A Biophilic Planting Guide

Plant Designs is a company grounded in the concept of biophilia, reflecting the innate human need to connect with the natural world. Here, horticulturist Harvey Young from their London studio shares a useful guide on indoor planting. From specific processes to helpful tips, Harvey talks us through each plant's individual needs, and the benefits they can bring to our environment and wellbeing.

Sansevieria Laurentii — Snake Plant

Harvey prepares the Sansevieria Laurentii for planting

This is a popular, NASA-approved air purifying houseplant effective against allergies, known for boosting mental health and improving mood. A durable plant able to thrive in suboptimal conditions, Sansevieria is ideal for growing indoors as it is low maintenance, only requiring watering occasionally.

1. Place a layer of LECA (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate) at the bottom of your container or planter. These lightweight expanded clay pebbles create an effective drainage layer, helping to keep the substrate clean and avoid waterlogging. On top of this, add a generous layer of base soil.
2. Remove your plant from its nursery pot and place it on top of the base soil. Make sure the plant is at the right height, mimicking its level in the original pot.
3. Fill out any air pockets around the roots with some extra soil. Air pockets can be damaging and lead roots to die back, so packing out any gaps will help avoid this. An initial water will also help the soil to even out.

Aglaonema — Lemon Mint

Lemon Mint is known to increase oxygen levels, improve air quality and alleviate allergy symptoms. It can also boost mood, concentration and productivity, reducing stress levels and contributing to a greater sense of wellbeing – making it an excellent choice for workspace environments. This low maintenance plant only requires watering once a week during the warmer months and less frequently in winter. It prefers the shade and thrives in low light environments.

1. Remove your plant from its original pot and gently shake off any loose, excess soil.
2. Add a thin base layer of pre-mixed soil to the bottom of your chosen container. Harvey suggests a mix of peat-free compost with some added perlite – this aids aeration and lends structure.
3. Place your plant within the container, holding it gently at the right height. Start to backfill around the plant roots with more soil, making sure to distribute evenly to avoid any air pockets.

Adiantum — Maidenhair Fern

The Balcony planter has a wick which draws moisture into the soil

In nature, ferns like this Maidenhair grow along streams and rivers, so Harvey has chosen a self-watering planter to keep it evenly moist all year around. These slow-growing ferns adapt well to being indoors, prefer indirect light and warm, humid conditions, keeping the soil moist but not wet.

1. Take the planter section out of the base component and add in your base layer of soil. Be mindful of the wick underneath the planter, as this will draw up water to keep the soil above moist.
2. Place your fern into the planter, and once you're happy with the level and height start to backfill with more soil until the plant is secure.
3. Fill the outer component with a few inches of water, taking care that the level will not exceed the base of the planter once placed inside. Place the potted fern within the outer component. Give the soil an initial water from the top to begin the exchange of moisture between the two levels.

Ficus Nitida — Ficus Tree

These hardy houseplants adapt well to indoor lighting conditions and are easy to grow and care for, needing minimal maintenance. The thick foliage can act as a partition, ideal for delineating zones in an office environment. Ficus trees grow quickly, so are suitable for potting and repotting in larger vessels. This plant favours bright but indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry – once or twice a week during summer and once every few weeks in winter.

1. Add an inch of LECA pellets at the bottom of your planter. These lightweight, expanded clay pebbles are inorganic, meaning they won't break down and rot, continuing to provide healthy root growth.
2. Remove your plant from its plastic pot and gently remove any excess soil. Use this to create a base layer that ensures your plant is positioned roughly a few centimetres below the rim.
3. Backfill with more soil until the plant is secure. Gently firm the soil in and around the root ball.
4. Place a thin layer of decorative bark on top of the soil to help keep moisture levels stable. Harvey suggests a clear planter can help you monitor root development and the health of your plant.

Schefflera Actinophylla Amate — Umbrella Plant

Schefflera Actinophylla Amate is a tropical tree known for its distinctive, glossy green leaf structure

Known for its distinctive, glossy green leaves, this fast growing tropical tree purifies the air of a variety of toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde and toluene. A native tropical plant, the Schefflera is easy to care for and has adapted well to indoor environments, tolerating lower light and thriving in spaces which receive indirect light. It prefers to be kept fairly moist between spring and summer, and a little dryer throughout winter.

1. Add a thin drainage layer at the bottom of your planter. Add a base layer of soil on top.
2. Add in your plant, backfill with soil, and add a layer of bark at the top to help keep consistent moisture levels in the soil.
3. Larger plants like this need their leaves wiping down every so often to remove dirt or dust and allow the plant to photosynthesise effectively. Rotate the plant periodically to maintain even growth.

Presented by Plant Designs.
Video by Rob Thorogood.