boho design Archives - The Girl with a Shovel

Indoor plants bring a touch of nature into your bohemian-inspired spaces! But which ones will make your space look boho instead of farmhouse, or minimalist? This list of boho plants is sure to add that touch of casual comfort into your bohemian style room! So let’s dig in!

What is Boho Design?

From the artistically disheveled to the carefully curated, boho design encapsulates a variety of styles and influences. It is a collection of eclectic pieces and patterns that come together in a way that speaks of comfort, but doesn’t scream clutter. It’s color palette is colorful but not overwhelmingly so. It’s relaxing, it’s comforting, and it’s distinctly personal.

Boho design incorporates various textures, patterns and materials to create a space that looks effortlessly cool and lived-in. And one of the most important elements in a boho style space is the plants.

How to Style These Plants to look Bohemian

One of the most important things to consider when placing your boho plants is to use various textures and patterns that complement your color scheme. This should align with using natural materials among your design such as:

ceramic pots
macrame plant hangers made from natural materials
plant stands to create multiple layers (to mimic natural plant layering)
pots that have indigo textiles (mimicking waters and deep, lush colors found within nature)
wicker or braided baskets (more natural materials!)

So now that you know how to style your house plants, let’s get on to which plants to use to create the ultimate boho vibes!

*Note: This post contains affiliate links, which if purchased will give me a portion of the profits at no additional cost to you. This helps me to keep providing awesome information to you!*

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Indoor Palms for Boho Design

Indoor palms are a quintessential element of boho design. With their broad, feather-like leaves, these plants deliver a significant impact when it comes to creating a natural, carefree, and unique vibe. They not only soften the indoor environment but also purify the air. They are great for anchoring the corner of a room (making small spaces look larger), as well as they can frame out personal spaces within a larger space. Overall, if you’re wanting a boho design, then you NEED at least one palm!

Needing help with your palms? Check out my post on Palm Plant Care!

*Note: Whenever you bring a palm tree home, you MUST treat it for spider mites! This can be a simple spray down with neem oil. But I’ve found that the majority of palm trees die when they get to their new home because of these near-invisible pests… NOT because of poor care. So please save your palm tree and just treat it from the beginning!

Here are a few suggestions for your Boho rooms:

1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Also known as Butterfly or Golden Cane Palm, the Areca Palm is a popular choice for interiors because of its graceful, arching fronds.
It’s a fairly easy plant to care for that thrives in indirect light and doesn’t like to be overwatered.
Its feathery, light green fronds can truly add a touch of boho spirit to any room.

Get one here!

2. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

A Parlor Palm, with its delicate and compact shape, is perfect if you’re looking to add a touch of green without overwhelming a space.
It grows slowly and enjoys shade and medium light levels, which makes it an excellent plant for less sunny interiors.
With its attractive, fan-like fronds, the Parlor Palm fits seamlessly into any boho decor.

Get one here!

3. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Despite its name, the Ponytail Palm is not a true palm but gives off a similar tropical vibe.
Its bulbous trunk, which gives way to long, curly leaves resembling a ponytail, is a unique way to add intrigue and drama to any boho room.
Ponytail Palms are also incredibly drought-tolerant, preferring dry conditions, making them a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for your boho decor.
I would not recommend this plant, however, if you have cats, since it is a favorite to be played with (and chewed on!)

Get one here!

4. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)

The Kentia Palm, also known as the Sentry Palm, is prized for its ability to tolerate low-light conditions and relatively dry air (although in these conditions, you also need to keep an eye out for spider mites)…
Its feathery, arching fronds can reach impressively large sizes, making it perfect for your boho living room.
Because of its eventual size, it can work great to close in a quiet reading nook! (wink, wink!)

Find it here!

5. Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis)

Majesty Palms are popular indoor plants with rich, glossy leaves that can bring a definite tropical feel to any room.
These plants love water and bright indirect light, so they’re ideal for well-lit rooms where they can truly flourish.
Pair it with eccentric boho pots and bright splashes of color, and you have a room that’s sure to impress!

