Plants make a house a home

The right indoor plant can be used to soften hard lines, beautify a space and clean the air.

Indoor plants will flourish with the right care and the right spot in the home. An architect once pointed out to me that bathrooms tend towards a masculine look with the hard surfaces, mostly subdued colours and lack of any soft furnishings. This sterility is easily softened by some greenery.

The bonus is that many indoor plants are air cleaners as well, working their magic while we sleep or go about our daily lives. The highest concentration of toxins is found in bathrooms because of the concentrated chemicals used to clean and disinfect.

So what are the top plants for this air-purifying green oasis?

Orchids

Orchids give a luxurious look and thrive in warm and humid conditions – the World Heritage Singapore National Orchid Garden is living proof and a ‘‘must-see’’ if you’re there.

Replicating these tropical conditions is particularly easy in bathrooms, as most stay reasonably warm with heated towel rails.

123RF Small growing ferns make good indoor plants for areas with high humidity.

SILLLIFE.CO.NZ Snake plants thrive in low light and warm conditions.