DESIGNS FOR AN INDOOR OASIS

By Lara Becker

The desire to bring the outdoors in is at an all-time high. Succulent arrangements, designer terrariums, and rare varieties —plants can set the tone of a room, and usher in an aromatic earthiness perfect for any season.

Today, a host of plant designers are emerging who understand this trend on a deeper level. The Juicy Leaf and The Haus Plant are two California-based companies that help consumers curate the perfect greenery for their homes.

Both offer wide varieties of house plants for purchase, and provide plant installations for parties, office spaces, and home staging.

As the bulk of their business, they offer client-facing consultations for new plant owners, as well as top-of-the-line tips for interior designers.

“The key to seamlessly incorporating plants into your home is to choose plants that fit in with your style and the function of the space, and to use them in a way that enhances the overall design of the room,” says Rob Moffitt, creator of The Haus Plant.

Ahomewithoutplantsisa home without a soul.”

- Felix Navarro

Moffitt was a nurse for the majority of his career and always had a passion for plants. This passion grew exponentially during the pandemic.

He pioneered a truck, called The Haus Plant, that travels around his local area to showcase his products and offer on-thego advice. He calls it his “business card on wheels.” Here, Moffitt is also able to meet clients face to face, to understand the full scope of their vision.

Felix Navarro, the creator of The Juicy Leaf, also values the importance of a client’s vision when it comes to house plants. Navarro was originally part of the corporate world; he too had a passion for plant design. Now, with his family-owned plant business, a large portion of sales center around succulents and succulent arrangements.

Navarro says that the best plant for a particular home can differ, depending on many discerning factors: “the region an individual lives in, the lighting in the home, temperature control, the vessels used, and the frequency of travel.”

Many believe that having plants in the home is so integral to a space, that it can be considered a facet of at-home wellness. Having this aesthetic can be soothing for owners, and create a very zen environment. But even beyond this, there are physical benefits that cannot be overlooked: improvement of air quality, promotion of stress relief, and some studies even show that plants encourage productivity.

“Plants can add beauty and visual interest to a space, which can contribute to a sense of wellbeing and contentment,” Moffitt says.

If you are desiring the aura of zen that plants can provide, Moffitt and Navarro share a few expert tips for new plant owners. The best thing to keep in mind, they both note, is the importance of not overwatering. It is crucial to check the soil before deciding when and how much to water a plant.

Navarro notes it can be easy to forget that many plants are self sufficient, even when it comes to water. A moisture meter can be beneficial if you are struggling to determine how much water your plant needs.

But overall, just doing your best can be the recipe to understanding plant work on a deeper level.

“I also remind plant owners to be easy on themselves,” Moffitt says of his work. “Plants are living things and we are putting them in conditions that aren’t ideal, so sometimes they just don’t work out.”

Succulents, flowers, and all house plants can be a wonderful focal point for incorporating beauty throughout your home. With just a bit of research, and by asking the right questions, returning to your roots can create a great home space.

“In my opinion, a home without plants is a home without a soul,” Navarro says. “Plants are life. Incorporating them in your home gives the inhabitants purpose in caring for them, and can truly bring warmth into a home.”