Since ancient times, humanity has surrounded itself with plants. Our ancestors endowed them with supernatural properties and divine powers. With the emergence of dwellings and castles, plants became not only a source of food, but also a unique living element of the interior. Numerous shrubs, flowers, and decorative trees were planted in extensive spaces, and over time, winter gardens appeared – spaces where plants were cultivated indoors. In the twentieth century, the concept of "phytodesign" emerged – a combination of the Greek words "phyton" (plant) and "design" (design).
The Significance of Phytodesign in Modern Interior
Plants – the lungs of our planet, providing oxygen production. The absence of vegetation negatively affects ecological indicators, emotional state, and health of the population. Phytodesign in the interior performs a decorative and aesthetic function, and also helps to absorb dust and enrich the air with oxygen, necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. When choosing flowers and plants for the home, it is important to consider which scents are suitable for a particular room:
- In the hallway, you can place vases with conifers, citrus, or basil. Conifers emit a fresh, invigorating scent that creates a pleasant atmosphere when entering the home. Citrus fruits, such as lemon or orange, fill the hallway with a citrus aroma, associated with cleanliness and freshness. Basil also has a refreshing scent that helps to relieve fatigue after being outdoors.
- For the kitchen, mint or fragrant lemon balm are perfect. Mint emits a light, cool scent that harmonizes with the kitchen atmosphere and can be used as a fragrant seasoning. Lemon balm, known for its lemon scent, also creates a sense of freshness in the kitchen and can be used in cooking.
- In the children's room, calendula and chamomile are appropriate. These flowers have a soft, soothing scent that creates a relaxing atmosphere, conducive to children's sleep and rest. In addition, their bright colors bring a sunny mood to the children's room.
- In the bedroom, roses and lavender fit perfectly. Roses emit a sweet, romantic scent that promotes relaxation and creates an intimate atmosphere. Lavender is known for its calming effect, helping to fall asleep faster and ensuring healthy sleep.
Instead of synthetic air fresheners, it's better to use indoor flowers that saturate the air with natural scents and oxygen.
Creating a Favorable Microclimate with Plants
You can create phytodesign in your home, office, or apartment by yourself or by inviting a professional. By studying necessary information on the internet or in magazines, you can select suitable vases, determine optimal lighting for different plants, and much more.
When decorating a room with plants, remember the main rule: don't turn your apartment into impenetrable jungles! An excess of plants and scents can lead to eye fatigue and headaches. Here are a few basic rules:
- The color palette of the plants should match the overall color scheme of the interior.
- Low-growing flowers are better grouped together.
- Vegetation should highlight the advantages of the room's design.
- Broad-leaved palms visually expand the space.
- Climbing plants look effective on high shelves.
By applying knowledge about phytodesign and modern decor, you can create a unique atmosphere and coziness in your home. Below are photos of houseplants in vases, which can become a highlight of any interior.
Care for Plants
The health and attractive appearance of indoor plants depend directly on proper care. Watering, fertilizing, and pruning are key factors requiring special attention.
Water – the source of life for plants, so it is important to maintain an optimal level of soil moisture. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and under-watering – to wilting. Periodically check the soil for moisture, monitoring the watering needs of each plant. For plants with different water needs, it's recommended to use separate containers.
Regular fertilization with complex fertilizers provides plants with the necessary nutrients for growth and flowering. Follow the instructions on the package and don't overdo it to avoid excessive accumulation of salts in the soil.
Timely pruning helps to form a neat crown of the plant and stimulate the growth of new shoots. Remove dried, damaged, or overgrown branches. For climbing and ampelous plants, pruning is also necessary to form a neat shape.
Technology in Phytodesign
Modern technologies significantly ease the care of plants in home conditions. Automatic watering systems with timers and humidity sensors can maintain an optimal level of moisture in the soil. They reduce the risk of drying out or over-watering, providing comfortable conditions for plants even in the absence of the owners.
LED lighting is becoming increasingly popular in phytodesign. Special lamps emit light with a spectrum closest to natural sunlight. This stimulates photosynthesis and healthy plant growth, especially in rooms with a lack of natural light.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
When creating phytodesign in the interior, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can spoil the overall look and lead to plant distress. Do not overload the space with too many plants. This can create a sense of clutter, complicate cleaning, and limit access to light and air for individual specimens.
Carefully select plants, considering their needs for lighting, humidity, temperature, and container volume. Unsuitable conditions can cause wilting, loss of decorative appeal, or even plant death. Study the requirements of the chosen species and create an optimal environment for them.
Do not forget about the combination of forms, textures, and colors of plants with each other and with the overall interior. A harmonious combination allows you to create a coherent composition that highlights the advantages of the room's design.