Living Room

Living Room Plants: Create Your Urban Jungle

Transform your living room into a lush urban jungle with our selection of spectacular indoor plants. Monstera, Ficus, Alocasia, Philodendron, palms, and XXL plants: these structuring plants create impressive focal points, purify the air, and bring a majestic plant presence that turns your living space into a tropical oasis.

Why have plants in the living room?

• Create spectacular focal points: large plants that structure the space and draw the eye
• Purify the air: absorb toxins and release oxygen for healthier air
• Bring life: lush greenery that enlivens and warms the space
• Reduce stress: connection to nature that soothes and relaxes
• Improve acoustics: dense foliage that absorbs sound and reduces echo
• Enhance decoration: plants as living artworks that elevate the interior

🌿 Large structuring plants: living room stars

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant): the undisputed star of the living room. Spectacular perforated and cut leaves that grow with age. Fast growth, easy care. Tolerates partial shade. Height 1 to 3 m in a pot. Moderate watering. Stake for a majestic form. Perfect in a corner of the living room or near a sofa.

Ficus (Indoor Fig): elegant indoor trees. Several varieties: Ficus benjamina (fine drooping foliage), Ficus elastica (broad shiny leaves), Ficus lyrata (violin-shaped leaves). Tolerate partial shade. Height 1 to 2.5 m. Moderate watering. Dislike moving (lose leaves if stressed). Majestic and structuring.

Alocasia (Elephant Ear): spectacular XXL arrow- or heart-shaped leaves. Several varieties: Alocasia macrorrhiza (giant leaves), Alocasia zebrina (striped stems), Alocasia lauterbachiana (elongated leaves). Love humidity. Partial shade. Height 80-150 cm. Regular watering. Spectacular and tropical.

Philodendron: easy and spectacular tropical plants. Philodendron Congo Red (red leaves), Philodendron Green Wonder (broad leaves), Philodendron Xanadu (compact and dense). Tolerate partial shade. Height 60-120 cm. Moderate watering. Robust and decorative.

Culture: partial shade to bright indirect light, rich and well-draining soil. Water when the topsoil is dry. Spray foliage if air is dry. Fertilize in spring and summer. Clean leaves monthly. Minimum pot 30-50L.

🌴 Palms and tropical plants: exotic ambiance

Areca (Dypsis lutescens): elegant golden palm. Graceful arching fronds. Excellent air purifier. Naturally humidifies. Tolerates partial shade. Height 1.5 to 2.5 m. Regular watering. Creates an immediate tropical atmosphere.

Kentia (Howea forsteriana): classic and elegant indoor palm. Tolerates low light and dry air. Slow growth. Height 1.5 to 2.5 m. Moderate watering. Perfect for dimly lit living rooms.

Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise): spectacular tropical plant. Large paddle-shaped leaves. Spectacular orange and blue flowers (after 4 to 5 years). Bright light needed. Height 1 to 2 m. Regular watering. Exotic and majestic.

Banana Plant (Musa): XXL tropical plant. Huge exotic leaves. Fast growth. Bright light. Height 1.5 to 2.5 m. Generous watering. Brings a spectacular tropical touch.

Culture: bright to partial shade, rich and moist soil. Regular watering, keep soil slightly moist. Spray foliage regularly. Regular fertilization in spring and summer. Minimum pot 40-60L.

🌱 Medium decorative plants: perfect complements

Dracaena: easy structural plants. Dracaena marginata (thin trunks, fine red foliage), Dracaena fragrans (broad variegated foliage). Purify the air. Tolerate low light. Height 80-150 cm. Moderate watering. Perfect for structuring without cluttering.

Schefflera (Umbrella Tree): umbrella-shaped foliage. Easy and robust. Tolerates partial shade. Height 80-150 cm. Moderate watering. Fast growth. Perfect to fill a corner.

Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily): air purification champion. Elegant white flowers all year round. Tolerates low light. Height 40-80 cm. Water when leaves drop. Perfect on a piece of furniture or coffee table.

Calathea: spectacular and graphic foliage. Varied patterns and colors. Love humidity. Tolerate low light. Height 40-80 cm. Regular watering. Perfect for adding color and patterns.

Maranta (Prayer plant): decorative foliage that folds at night. Loves humidity. Tolerates low light. Height 30-50 cm. Regular watering. Perfect on a coffee table or furniture.

🍃 Trailing and climbing plants: verticality and cascade

Pothos (Epipremnum): ultra-easy and fast vine. Tolerates low light and missed watering. Purifies the air. Fast growth. Decorative variegated foliage (Golden Pothos golden, Marble Queen marbled). Trailing or climbing. Moderate watering. Perfect hanging or on a high shelf.

Philodendron scandens: easy heart-shaped vine. Tolerates low light. Heart-shaped foliage. Fast growth. Moderate watering. Perfect hanging or climbing on a stake.

Scindapsus pictus: satin vine with silver leaves. Tolerates low light. Spectacular foliage. Moderate watering. Perfect hanging.

Chlorophytum (Spider plant): effective purifier. Easy, tolerates neglect. Produces suspended baby plants. Tolerates low light. Height 30-50 cm. Moderate watering. Perfect hanging.

Ferns: lush trailing foliage. Nephrolepis (Boston), Phlebodium (blue). Humidify the air. Tolerate partial shade. Height 40-80 cm. Regular watering. Perfect hanging to create plant cascades.

Where to place plants in the living room?

Living room corner: large structural plants (Monstera, Ficus, palms, Alocasia, Strelitzia). Create majestic focal points. Height 1 to 2.5 m. Utilize empty corners and structure the space.

