Our Favourite Houseplants for the Conservatory

Amidst the challenges of lockdowns and the shift to working from home, there have been unexpected silver linings, including the opportunity to focus on home improvements and renovations. Whether you have recently acquired a new DIY conservatory or are looking to spruce up your existing one, Happy Houseplants is here to lend a helping hand in selecting the perfect houseplants for your conservatory.

Gone are the days when conservatories were merely sterile spaces adorned with one or two pot plants. The trend has shifted, and conservatories are now transforming into vibrant indoor jungles, bringing the essence of lush greenery and botanical beauty into our homes all year round. It's like having a little slice of Kew Gardens right at our doorstep.

The modern conservatory has become a haven for plant lovers and nature enthusiasts. With their large windows, ample sunlight, and controlled environments, conservatories offer the perfect conditions for creating thriving green spaces. People are increasingly embracing the opportunity to curate their own indoor jungles, cultivating a diverse range of plants that not only add aesthetic charm but also foster a deeper connection with nature.

Imagine stepping into your conservatory and being greeted by an immersive green oasis. Lush foliage cascades from hanging baskets, climbing plants wind their way up trellises and pillars, and an array of potted plants fill every available surface. The air is fresh and invigorating, infused with the earthy scents of soil and the delicate fragrance of flowers.

The trend towards indoor jungles in conservatories is driven by several factors. Firstly, there is a growing awareness of the numerous benefits that plants bring to our indoor spaces. They purify the air by removing toxins and releasing oxygen, creating a healthier and more pleasant environment. Plants also increase humidity levels, helping to combat dryness and create a comfortable atmosphere.

Moreover, the beauty and serenity of indoor jungles have a profound impact on our well-being. The calming effect of greenery and the visual delight of vibrant foliage can reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote relaxation. Being surrounded by nature has been scientifically proven to have positive effects on mental and emotional health, making conservatories with their indoor jungles a natural sanctuary for rejuvenation and tranquillity.

Creating an indoor jungle in your conservatory is an exciting and rewarding endeavour. The possibilities are endless, with a vast variety of plant species to choose from. You can mix and match plants with different textures, colours, and growth habits to create a dynamic and visually appealing display. Consider incorporating statement plants like palms, ferns, and monsteras for their bold and tropical appearance.

Don't forget to explore vertical gardening options, utilising wall-mounted planters or installing shelves to maximise space. This allows for cascading plants like pothos and trailing varieties such as string of hearts or ivy to gracefully drape down and create a breathtaking living tapestry.

Maintaining an indoor jungle requires some care and attention, including regular watering, fertilising, and monitoring for pests. However, the rewards are well worth the effort. The sight of your thriving conservatory, teeming with life and exuding the energy of nature, will fill you with a sense of accomplishment and wonder.

So, embrace the trend of indoor jungles in conservatories and create your very own botanical paradise. Let the spirit of Kew Gardens infuse your home, and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of nature throughout the year. Transform your conservatory into a lush haven, a sanctuary that brings joy, inspiration, and a deep connection to the natural world.

At Happy Houseplants, we understand the importance of selecting the best plant companions that will thrive in the specific conditions of your conservatory. Whether your conservatory receives abundant sunlight or has areas with partial shade, we have curated a selection of houseplants that will flourish and bring life to your space.

From vibrant flowering plants to elegant foliage varieties, there is a wide array of choices to suit every taste and preference. Consider the stunning Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) with its exotic, tropical allure, or the graceful Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa) with its distinctive fenestrated leaves. If you desire a touch of sophistication, the Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' (Rubber Plant) with its glossy foliage will make a statement in your conservatory.

Not only do houseplants add aesthetic appeal, but they also contribute to the overall well-being of your indoor environment. They purify the air, increase humidity levels, and create a sense of calm and tranquility. Imagine stepping into your conservatory and being greeted by a lush, green sanctuary where you can relax and unwind after a long day.

Happy Houseplants is committed to guiding you through the process of selecting the best plants for your conservatory. We offer expert advice on plant care, including watering, lighting requirements, and any specific considerations unique to your chosen houseplants. Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed to create a thriving and visually captivating conservatory space.

