Do you wonder about ways to deck out your home with décor elements and give it some personality? Or economical ideas to spruce up your space and make it feel more welcoming?
Thanks to social media apps like Instagram and Pinterest, there’s no dearth of ideas. And one of the easiest ways to change your home’s vibes is with plants. They are cheap, low-maintenance (mostly), and come in a wide variety of hues and shapes to adapt to any given space.
Let us introduce you to the world of ornamental plants with names!
See also: all about Pseuderanthemum
13 best ornamental plants you can keep at home
- Ornamental plants are widely used for beautifying the landscape and bringing a visual appeal to the area. Hence, these are commonly planted along streets or roads.
- Additionally, the fallen leaves from these plants serve as mulch and compost.
- These decorative plants helps in setting a relaxing and protective environment, ensuring privacy to its users.
- Planting ornamental trees is beneficial in providing shade on hot days while they reduce frost by retaining heat in the soil on colder days.
- Further, several ornamental plants are grown for their medicinal benefits. These include herbs like rosemary, lemon grass and mexican marigold.
13 Best ornamental plants with names you can grow
Here are some of the best ornamental plants with names that are beginner friendly and won’t easily die on you.
See Also: all about Morinda Indian Mulberry
Pothos aka Devil’s Ivy
If there was a plant quite literally from hell, it would be Devil’s Ivy aka Pothos. The plant will thrive in dimly lit conditions, and the colour won’t fade over time. Pothos is a tropical vine that has heart-shaped leaves and can grow up to 40 ft long as a hanging plant.
Source: Pinterest
Read about: Pericallis Hybrida
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Epipremnum aureum |
| Common Names | Devil’s Vine, Pothos, Marble Queen, Golden Pothos, |
| Family | Araceae |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Toxic | Yes, Medium severity |
| Ideal Location | Hanging baskets, Hanging planters, Vertical poles, Kokedamas |
| Available Colours | White, Light Green, Yellow, Blue-Green, Neon |
See all about Thunbergia Erecta
Growing conditions for Pothos
Soil
Soil mixed with perlite provides the best medium for Pothos to flourish. It also helps in proper drainage in case of overwatering.
Water
This plant needs water only when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Avoid the urge to water excessively since it will cause root rot to set in.
Light
Avoid hanging them in direct sunlight. Hang them in places with filtered light like a shade near a screen or a porch.
Care
Pruning will help the plant become bushier. Cut near the crown to promote new leaves to grow.
Ideal spots in your home
Pothos can grow as a hanging plant or as a creeper on vertical surfaces. Grow them on poles if you want to maintain the width of growth. Pergolas, porches, trellises, and pillars are the best places where Pothos can do its job of creeping and trailing, very well.
Source: Pinterest
Toxicity
Devil’s Ivy becomes the devil incarnate to your pets if ingested. The leaves of Pothos have calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate and tear your pet’s mouth. In humans, it can cause irritation, inflammation, and other less severe issues.
Ivy Geraniums
Add a contrasty splash of bright hues and pleasant scents to your house with these plants. They have delicate stems that trail and hence cascade in beautiful waves around a hanging basket. The leaves resemble shields which contribute to its scientific species name, i.e., peltatum.
Quick Factsheet
| Scientific Name | Pelargonium peltatum |
| Common Names | Crocodile Ivy, White mesh, Mahogany, Amethyst |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Toxic | Yes- Low severity |
| Ideal Location | Hanging baskets, Hanging planters, Window boxes |
| Available Colours | White, Red, Pink, Lavender, Burgundy, Violet, Orange, Yellow |
Source: Pinterest
Growing conditions for Ivy Geraniums
Soil
Loam soil and organic compost provide the best conditions for these hanging plants. Remember to fertilize with any liquid fertilizer every two weeks, since they’re greedy for nutrients.
Water
Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. It’s a plant that doesn’t mind neglect, since it won’t mind one or two days of not being watered. Provide drainage for excess water to escape.
Light
They are okay with direct sunlight, which also produces more blooms. However, if the temperatures are high, it might be advisable to hang them in filtered light conditions.
Care
Just pinch the stems to encourage the growth to be bushier.
Ideal spots in your home
Ivy Geraniums crawls, creeps, and spreads just as trailers are supposed to. Growing them on border walls, windowsills, sunshades etc will give you more colourful options to design your space. Also, play designer by mixing it with contrast annuals in blended hanging plant baskets.
Source: Pinterest
Toxicity
It is toxic to pets as it can cause vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, irritation, and redness.
Black Eyed Susan Vine
The distinctive name comes from traditional ballads that speak of black-eyed Susan who goes aboard ships to enquire about her lost lover, Sweet William.
