This plant wall has become one of my favourite corners of our home. It’s the space people comment on most – and the one I find myself gravitating toward when I want the house to feel calm, grounded, and lived in.

It’s not perfect, and it’s never really “done.” I still move plants around, swap decor, and tweak things as the seasons (and my mood) change. But that’s part of what I love about it. This wall isn’t about styling for perfection – it’s about creating a cozy connection to nature, layered with personal pieces that make our home feel like us.

Bringing Nature Indoors — With Meaning

When I started building this plant wall, my intention wasn’t just to add greenery. I wanted the space to feel peaceful and welcoming – somewhere your eye naturally lands and your nervous system softens a little.

Plants do that beautifully on their own, but I also wanted the wall to hold meaning.

One of the most special pieces is my dad’s book. Writing and publishing a book was a lifelong dream of his, and he made it happen in his 70s. Having it displayed here is a daily reminder that it’s never too late to create something meaningful. (And yes – it’s available on Amazon if you’re looking for a good read [Kayla of the Ice Age: Born to Two Lands]).

Another staple is our digital photo frame. I didn’t think we needed one… until we had one. Now I can’t imagine this space without it. It quietly rotates through photos of our travels, family, and everyday moments – the kind you forget how special they are until you see them again. I often catch myself pausing just to watch it for a minute. The Aura frame makes it easy to upload photos straight from your phone, which means the memories stay current and alive.

This is what I love most about designing with intention: beauty paired with meaning.

The Best Low-Maintenance Plants for a Plant Wall

I’ll be honest – as much as I love nature, I’m not a hardcore plant person. I wanted plants that could survive real life, missed waterings, and imperfect conditions. Over time, these have proven themselves as the most reliable, low-maintenance houseplants in my plant wall.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

If you want a plant that thrives on neglect, this is it. Snake plants tolerate low light, only need watering every couple of weeks, and somehow always look good. I have a few — and I’ve yet to kill one.

They’re also known for improving indoor air quality and releasing oxygen at night, which makes them both practical and beautiful. A true workhorse plant.

Best for: beginners, low light, busy schedules

Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Pothos was my very first houseplant, and it’s still one of my favourites. It grows quickly, forgives missed waterings, and adapts to almost any light condition.

I love how versatile it is – trailing from shelves, climbing along walls, or spilling over the edge of a planter. It instantly makes a space feel more relaxed and lived-in. It’s also affordable and one of my go-to gifts for friends who swear they “kill everything.”

Best for: beginners, trailing greenery, instant coziness

Asparagus Fern

This one brings softness. Its feathery texture adds contrast to the more structured plants and gives the wall a lighter, almost whimsical feel.

It does need a bit more attention — brighter indirect light and slightly moist soil — but it’s worth it for the texture it brings. It also helps increase indoor humidity, which is a nice bonus during dry months.

Best for: texture, softness, bright indirect light

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant might be the most forgiving plant I own. Low light? Fine. Infrequent watering? Totally fine. Forget about it for weeks? Still fine.

Its glossy, dark green leaves add depth and contrast to the plant wall, and it looks polished without feeling fussy. It’s also known for filtering indoor air pollutants — quietly doing its thing in the background.

Best for: low light, minimal care, modern spaces

Ivy

I love ivy for its movement. It climbs, drapes, and spills in a way that feels organic and a little wild.

It’s surprisingly resilient — I’ve had moments where I thought it was done for, only for it to bounce back with a little water and patience. Ivy is also known for improving air quality and reducing mold, making it both beautiful and functional.

Best for: drama, vertical interest, lush vibes

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is one of those quietly reliable plants that doesn’t ask for much and gives a lot in return. It’s light, airy, and a little playful — which makes it a perfect addition to a cozy plant wall.

Spider plants do best in bright, indirect light but are incredibly adaptable and will tolerate lower light conditions too. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and they’re happy. One of my favourite things about spider plants is how they produce “babies” (little offshoots that hang down), adding movement and softness to the wall without feeling overgrown.

They’re also known for being excellent air purifiers and are pet-friendly, which is always a win if you have animals at home. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that adds texture, movement, and a sense of life to your space, the spider plant is such an easy yes.

Best for: beginners, pet-friendly homes, soft trailing greenery

Why I Love a Plant Wall (and Why Yours Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect)

Beyond aesthetics, plants genuinely change how a space feels. Studies show that being around greenery can reduce stress, improve mood, and create a sense of calm — which explains why houseplants became so popular during COVID.

That said, I’m all about balance. My plant wall is a mix of real and faux plants. Real plants for the benefits, faux plants for ease. No guilt, no rules — just what works for this season of life.

If you’ve been thinking about creating a plant wall, let this be your permission slip to start imperfectly. Some plants won’t make it (RIP to a few of mine), but that’s part of the process. Homes are meant to evolve, just like we do.

Create a space that feels grounding, personal, and a little alive. That’s where the magic is 🌿