So, whether you are embarking on a new conservatory project or seeking to revitalize your current one, let Happy Houseplants be your trusted companion on this botanical journey. Discover the joy and beauty that houseplants can bring to your conservatory, turning it into a sanctuary that uplifts your spirits and nourishes your connection with nature.

What is a Conservatory? 

Conservatories typically are positioned at the back of the house and receive full sunlight as they are filled with large windows to allow lots of light through. When decorating this area, many people want this space to become an extra lounge area but, consider houseplants that will turn this lounge area to an escape to a tropical oasis, bringing the outdoors in!

Conservatories serve as a bridge between the comfort of indoor living spaces and the beauty of the outdoors. These versatile rooms provide the perfect environment for cultivating a variety of plants, allowing homeowners to create their own personal oasis. Whether you have a large conservatory or a smaller sunroom, incorporating houseplants can add a touch of vibrancy, freshness, and natural charm to your space. In this blog post, we'll explore a diverse selection of the best conservatory houseplants, specifically chosen to thrive. 

Conservatories are designed as extensions of living spaces, combining comfort and aesthetics with the incorporation of plants. Conservatories are usually designed to provide a comfortable living space all year round and are therefore equipped with heating and increasingly, with cooling systems to regulate temperature. All tropical plants require protection from the cold of a British winter, and will only survive in a heated conservatory. 

Our Favourite Conservatory House Plants.

Ficus elastica 'Abidjan' (Rubber Plant): The Ficus elastica 'Abidjan,' also known as the Rubber Plant, is an excellent choice for conservatories. Its large, glossy leaves in shades of green and burgundy create a striking visual impact while requiring minimal care. This hardy plant can tolerate a range of light conditions, making it suitable for both sunny and partially shaded conservatories. Ensure regular watering and occasional misting to maintain its lush appearance.

Rhipsalis ramulosa (Red Coral): The Rhipsalis ramulosa, commonly known as Red Coral, is a unique and eye-catching hanging plant that thrives in conservatory settings. With its trailing, coral-like branches, it adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to any space. Red Coral prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering. Its ability to tolerate slightly lower humidity levels makes it well-suited for British conservatories.

Sedum morganianum (Burro's Tail): For those seeking a trailing succulent with a cascading effect, the Sedum morganianum, or Burro's Tail, is an excellent choice. Its fleshy, trailing stems are adorned with plump, blue-green leaves that create a mesmerizing waterfall effect. Burro's Tail thrives in bright, indirect light and requires infrequent watering, making it an ideal choice for conservatories with ample sunlight.

Tradescantia Zebra 'Violet Hill' is a stunning plant with unique foliage that will add a whimsy to any indoor or outdoor space. The leaves are a bright green colour with prominent white stripes running down the centre of each leaf, and they have a gorgeous violet undertone. In the wild, Tradescantia Zebra 'Violet Hill' is native to Mexico and South America, where it grows as a ground cover in humid and shady areas. It is a perennial plant that can reach up to 18 inches in height and 24 inches in width. The plant grows by producing trailing stems that spread out and root at the nodes, forming a dense mat of foliage.

Sansevieria laurentii (Snake Plant): The Sansevieria laurentii, or Snake Plant, is a classic and resilient houseplant that thrives in a variety of environments, including conservatories. Its upright, sword-like leaves with yellow margins add a touch of sophistication and structure to any space. Snake Plants tolerate low light conditions and are known for their air-purifying qualities. They require minimal watering, making them a hassle-free choice for busy homeowners.

Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise): For a touch of exotic beauty, consider adding Strelitzia reginae, the Bird of Paradise plant, to your conservatory. With its vibrant orange and blue flowers resembling tropical birds in flight, this plant is sure to be a conversation starter. It thrives in bright light and appreciates regular misting to maintain the humidity levels it craves. Although it may require a bit more attention, the rewards are well worth the effort.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant): The Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular choice for conservatories due to its large, fenestrated leaves that create a unique and eye-catching appearance. Native to tropical rainforests, it thrives in warm and humid conditions, making the conservatory an ideal habitat. This plant requires bright, indirect light and regular watering to flourish and develop its distinctive leaf patterns.