These are a constant show in garden centres since they’re easy to care for and the different shades of colours help them add accent to any space.
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Thunbergia alata |
| Common Names | Thunbergia, Clockvine |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Toxic | No |
| Ideal Location | Hanging baskets, Hanging planters, Window boxes, Bedding |
| Available Colours | Canary Yellow, Rose, Ivory, Gold, Apricot, Red Orange, Burgundy |
Source: Pinterest
Growing conditions for Black Eyed Susan Vine
Soil
Needs organically rich loam soil with an almost neutral pH. Adding a few inches of organic compost will facilitate the plant’s healthier growth.
Water
Make sure to keep the soil moist and not too dry. Mulching (covering the soil with organic materials like sawdust, compost, or paper) will help in retaining water levels.
Light
For the best blooms and healthy thriving, these plants do well with at least 6 hours of sunlight. Avoid placing them in completely open spaces in high-temperature locations.
Care
Basic pruning. Stem cuttings can be rooted and easily grown making this plant easy to perpetuate.
Ideal spots in your home
Black Eyed Susan vine grows fast and can be used with another vine to encourage intertwining. Best to adorn trellises, porches, fences, window baskets, hanging planters etc.
Source: Pinterest
Toxicity
There are no reported toxicity effects on humans or animals which makes it completely safe for homes that have pets or children.
Wave Petunia
Wave petunias are different from normal petunias. The former cascades and trails down, in a dramatic show of colour and density whereas the latter has upright bush growth nature. This is a great starter plant for any beginner since it’s easy to grow and the blooms are abundant.
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Petunia hybrida |
| Common Names | Spreading Petunia |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Toxic | No |
| Ideal Location | Hanging baskets, Hanging planters, Window boxes |
| Available Colours | Red, Yellow, Blue, White, Pink, Burgundy, Silver, Purple |
Source: Pinterest
Growing conditions for Wave Petunias
Soil
Use good organic soil with peat or coconut coir along with perlite to find the right balance of weight, water retention and drainage.
Water
1 inch of water over a day would be the ideal amount, during hot days. Make sure it isn’t dry for long periods and never to be soggy.
Light
The whole course of full sun for this one. Meaning it does well for the plant to be exposed to 6+ hours of direct sunlight. Shaded sunlight would be better in extremely hot places.
Care
Basic pruning. Pinch off stems to promote healthier growth. Use organic fertilizer every other week to replace lost nutrients.
Ideal spots in your home
Since these are plants with very colourful personalities, feel free to decorate your window sills, walls, patio, trellises, interior gardens and other parts of your home that could use bursts of colour.
Source: Pinterest
Toxicity
No reported toxicity effects on humans or animals and makes it completely safe for homes that have children or pets.
Pansies
The Pansies has the distinction of being a plant that never goes out of style. This one will certainly embellish your home with specks and bursts of vibrant colour. It has a mild aroma and comes in a wide variety of colours.
Fun fact: The flowers have centre markings that almost resemble human faces!
Source: Pinterest
See also: Tips to grow and take care of anthurium
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Viola wittrockiana |
| Common Names | Viola, Violet |
| Family | Violaceae |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Toxic | No |
| Ideal Location | Hanging baskets, Hanging planters, Window boxes |
| Available Colours | Mauve, Orange, Pink, White, Black, Red, Yellow, Mahogany, Blue, Purple |
Growing conditions for Pansies
Soil
Potting soil is the best medium since it helps the plant bloom with all the necessary nutrients.
Water
Regular watering and keeping in planters or hanging baskets with proper drainage.
Light
Full sun for this one, with filtered sunlight if in extremely hot locations.
Care
Deadhead older and dead blooms at the node to make way for newer, prettier flowers. Use water-soluble organic fertilizer once a month to help replace the lost nutrients and minerals.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal spots in your home
These are apt plants to give accents to your monochrome walls and structures. Pair it with primroses or sweet alyssum to impart your hanging plant basket exuberant character. Use it on outside decks, courtyards, garden posts and patios to elevate the ambiance.
Toxicity
There are no reports indicating toxicity of these plants. Could cause slight discomfort in pets if ingested although nothing serious.
Fuchsias
These are nature’s light bulbs; teardrop-shaped flowers that dangle downwards with single or more flowers on a trailing stem. Pair enough of them together in a hanging basket, and you will have fashioned a chandelier for yourself!
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Fuchsia triphylla |
| Common Names | Fuchsia |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Toxic | No |
| Ideal Location | Hanging baskets, Hanging planters, Window boxes |
| Available Colours | Mauve, Orange, Pink, White, Black, Red, Yellow, Mahogany, Blue, Purple |
Growing conditions for Fuchsias
Soil
Moist soil with a good amount of organic compost. Ample drainage is a given.
