Bringing greenery indoors improves air quality, adds texture, and connects interiors to Kerala’s lush outdoors. Here’s a curated list of resilient, low-maintenance plants and designer tips to help them flourish in humid, tropical homes.
Top Picks for Kerala Homes
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Soft, feathery fronds that create a tropical feel. Prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.
- Money Plant / Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Vigorous climber or hanging plant; tolerant of low light and ideal for shelves and hanging baskets.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Dracaena trifasciata): Extremely hardy, tolerates low light and irregular watering—great for bedrooms and shaded corners.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Glossy leaves and white blooms; prefers medium to low light and consistent moisture—excellent for indoors.
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Bold, glossy leaves that suit statement corners; likes bright, indirect light and moderate humidity.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Low-maintenance, tolerates low light and infrequent watering—perfect for busy homes.
- Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): Loves humidity and indirect light—ideal for bathrooms with windows or shaded verandahs.
- Calathea / Maranta (Prayer Plants): Striking patterned leaves that respond well to humidity—keep soil evenly moist and out of direct sun.
- Anthurium: Tropical, long-lasting blooms; thrives in bright, filtered light and humid conditions—great as a colourful indoor accent.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Lush, arching fronds that enjoy humidity—regular misting and indirect light keep them happy.
Placement & Styling Tips
- Group plants with similar light and water needs together to make care simpler and create visual impact.
- Use a mix of floor plants, hanging baskets, and tabletop pots to add layers and depth to interiors.
- Place humidity-loving plants in kitchens and bathrooms (with windows) or near regularly used water sources.
- Use decorative planters, woven baskets, and stands to integrate plants with your interior style.
Care Essentials for Kerala’s Climate
- Light: Most indoor tropical plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh midday sun that can scorch leaves.
- Watering: Water consistently, but ensure good drainage. During monsoon, reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot.
- Humidity: Kerala’s humidity is generally favourable, but indoor air conditioning can dry plants—use misting or pebble trays if needed.
- Soil & Fertiliser: Use well-draining potting mixes and feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser.
- Pest Management: Watch for scale, mealybugs, and spider mites—wipe leaves regularly and treat infestations early with neem oil or mild soapy water.
Designer tip: Combine plants with different heights and leaf shapes to create a layered, compositionally interesting indoor garden that complements your furniture and finishes.
At Constructions Kerala, we incorporate biophilic design into interiors to enhance wellbeing and aesthetic appeal. See our projects, learn about our services, or contact us to discuss adding greenery to your home.