Near the sofa: medium to large plants (Monstera, Dracaena, Schefflera, palms). Create a soothing plant presence. Height 80-180 cm. Frame the sofa and create a cozy atmosphere.

On furniture or console: medium plants (Spathiphyllum, Calathea, Maranta, Philodendron). Create eye-level points of interest. Height 40-80 cm. Animate the furniture.

Coffee table: small decorative plants (compact Calathea, Maranta, succulents, Pilea). Create a lively centerpiece. Height 20-40 cm. Do not hinder conversation.

Hanging or high shelf: trailing plants (Pothos, Philodendron, Chlorophytum, ferns). Utilize vertical space and create plant cascades. Gracefully trailing.

Window sill: plants that love light (Strelitzia, banana plant, succulents). Benefit from maximum natural light. Variable height.

Tips for living room plants

Assess the light: bright living room with large windows = more choices (Monstera, Strelitzia, banana plant, palms). Dim living room = plants that tolerate low light (Ficus, Kentia, Pothos, Philodendron, Spathiphyllum). Observe how many hours of indirect light your living room receives.

Appropriate proportions: small living room (15-20 m²) = 1 to 2 large plants + 2 to 3 medium. Medium living room (20-30 m²) = 2 to 3 large + 3 to 5 medium. Large living room (30+ m²) = 3 to 5 large + 5 to 8 medium. Create density without overcrowding.

Create groups: group 3 to 5 plants of different heights to create spectacular compositions. Mix large (Monstera), medium (Dracaena), and trailing (Pothos). Create depth and richness.

Vary textures: mix broad leaves (Monstera, Alocasia), fine (Ficus, palms), graphic (Calathea), and trailing (Pothos, ferns). Create visual interest and diversity.

Rotate the pots: turn the pots regularly for even growth. Plants lean toward the light (window). Monthly rotation recommended.

Clean the foliage: dust reduces photosynthesis and purification capacity. Wipe large leaves monthly with a damp cloth. Shower plants under lukewarm water for deep cleaning.

Stake large plants: climbing Monstera, Philodendron need stakes (moss, bamboo) for a majestic posture. Gently tie the stems as they grow.

Create an urban jungle: our tips

Start with the structure: first invest in 1 to 2 spectacular large plants (Monstera, Ficus, palm). They create the framework of your jungle. Gradually complete with medium and trailing plants.

Use verticality: use hangers, high shelves, and stakes to create height. Trailing plants hanging, large staked plants. Create multiple levels of greenery from floor to ceiling.

Mix heights: large plants on the floor (1.5 to 2.5 m), medium on furniture (60-100 cm), small on coffee tables (30-50 cm), trailing hanging. Create depth and richness.

Create green corners: group several plants in a corner to create a mini indoor garden. Mix 1 large + 2 medium + 1 trailing. Create spectacular plant density.

Play with the pots: vary the materials (terracotta, ceramic, wicker, decorative pots design) and the colors (neutral, colorful, metallic). Create harmony or contrasts according to your style.

Frequently asked questions

How many plants in a living room?

Small living room (15-20 m²): 3 to 5 plants (1 to 2 large, 2 to 3 medium). Medium living room (20-30 m²): 6 to 10 plants (2 to 3 large, 4 to 6 medium, 1 to 2 trailing). Large living room (30+ m²): 10 to 15 plants (3 to 5 large, 5 to 8 medium, 2 to 3 trailing). Create a lush jungle without overcrowding.

Which plants for a dimly lit living room?

Ficus (tolerates partial shade), Kentia (champion of low light), Pothos (thrives in shade), Philodendron (tolerates low light), Spathiphyllum (blooms even in shade), Dracaena (robust in shade), Aglaonema (low light). All thrive even in a north-facing or dimly lit living room.

Are large plants difficult to maintain?

No, most are easy. Monstera, Ficus, palms, Philodendron tolerate missed waterings and varied conditions. Water once a week in summer, once every 2 weeks in winter. Monthly leaf cleaning. Fertilize in spring and summer. Time budget: 10 to 20 min per week for 5 to 8 plants.

Do large plants require a lot of space?

It depends. Vertical plants (Ficus, Dracaena, Sansevieria): little floor space (decorative pot 40-50 cm diameter). Wide plants (Monstera, palms, Alocasia): more space needed (1 to 1.5 m diameter). Use empty corners and vertical space. Even a small living room can accommodate 1 to 2 large plants.

Do indoor plants really purify the air?

Yes, NASA studies confirm it. Monstera, Ficus, Spathiphyllum, palms, Pothos absorb formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene. However, the effect is moderate. 5 to 8 plants for a 20 to 30 m² living room + regular ventilation = significantly purer air. They do not replace ventilation but complement it.

Can plants be left during holidays?

Yes, with preparations. Water generously before leaving. Group plants away from windows (reduce evaporation). Set up an automatic watering system (drip, ollas, inverted bottles). Ask a neighbor to water if absence is long (2+ weeks). Most plants tolerate 1 to 2 weeks without watering.

Are large plants toxic to animals?

Some yes. Monstera, Philodendron, Pothos, Ficus are toxic if ingested by cats or dogs. Symptoms: mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhea. Prefer palms, Calathea, Maranta, Chlorophytum, ferns if you have pets. Or place toxic plants high up, out of reach.

Are indoor plants a good investment?

Yes, excellent investment! Spectacular transformation (ordinary living room → urban jungle), air purification (toxin absorption), well-being (stress reduction, connection to nature), property value increase (lush living room = selling point), longevity (plants last 10 to 30 years or more), improved acoustics (sound absorption). Budget €200 to €600 for 5 to 10 plants. An investment that transforms your daily life and creates an exceptional living space for decades.