Bookshelves have a charm of their own. A well-arranged and organised bookshelf is indeed a beautiful sight for sore eyes. While they do not generally need any extra decoration, some people might prefer placing some trinkets on bookshelves to enhance their charm. One simple way of adding a refreshing touch to bookshelves is by placing plants. In this article, we will talk about the plants that are ideal for placement on bookshelves and how to style them.
See also: Designer bookshelf for a contemporary home library
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants have upright, sword-shaped leaves that sport various shades of green with variegated patterns. They possess excellent air purifying properties and can thrive without much direct sunlight. If you have the classic bookshelf that is placed on the floor, you can consider placing a potted snake plant beside it to highlight the height of the bookshelf.
Source: Pinterest @housemixblog
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This graceful plant features long arching leaves with stripes of white that emerge from the centre of the plant in a cascading manner. Super easy to care for, it is ideal if you wish to incorporate a flowering plant on your bookshelf as they produce small white flowers that can also be used for propagation. If placed on the bookshelf, it is recommended to give the foliage a periodic trim to maintain the desired length according to the size of the bookshelf.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This pretty plant is perfect for a touch of playfulness. Featuring heart-shaped leaves and vines that can grow several feet long, pothos is easy to maintain and can thrive exceptionally well in low-light conditions. For a whimsical effect, consider hanging them on bookshelves as ivy.
Source: Pinterest @rootandrain
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
With glossy dark green leaves that gracefully grow in an arching fashion, these gorgeous plants are extremely tolerant to drought conditions. As a result, they do not require a lot of watering, making them ideal for placing on wooden bookshelves.
Source: Pinterest @proflowers
English ivy (Hedera helix)
A vigorous climber with lobed dark green leaves, English ivy adds a touch of classy elegance to any space. You can incorporate these plants to create a unique sheer curtain for your bookshelf. However, do not forget to prune them periodically to avoid them from becoming too invasive.
Ficus (Ficus benjamina)
Commonly known as weeping figs, these plants have glossy and elliptical leaves that come together to form a lush, dense canopy. With some bright indirect sunlight and consistent exposure to moisture, you can ensure a lush and gorgeous bookshelf without taking up much space.
Source: Pinterest @theeverygirl
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Create a visually striking bookshelf by incorporating these plants known for their striking foliage patterns featuring variegated shades of green, silver and pink. They do not require much light and can add a subtle pop of colour to the bookshelf.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendron is a category that encompasses a diverse group of plants varying in size, colour and texture that can adapt to different lighting conditions. This offers you a wide variety of plants to choose from for your bookshelf according to your personal preferences.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Another low-maintenance flowering plant to add gorgeousness to your bookshelf, peace lilies have dark green and glossy leaves that bloom throughout the year. They can thrive with moderate light and consistent moisture and add surreal beauty to your bookshelf.
Fittonia (Fittonia spp.)
Commonly known as nerve plants, these plants flaunt vibrant, patterned leaves with intricate veins resembling the pattern of nerves. They thrive in bright direct sunlight and consistently moist soil and can add visual interest to most indoor settings.
FAQs
What are the best plants for bookshelves?
Plants that thrive in low-light indoor environments, such as snake plants, pothos, spider plants and ZZ plants, are ideal for bookshelves.
How do I choose the right plant size for my bookshelf?
Consider the height and width of your bookshelf and opt for compact plants with upright or trailing growth.
What are some low-maintenance plants suitable for bookshelves?
ZZ plants, pothos and spider plants are tolerant of occasional neglect and are suitable to be placed on bookshelves.
How can I prevent water damage to books while watering the plants on the bookshelf?
Place the plants on plates and saucers instead of placing them directly on the bookshelf to prevent drainage into the shelf.
What are some tips for arranging plants on bookshelves?
Create a mix of plants of different heights and textures and arrange them according to their heights for a dynamic display.
How do I care for plants on bookshelves with limited light?
Plants like snake plants, ZZ plants and pothos can survive in low light conditions. Additionally, make sure to rotate the plants periodically to ensure all the sides receive adequate light.
Which plants should I not place on bookshelves to avoid mess and maintenance issues?
Plants with messy or delicate foliage, like ferns, and spiky plants with thorns must be avoided due to maintenance and safety concerns.
| 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 |