Water
Misting to keep the soil moist and not soggy, would be ideal. Fuchsia roots don’t do well in waterlogged soil.
Light
Dappled sunlight and shady places help Fuchsias to thrive.
Care
Pinch the shoot tips of young fuchsias to promote bushier growth. You can prune away by removing thin and dead growth. Once it starts blooming, feed them with liquid fertilizer regularly.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal spots in your home
Shaded portions of the house can be adorned by these natural chandeliers. Places like porches, shaded decks, covered patios, etc., are the best locations to protect it from direct sunlight and for you to enjoy the plant’s beauty. Pair it with some ferns and creepers to create a balance of volume and foliage.
Source: Pinterest
Toxicity
Not reported as toxic to humans or pets. You can easily plant it if you have babies or pets in your home.
Dichondra Silver Falls
Source: Pinterest
If you want a waterfall effect or a cascading effect to adorn your outdoors, this plant is your best friend. This exotic-looking plant has kidney-bean-shaped leaves that just seem to overflow and tumble over the edges of its container. It can also be used as ground cover since it chokes out weeds and lends aesthetic beauty to landscapes.
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ |
| Common Names | Silver nickel vine, Silver Falls Plant |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Toxic | Low severity |
| Ideal Location | Hanging baskets, Hanging planters, Window boxes, Walls, Fences |
| Available Colours | Grey, Pale Green, Silver |
Growing conditions for Dichondra Silver Falls
Soil
Loamy soil or potting soil are both ideal mediums with ample drainage provided. No need for any organic material.
Water
A very economical plant that is drought tolerant. As a result, you will have fewer headaches remembering to water.
Light
Can easily handle direct sunlight which is necessary for it to grow dense and for the silver colour to shine through.
Care
No pruning is required. You can shape it occasionally to your liking to make it bushier.
Source: Pinterest
Ideal spots in your home
Since the aesthetic looks of this plant are unique, you can use it anywhere to create a nice backdrop of cascading water-like texture. Pair it with petunias and begonias to add contrast to the silver colour. Ideal for border walls, fences, windowsills, trellises, big plant pots, etc.
Toxicity
It is non-toxic to humans and animals. However, it may cause minor skin irritation in cases of physical contact.
Silver nerve plant
Silver nerve plant is an evergreen, perennial plant characterised by finely veined, deep-green, and ovate leaves. The plant grows up to a height of about 3 to 6 inches. It is an indoor houseplant and sometimes grown as a creeping ground cover under filtered sun locations.
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Fittonia albivenis |
| Common Names | Nerve plant, fittonia, mosaic plant, painted net leaf |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Growth rate | Slow growing |
| Toxic | No |
| Available Colours | White, red flowers |
Growing conditions for Silver nerve plant
Light
The plant grows in bright shade of tropical forests and needs similar light conditions. Keep it in bright spot which receives indirect sunlight such as a north-facing window.
Soil
The plant requires standard potting soil with a peat moss base. It prefers slightly acidic soil pH of 6.5. Make sure the soil is moist and well draining.
Water
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Hence, water the plant regularly. If the plants are allowed to stagnate in water, they will develop yellowed, limp leaves.
Fibre optic grass plant
This bright green, grass-like plant can be a perfect addition to your home garden. The plant resembles a fiber optic lamp, hence the name. It is easy to grow in outdoor spaces or containers.
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Isolepis cernua |
| Common Names | Fiber-Optic Grass |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Life Cycle | Annual, Perennial |
| Toxic | Poisonous if eaten |
| Available Colours | White, blue and green flowers |
Growing conditions for Fibre optic grass plant
Sunlight
The plant grows well in full to partial sunlight. The plant can also handle some shade.
Soil
Opt for a mix of potting soil and peat moss to grow the grass plant in containers.
Water
When grown in water garden, allow the plant’s roots to stay in deeper and deeper water levels to acclimatise.
Snake plant
Snake plant is a popular houseplant with easy-to-grow and air-detoxifying properties. It is grown by cutting and dividing. Ideally, the plant can be grown in terracotta containers.
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Dracaena trifasciata |
| Common Names | Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Devil’s Tongue, Jinn’s Tongue, Bow String Hemp, Vipers Bow, Snake Tongue, St George’s Sword |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Life Cycle | Evergreen, perennial |
| Toxic | Mildly toxic |
| Available Colours | Greenish-white flower clusters |
Growing conditions for Snake plant
Sunlight
Keep the plant in direct sunlight for a few hours and bring it back to shade.