Get one here!

With the right care and placement, these indoor palms can greatly boost the boho aesthetic of your space. Up next, consider introducing some indoor ferns to any empty space within your boho design!

Types of Ferns for Boho Design

Ferns have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity due to their unique leaf patterns, and it’s easy to see why. These charming relics from the prehistoric world awaken our spaces with their lush foliage and can soften the hard lines of an otherwise square room. They’re incredibly versatile and can fit almost any style, but they particularly shine in boho designs. Here are some types of ferns that would exquisitely complement the unruly nature of boho design:

6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

With feathery, arching fronds and dangling fronds, the Boston Fern is the star among indoor ferns and a perfect match for a boho room.
They demand high humidity, moist soil, and indirect light. Bathrooms or kitchens are usually a good choice for Boston Ferns considering the higher humidity levels of these spaces.
They can be hung in a macrame plant hanger or placed on a pedestal to enhance the layered look that characterizes boho decor.

Find it here!

7. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)

Staghorn Ferns bring an unexpected sculptural beauty to your boho spaces. They’re called Staghorn Ferns because their fronds resemble the antlers of a stag.
Contrary to most ferns, Staghorn Ferns are epiphytic, which means they naturally grow on other plants or trees. This makes them perfect for mounting on boards and hanging them on the wall, creating a real living wall!
Bright, indirect light and well-drained soil work best, and they only need to be watered once a week.

Get one here!

8. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

Bird’s Nest Ferns stand out with their bright green, ripple-edged fronds that grow out from a central nest, resembling a bird’s nest.
Easily adaptable and low-maintenance, these ferns like their soil to stay consistently moist and enjoy medium to low light conditions.
Its unusual shape attracts the eye and can be successfully used as a centerpiece in any boho inspired room.

Find it here!

9. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)

Maidenhair ferns are a delicate addition to your boho space with their fan-shaped leaf segments dancing on thin wiry stems.
They require mild environments, indirect light and lots of moisture (mine does best in a self-watering pot!)
Its delicate appearance gives a soft and romantic touch to your boho setup.

Get one here!

10. Silver Lace Fern (Pteris ensiformis Evergemiensis)

This fern sports slender fronds that are a brilliant mix of green and silver-white, adding interest and contrast to your green interior.
The Silver Lace Fern thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers to be kept lightly moist.
Its bright foliage is a great way to lighten up darker corners of a boho-inspired space.
Consider adding a full-spectrum plant light shining down on it to highlight it’s unique foliage!

Get one here!

11. Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)

Kimberly Queen ferns are lush and vibrant, with large upright fronds that cascade down, adding a touch of natural beauty.
These ferns thrive in indirect light and can tolerate lower light conditions than most other ferns, although they do require higher humidity, making it perfect for a bathroom or kitchen space.
Its ability to withstand neglect and recover quickly when cared for makes it the perfect fern for those who are new to fern care.

Find it here!

Each of these ferns carries its own unique attributes, but all of them contribute to the relaxed and natural ambiance of boho decor. Whether you’re new to ferns or looking to add more to your collection, these ferns are a great way to heighten the natural charm of your boho home.

Next up, I’ve got a list of additional houseplants that can make your boho design go from blah to freakin’ amazing.

More Houseplants for a Boho Design

While palms and ferns are certainly integral to a boho-inspired interior, a variety of other houseplants can also significantly enhance the boho aesthetic. Such houseplants provide a differing range of textures, shapes, and colors to create a single gorgeous design.

Here are my additional plant suggestions:

12. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)

Monstera Deliciosa, often known as the Swiss Cheese Plant due to its unique leaf structure, is a jungle plant that packs a visual punch in any space.
It thrives in moderate indoor lighting and should be watered once the soil has completely dried.
Do not rotate this plant, but instead provide a moss pole for any plants that are getting too large.
Consider adding a Monstera if you want to create more of a modern bohemian home.
Find care tips in my post, How to Care for Monstera plants!

