Design ideas for mixed houseplant containers

Have you ever made a mixed container planter? 

This is mixing houseplants together so you can create a mini container in a bowl.

Why Mixed Planters?

  1. Visual impact: Combining different plants creates a more dynamic and interesting display than a single plant alone.
  2. Space Efficiency: Perfect for those with limited room but a desire for variety.
  3. Microclimate Benefits: Plants can benefit from each other's presence, creating a mini-ecosystem.

The Secret to Successful Mixed Planters

The key to creating a thriving mixed planter is simple: group plants with similar care requirements together. This ensures that all plants in your arrangement will be happy in their shared home. 

Here are two groupings you could do:

Succulent arrangements

Combine different types of succulents and cacti that all enjoy bright light and minimal watering.

Tropical groupings:

Cluster together humidity-loving, jungle-dwelling plants that prefer indirect light and regular watering.

Design Tips for Eye-Catching Combinations

Once you've chosen plants with similar needs, it's time to get creative with your arrangement.

Play with height

Combine tall, medium, and low-growing plants to create visual interest and depth.

Contrast leaf colours

Mix plants with different shades of green, or introduce pops of colour with variegated or colourful foliage.

Vary textures

Combine plants with different leaf shapes and sizes for a rich, layered look.

Pick plants that are compatible together. 

Tropical Lush Leaf Combo

 Calathea orbifolia

  • Fittonia albivenis (Nerve Plant)
  • Epipremnum aureum (Pothos)
  • Boston Fern
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    Lush Leaves

     

    • Tall: Bird of Paradise
    • Medium: Maranta leuconeura (Prayer Plant) & Asplenium nidus Crispy Wave - Bird's Nest Fern
    • Trailing: Scindapsus pictus (Satin Pothos)

    Pretty Pothos

    Try creating a pothos planter mixing different varieties together.

    • Neon Pothos
    • Satin Pothos
    • Marble Queen Pothos

     

     

    Desert Oasis

    You could choose from lots of different tall plants here to get some height, either an African Milk Tree or Snake Plant. Use echeverias to fill out around the base and other interesting succulents.

    Here's a proposed list you could use. 

  • Tall: Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree)
  • Medium: Aloe vera
  • Low: Echeveria elegans (Mexican Snowball)
  • Accent: Opuntia microdasys (Bunny Ears Cactus)


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    Need Help Getting Started?

    If you're excited to try creating a mixed planter but still feel unsure, don't worry! We're here to help. Pop into our store, and our knowledgeable staff will be delighted to assist you in choosing the perfect plant pairings for your space and lifestyle.