Creating a jungle corner in your living room is a fantastic way to bring nature indoors and transform your space into a lush, calming oasis. Whether you live in a small apartment or a spacious house, turning a corner into a vibrant, plant-filled retreat can elevate your home’s atmosphere. The best part? You don’t need to be an expert gardener to pull it off! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own indoor jungle corner with ease.
Why Create a Jungle Corner in Your Living Room?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why a jungle corner is such a great idea for your living room:
- Natural Aesthetic: Plants bring an element of natural beauty to your home, adding texture, color, and life to any space.
- Improved Air Quality: Indoor plants help purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, making your living room a healthier place to relax.
- Stress Relief: Studies show that being surrounded by greenery can reduce stress, boost mood, and increase overall well-being.
- Indoor Climate Control: Plants help to increase humidity and moderate temperature, creating a more comfortable living environment.
Now that you understand the benefits, let’s get into the fun part: designing your jungle corner!
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
The first step in creating your jungle corner is to select the perfect spot in your living room. The location should meet a few key criteria:
- Natural Light: Most plants need plenty of natural light to thrive. Choose a corner that gets enough sunlight during the day. If your living room doesn’t have an abundance of sunlight, no worries — there are plenty of plants that do well in lower light conditions, too.
- Space for Growth: Make sure the area has enough space for your plants to grow. Some plants, especially larger ones like trees, need room to spread out. Consider the height and spread of your plants when choosing the spot.
- Close to Seating Areas: Ideally, your jungle corner should be visible and accessible from your main seating area. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of your plants while relaxing.
Step 2: Pick a Variety of Plants
The key to creating a jungle corner is having a variety of plants that vary in size, texture, and shape. A combination of large statement plants, medium-sized plants, and smaller ones will give your corner a layered, full look. Here are some types of plants you can consider:
1. Large Plants (Focal Points)
- Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata): Known for its dramatic, glossy leaves, the fiddle leaf fig is a popular choice for creating a bold, tropical vibe in your jungle corner. It’s perfect as a focal point in the space.
- Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae): With its large, tropical leaves, the bird of paradise adds an exotic flair to your jungle corner. It can grow quite tall, making it ideal for filling up an empty space.
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Another large-leaved plant that brings a bold, glossy texture to your jungle corner. It’s easy to care for and thrives in bright, indirect light.
2. Medium-Sized Plants (Layered Depth)
- Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant): This iconic plant is known for its large, perforated leaves. It’s a statement piece in any jungle corner, adding texture and a touch of drama.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): With its upright, sword-like leaves, the snake plant adds vertical interest to your jungle corner. It’s also low-maintenance and can thrive in low light.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Peace lilies are great for adding a touch of elegance to your jungle corner. They have large, glossy leaves and can bloom beautiful white flowers, which make them an eye-catching addition.
3. Small Plants (Filler Plants)
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, pothos is an excellent filler plant for your jungle corner. It’s incredibly low-maintenance and can be hung from shelves or allowed to cascade down.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): This easy-to-care-for plant has long, arching leaves and produces “babies” (small offshoots) that add to its charm. It’s perfect for adding layers to your jungle corner.
- Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Ferns bring a lush, bushy texture to your jungle corner, with their delicate fronds offering a contrast to more rigid-leafed plants.
4. Succulents and Cacti (For Texture)
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has thick, succulent leaves and can add a striking contrast to the other plants in your jungle corner. It also has natural healing properties for minor burns and cuts.
- Zebra Cactus (Haworthia fasciata): Small and cute, the zebra cactus has distinctive white stripes on its thick, fleshy leaves, adding texture to your plant collection.
Step 3: Select Stylish Planters and Containers
To elevate your jungle corner, choose stylish planters and containers that complement your decor. Here are some tips:
- Mix and Match: Combine different types of planters — ceramic, woven baskets, hanging planters, and decorative pots. Mixing textures and colors can add visual interest to your space.
- Go Vertical: Use shelves, plant stands, or wall-mounted planters to create vertical layers. This will maximize the space in your corner while giving your plants room to grow upward.
- Consider Size: Choose planters that are the right size for each plant. Overcrowding your plants in small pots can stunt their growth, while giving them too much space can lead to root rot.
- Add Personality: Don’t be afraid to express your style! Whether you prefer minimalist pots or bohemian, earthy containers, choose planters that make your jungle corner feel uniquely yours.
Step 4: Incorporate Other Jungle Elements
While plants are the main feature of your jungle corner, other decorative elements can help enhance the theme:
- Natural Textures: Add woven rugs, bamboo screens, or rattan furniture to bring natural textures into the mix.
- Fairy Lights: String lights or fairy lights can add a cozy, magical ambiance to your jungle corner, especially in the evening.
- Wooden Features: Use wooden shelving, plant stands, or driftwood pieces to incorporate an organic feel into your jungle space.
- Decorative Stones: Small pebbles, stones, or moss can be used to line the base of your planters or to create a path within the jungle corner.
- Nature-Inspired Art: Hang art with tropical themes or nature-inspired prints on the wall to reinforce the jungle aesthetic.
Step 5: Care for Your Jungle Corner
Now that you’ve created your jungle corner, it’s time to take care of it. Here are some tips for keeping your plants healthy and thriving:
- Watering: Ensure that each plant is watered according to its needs. Some plants, like succulents, prefer to dry out between waterings, while others, like ferns, need consistently moist soil.
- Humidity: Many jungle plants thrive in humid environments, so consider using a humidifier or placing a shallow dish of water near your plants to increase humidity.
- Pruning: Regularly prune dead or damaged leaves to keep your plants looking healthy and to encourage new growth.
- Rotation: Rotate your plants occasionally to ensure they receive equal light and grow evenly.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Jungle Corner!
Once your jungle corner is complete, sit back and enjoy the calming atmosphere it creates. Whether you’re lounging with a book, hosting friends, or just relaxing, your new indoor jungle will be a soothing retreat that brings a touch of nature into your daily life.
Conclusion
Creating a jungle corner in your living room is an exciting and rewarding project. With a variety of plants, stylish planters, and a few design tips, you can easily transform any corner into a lush, tropical oasis. Not only will your living room look more vibrant and inviting, but the addition of plants will improve your indoor air quality and contribute to your overall well-being. So grab your favorite plants, get creative with your design, and start building your own indoor jungle today!