Schefflera plant (Umbrella Tree): The Schefflera plant, commonly known as the Umbrella Tree, is a versatile and attractive choice for conservatories. With its glossy, palmate leaves and upright growth habit, it adds a touch of lushness and elegance to any space. Schefflera plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. They can also tolerate slightly lower humidity levels, making them suitable for British conservatories.

Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree): The Ficus lyrata, or Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, has gained immense popularity as an indoor statement plant. With its large, violin-shaped leaves, it adds a touch of drama and grandeur to conservatories. Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer bright, indirect light and require moderate watering. They benefit from occasional misting to mimic their natural humid environments.

Are you looking for a beautiful and elegant plant to add to your indoor decor? Look no further than the stunning Tradescantia Nanouk! With its full shape and wonderful foliage, this houseplant is a real showstopper that is sure to impress. Pink Tradescantia Nanouk, also known as the Fantasy Venice, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Commelinaceae family. It is a relatively new cultivar developed through selective breeding in the horticultural industry. It is a hybrid of Tradescantia albiflora and Tradescantia fluminensis. The plant is native to Central and South America and grows as an epiphyte or on the forest floor.

Dracaena marginata, also known as the Madagascar Dragon Tree, is a popular and striking plant that's native to Madagascar, Mauritius, and other islands in the Indian Ocean. This plant belongs to the Asparagaceae family and features long, thin, and pointed leaves that are often edged in red or pink. In its natural habitat, Dracaena marginata can grow up to 20 feet tall and is often used as a natural fence or windbreak. The plant is hardy and drought-tolerant, making it well-adapted to survive in harsh tropical environments.

Integrating a diverse selection of houseplants into your conservatory can transform it into a serene and vibrant sanctuary. The plants mentioned in this blog post, including the Rubber Plant, Red Coral, Burro's Tail, Snake Plant, Bird of Paradise, Swiss Cheese Plant, Umbrella Tree, and Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree can thrive in heated conservatory environment but will require some shade as well.

Shading plants in a conservatory during the summer

Shading plants in a conservatory during the summer is essential to protect them from excessive sunlight and heat. Here are some effective methods for shading plants in a conservatory:

1. Window Coverings: Install blinds, curtains, or shades on windows and roof panels to filter and reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering the conservatory. Choose light-coloured or reflective materials to bounce off the sunlight and keep the interior cooler. Adjust the coverings throughout the day to control the amount of light and heat reaching the plants.

2. Shade Cloth: Attach shade cloth or netting to the interior or exterior of the conservatory, especially on windows or areas receiving the most sunlight. Shade cloth comes in various densities (percentage of shade) to allow for customization based on your plants' needs. Secure it tightly to prevent it from sagging or moving due to wind.

3. Sheer Curtains or Tinted Film: Hang sheer curtains or apply tinted film on the windows to reduce the intensity of sunlight. This will provide a diffused and filtered light that is less harsh on plants. Tinted film also helps in blocking harmful UV rays. Choose light-coloured curtains or films to maintain a bright and airy ambiance.

4. Outdoor Awnings or Exterior Shade Structures: If your conservatory has an exterior area, consider installing retractable awnings or shade structures outside the windows or roof to provide additional shade. These structures can be adjusted or retracted as needed to allow for varying amounts of sunlight throughout the day.

5. Interior Shade Structures: Install interior shade structures, such as pergolas or trellises, within the conservatory. These structures can be covered with shade cloth or climbers to create natural shade for plants. Climbing plants, like ivy or passionflowers, can provide additional shade while adding beauty to the space.

6. Move Plants: If certain plants are particularly sensitive to direct sunlight or heat, consider relocating them to shadier areas within the conservatory. Place them near existing shade-providing structures, such as larger plants or furniture, to shield them from direct sunlight.

7. Water Misting: Mist the air around the plants during hot summer days to increase humidity and cool down the environment. This can be done manually using a spray bottle or by installing a misting system that periodically sprays a fine mist over the plants.

Remember to monitor your plants' response to the shading methods and make adjustments accordingly. Each plant has different light requirements, so it's important to find the right balance of shade and light to ensure their optimal growth and health.

Remember to consider factors such as light levels, temperature, and humidity when selecting plants for your space. With proper care and attention, these houseplants will not only enhance the aesthetics of your conservatory but also provide a breath of fresh air and a connection to the natural world, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature year-round.