Soil
Opt for a well-drained, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil
Water
Water the plant thrice in a week. Avoid overwatering and allow them to dry out before watering.
String of pearls
String of pearls is a class of vining succulents characterised by their tiny pea-shaped leaves. They are used as ground cover and produce white, fragrant flowers in the spring.
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Curio rowleyanus |
| Common Names | String of pearls, string of beads, string of peas, rosary vine |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Life Cycle | perennial |
| Toxic | Yes |
| Available Colours | White flowers |
Growing conditions for String of pearls
Sunlight
The plant grows well in a combination of direct and indirect sunlight, totaling between six and eight hours a day.
Soil
Choose cactus potting mix for the plant. You can also choose can use a three-to-one mixture of potting soil to sharp sand.
Water
Make sure the plant has slightly moist soil. Water the plant once every seven to 14 days.
Peace lily
A widely grown flowering indoor plant, peace lilies are believed to bring positivity. They produce attractive, white or yellow flowers, which can beautify your home garden.
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Spathiphyllum spp. |
| Common Names | Peace lily, spath lily |
| Family | Araceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxic | Yes |
| Available Colours | White or yellow flowers |
Growing conditions for Peace lily
Sunlight
Keep the plant in partial sunlight. When grown in more light may produce excellent white spathes and more flowers.
Soil
Peace lily plants need rich, loose potting mix for healthy growth. They may be sensitive to excessive damp soil conditions.
Water
The plant can thrive in minimum water. Make sure to water the plant when the top inch of soil has dried out.
Chinese money plant
Chinese money plants are attractive houseplants, characterized by their coin-shaped leaves. They produce small, white flowers throughout the spring months.
Quick factsheet
| Scientific Name | Pilea peperomioides |
| Common Names | Pancake plant, Chinese money plant, coin plant, UFO plant, friendship plant |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Toxic | No |
| Available Colours | White flowers |
Growing conditions for Chinese money plant
Sunlight
Keep the plant in medium to bright indirect light. However, it adjusts well to lower light conditions.
Soil
Choose a rich and well-draining soil for the plant. For a quality organic potting mix.
Water
The plant has medium water requirements. Make sure the plant dries out between waterings.
Ideas to arrange ornamental plants at home
Here are some ideas to help you arrange your ornamental plants in a way that enhances the beauty of your living space:
- Vertical Gardens: Optimise space by setting up a vertical garden using wall-mounted planters or shelves. This not only adds a striking visual element but also maximises the number of plants you can display.
- Pots and Planters: Experiment with various pot sizes, shapes and colours to add diversity to your plant arrangement. Cluster pots of different heights and arrange them in groups to create an appealing composition.
- Hanging Baskets: Suspended hanging baskets can add a touch of elegance to your living area. Choose trailing or cascading plants like ivy or ferns to create a captivating display that cascades downwards.
- Terrariums and Glass Containers: Create miniature worlds by arranging small ornamental plants inside glass containers or terrariums. These enclosed displays add a unique charm to any room.
- Windowsills and Ledges: Utilise windowsills or ledges to display a row of potted plants. This not only brightens up your living space but also allows plants to receive ample sunlight.
- Indoor Plant Stands: Invest in stylish plant stands or trolleys to organise your ornamental plants neatly in different corners of your home. This adds a touch of sophistication to your plant arrangement.
- Mix and Match Foliage: Combine plants with different foliage textures, colours, and shapes to create visually engaging contrasts. Pair lush green plants with variegated ones to add depth and vibrancy.
- Centrepieces: Use large, eye-catching ornamental plants as centrepieces in your living room or dining area. This creates a focal point and becomes a conversation starter.
- Herb Gardens: Incorporate a kitchen herb garden by arranging small pots of herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary on a windowsill or near the cooking area. This adds practicality and fragrance to your home.
- Symmetrical Arrangements: For a balanced and elegant look, arrange plants symmetrically on either side of a doorway or a focal point like a piece of artwork.
- Colour-Coordinated Displays: Curate plant arrangements based on a specific colour scheme to create a harmonious and visually appealing display.
- Seasonal Refresh: Rotate and replace plants seasonally to keep your arrangement fresh and in tune with the changing seasons.
FAQs
How much fertiliser should we use for plants that need them?
As a thumb rule, you can mix 10 parts water with 1 part fertilizer.
When do we know if it is time to prune plants?
Whenever you notice your plant growth being leggy or less dense, prune it to encourage more growth.
How many plants can be planted in a hanging basket?
The rule of thumb is 1 plant per inch of your basket’s diameter. Which would translate to approximately 12 plants per 30 cm.
Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com