A few plants lined up on a windowsill are nice. The same plants arranged at different heights, some raised, some hanging, some on a shelf, look like a deliberate display. Here's how to style indoor plants so they look better and, often, grow better too.
Why height matters
Grouping plants at different heights does two things. Visually, it creates depth and draws the eye around the space instead of along one flat line. Practically, it lets you lift plants closer to the light from a window and keeps pots off the floor, where they're easy to knock over and harder to clean around.
1. Raise floor plants on a stand
Medium-sized plants like snake plants, pothos in larger pots or small palms can look lost on the floor. A woven bamboo plant stand lifts them to a more natural eye level and adds a warm, natural texture to the room.
2. Hang trailing plants
Plants with trailing vines, such as pothos, string of pearls, heartleaf philodendron and ivy, look their best when they can spill downwards. A hanging planter near a window gives them light and frees up shelf and floor space. Hang them high enough that no one walks into them, and make sure your hook is rated for the weight of a watered pot.
3. Use a tiered stand for collections
If you have lots of small pots, a multi-tier plant stand turns them into one tidy display. Put sun-loving plants on the top tiers and shade-tolerant ones lower down. A stand with wheels is especially useful: you can roll it toward the light in winter or out of the way when you clean.
4. Add wall shelves
Wall shelving keeps plants out of reach of pets and small children. A macrame wall shelf holds small pots, cuttings in jars or a few succulents, and doubles as decor.
5. Group in odd numbers
Designers often group objects in threes or fives because odd numbers look more natural. Try a tall plant on a stand, a medium plant on a shelf and a trailing plant hanging above them.
6. Match the plant to the light
Display is only half the job. Before you choose a spot, check how much light it gets. Bright, sunny windows suit succulents and cacti; bright indirect light suits most tropical houseplants; and low-light corners suit snake plants, ZZ plants and pothos.
7. Protect your floors
Always use a saucer or a pot with a drainage tray under plants on wooden stands and floors, and check for standing water after watering.
Find stands and hanging planters in our planters and plant stands collection.