Young professionals living in spaces of their own may find themselves getting bored of their usual day-to-day activities. Staring at plain white walls and scrolling through their iPhones can feel so repetitive and awfully mundane. One way or another, they're going to want to have some fun at home. While most rules for tenants are lenient (allowing pets or friends over for the lessees), there are some who are strict and rigid too. Whichever your case is, you can always bring more liveliness into your home and choose to be a plant parent! But don't just pick the same plants as everyone else. Here are 10 unique-looking houseplants that can brighten up any gloomy space.
Pink & Green Heart-Shaped Leaves (Caladium)
Colorful and eye-catching, pink and green leaves instantly stand out from the rest. Also known as caladium, these big, glossy, uniquely-shaped leaves with a sweet pink tone to them, rise above geometric cuts and neutral/earthy colors in the room. While some may think caladium sometimes resembles lily pads in the pond, others would think they resemble actual organs like the human heart, or a single lung, with the veins and all. Either way, these leaves will surely supply the needed pop to your otherwise empty space.
Star-Shaped Flowers (Bromeliad)
Usually with pink spiky petals and sporadic speckles of soft bluish lilac in the middle, bromeliads sure do steal the spotlight from the usual flowers of choice. If you're a fan of star-like shapes or just spikes in general, this cutie may be the one for you! Bromeliads can be a good contrast to white walls, and could be the new star of your living area, especially if placed strategically.
Tiny Sprigs
While most plant owners choose big and bulky plants, tiny sprigs can be actually prettier to look at especially if you're a fan of lightweight, ethereal aesthetics. There are sprigs that can be bought in botanical or flower shops, and there are also sprigs that can just be picked from wild grassy areas. Be extra careful if you spot wild sprigs, as these can have ants or tiny hairy caterpillars on them. To be extra safe, choose sprigs that are exposed to sunlight and moisture. Or better yet, use gloves when getting a random pretty sprig.
Spiky Rosette Succulents (Echeveria)
If you're a fan of tiny, fat, and cute succulents, then give the spiky rosette ones a try too. Echeveria resembles certain fruits and other kinds of plants, which give it its rare look. It grows into a rose shape, but doesn't have the big "petals" on it: instead, it has pointy tips that almost make it look like a fruit. Don't be confused though, as echeveria is not edible. These spiky rosette succulents are perfect for decorating desks with a gridwall panel above it. Get these succulents in different sizes and have them on display to make your workstation extra fun and interesting.
Dried & Colored Pinecones
While dried flowers are pretty common especially as gifts during special occasions, some dried plants like pinecones are not everyday plants on display. Take your dried and colored pinecones out of your Christmas tradition and turn them into your new desk or living room staples. Pinecones can add that much-needed elegance to a drab and dull space, especially if you choose the right color.
Leaves That Resemble Roses
Do green roses exist? Not really, but humans have done many things to make green roses. While Google may show you pictures of roses in sage green or pale green, these are most likely fake. There is a green "rose" from China, but it lacks real petals. However, since we are an innovative species, we can (a) paint white roses with a green tint, (b) genetically modify roses or manipulate soil content to let roses get a green color, or (c) get a green "flower" in a rosette formation. The latter is the case here. If you like roses, but are sometimes upset about how short-lived their glory is, or how common they've become, then rose-like leaves are your new best friend! Add these to your kitchen counter or your bedside.
Light-Colored Palm Leaves (Pastel Palm Leaves & Anahaw)
Who would've thought that the country's national leaf would be this aesthetically pleasing? While some anahaw leaves are spread open, others are more compressed and contracted. Either way, pastel-colored anahaw and palm leaves are the perfect balance between staying bubbly and youthful with their bright and fun colors, and at the same time, signifying a more mature and more modern look to them, with their symmetrical and visually satisfying spiky leaves.
"Spider" Succulents
Low maintenance succulents are perfect for the go-getter plant parents who barely have time to water and take care of their plant babies. These spider succulents with a long spikes have a cute little gradient effect to them, starting from a striking red then onto a softer peach and finally to a pale golden yellow tone. A cute addition to your little garden at home!
Pseudo-Marigold Buds
Circular petals may trigger trypophobia for some, but for those who like its look, consider these marigold-esque flowers to add to your room. Like the spider succulents, they also usually have a soft pastel gradient effect, with the peachy white inner petals transitioning to soft pink then onto a more solid lavender color. You can put this on your windowsill to instantly liven up your morning mood, or send one of these to the person next door to spread the cheerful spirit!
Narrow Petal Flowers ("Red Spiders")
These look really similar to spider lilies, but they're not the exact same. If you like the soft and light look coupled with bold and bright colors, then this could be the best combination of those themes. You can put this on top of your fridge or place it where you can see it often.
Pretty (Plants) Please!
You can never run out of options especially when it comes to mother nature's offerings. Do you have a new favorite on the list? Or are you sticking to the usual houseplants? Whichever your preference may be, plants are a great addition to any home. They remind us that no matter how urbanized our living spaces are, we still need to go back to our roots. Just make sure you give them the TLC that they need so you can marvel at their beauty for longer. Have fun picking your new plant babies!