nerve plant, has showy, jewel-like foliage that makes it a good fit for tabletops and terrariums. Bred to be compact, nerve plants feature spectacular variegations in green, ruby, white, pink and silver,’ says Chuck.
‘The leaves are small, usually not more than an inch long and half an inch across. When dry, this plant feigns death, yet when watered, does a “miraculous” recovery. So much drama for one houseplant,’ adds Chuck. Ignore these diva-ish tendencies and add one (or two) to your plant collection.
Try a bundle of three red, pink, and white fittonia plants from Amazon to add visual interest to your plant display
7. Philodendron
The hanging heartleaf Philodendron produces gorgeous (you guessed) heart-shaped leaves on long vines
(Image credit: Jaclyn Brottman/Getty Images)
Philodendrons are gorgeously lush and infinitely adaptable tropical plants with hundreds of varieties, with the hanging heartleaf Philodendron one of the most popular.
‘These easy-care plants have softer, more diverse leaf shapes and colors,’ says Tanya. ‘They can be upright, climbers, or trailing from high shelves. They like humidity, so a shelf in a bathroom with ample light can be a perfect spot to add one of these for a touch of natural greenery.’
Chuck is a big fan of Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’, an unusual black-leaf Philodendron with hot pink variegation.
‘This variety is certainly one of the most tolerant of all philodendrons in cultivation. It thrives in low light, although it will show its true ‘Pink Princess’ colors in moderately bright light. It has a vining habit, though not rampant, and is easy to propagate in a glass of water if you want to multiply your plant collection.’
‘Pink Princess’ is available here at Terranova Nurseries.
Biophilic Design: Think Of Your Home As A Mini Eco-System
Elegant palms are one of the most beautiful indoor plants for elevating an interior space
(Image credit: Mahwish Syed)
Using houseplants for biophilic design will continue to resonate, as it offers a way to bring the benefits of nature indoors, especially for those living in the city. Here are some final thoughts from Mahwish Syed, an interior designer specializing in biophilic and circadian-aligned spaces.
‘Our homes are living ecosystems. They are not a passive backdrop but an active participant in our health. Modern lifestyle divorces us from nature. I believe we are undergoing a paradigm shift in bringing nature back into our homes. This is why biophilic design continues to resonate, because we are not just decorating with nature but honoring our ancient biology.’
Mahwish has used Ficus Benjamina, a calamondin orange tree, Dracaena, and palms in her own home to evoke the lush tropical oasis that is synonymous with biophilic design. ‘I had a large calamondin tree that my canary Sunny loved to perch in. For table tops, I also love the architecturally elegant snake plant. I adore orchids too – particularly scented oncidiums, fragrant cattleyas, and dendrobiums.’
Mahwish Syed is an award-winning interior designer, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and creator of Design Is Medicine™. She weaves design, circadian biology, and biophilic principles to reveal how built environments shape our health. Her work has featured in The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Elle Décor. She believes everyone deserves to create environments that support their health, resilience, and well-being.
You may also be interested in the latest houseplant trends as well as indoor plant styling ideas to find out more about how to turn your precious collection into a real design feature.
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