Get one here!

13. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spider Plant is a resilient houseplant favored for its wild and untamed appearance.
It thrives in indirect light and prefers to dry out between watering. It sprouts ‘spiderettes’ that can be cut off and planted in new plant pots – a bonus for plant lovers!
With its delicate, arching leaves, it blends seamlessly into the free-spirited boho aesthetic and looks fantastic hung in a macrame planter, or on a high shelf.
Learn how to keep your Spider plant alive with my Spider Plant Care Tips!

Get one here!

14. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The Snake Plant, or Mother-in-laws tongue, comes with stiff, upright leaves that are typically banded in varying shades of green.
Requiring little maintenance, it thrives in low light and doesn’t need plenty of water, making it a frequent choice for must-have plants.
The structural, almost architectural quality of its leaves fits seamlessly into boho decor, especially when layered with softer, drapier plants.
If you’re struggling with your snake plant, be sure to read my Snake Plant Care Tips!

Find it here!

15. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is loved for its large, glossy violin-shaped leaves that add structure and drama to a room.
Preferring a stable environment, it thrives in bright, filtered light. It doesn’t like excessive watering or being moved around a lot (which can cause it to drop its leaves).
It exudes a chic, boho vibe that easily stands out in any design.
For information on how to grow Fiddle leaf Figs indoors, check out my post on Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Care!

Get one here!

16. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily is a beautiful houseplant for your living space that produces lovely white flowers and stands out for its air-purifying properties.
It prefers low to medium light and enjoys a decent amount of water. When it’s thirsty, it will let you know by dramatically drooping.
Peace Lilies bring softness and a touch of color to the boho space whilst keeping your internal environment clean!

Get one here!

17. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconerua)

Prayer plants feature variegated leaves with vibrant patterns of green, red, and cream, adding visual interest and a pop of color to any room.
They thrive in moderate to bright indirect light conditions, making them versatile for various indoor spaces. They also prefer high humidity levels and regular watering, which is beneficial for creating a lush and tropical atmosphere commonly associated with boho-inspired interiors.
This houseplant is relatively easy to care for and with proper care and attention, they can grow vigorously and provide an enchanting touch to your boho-inspired space.

Find it here!

18. Manjula Pothos (Epipremnum aurem ‘Manjula’)

The Manjula pothos is relatively low-maintenance, making it perfect for busy individuals or those new to plant care.
It can tolerate a range of light conditions from low to bright indirect light, making it adaptable to different areas of your boho-inspired space.
This plant also has full, trailing vines with leaves that feature unique patterns on each and every leaf.
The Manjula pothos looks amazing in hanging baskets or as cascading foliage on shelves or bookcases. So bust out your macrame skills on this one… you won’t be disappointed!
Be sure to check out my post on Pothos Plant Care for all the latest tips!

19. Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’)

The Marble Queen pothos is a fantastic houseplant choice for a boho-inspired space, thanks to its exquisite marbled leaves and trailing vines that are perfect along a tabletop or hanging from a macrame planter.
This plant requires minimal effort to maintain, making it an excellent option for both seasoned plant enthusiasts and beginners.
It can tolerate varying light conditions, thriving in low to bright indirect light, making it adaptable and versatile for different areas of your boho-inspired space.

Get it here!

20. Velvet Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron micans)

The Velvet Leaf Philodendron has the same benefits of other vining philodendrons with its easy care and adaptability to light conditions. But this stunning variety boasts beautiful reds and velvety greens that make any plant person jealous!
This plant is another great option for macrame planters as the soft leaves gracefully fall down the sides of its pot.
Pair this with either a complementary red planter, or contrast with your solid greens and teals to make this leaf pop in your space!

Find one here!

21. Cacti

Cacti are an essential for any boho-inspired space. These all require high light, but do best with minimal watering.
Consider a large, upright cactus such as the Euphorbia trigona or the Bunny-Ear Opuntia to make a bold statement, or choose something a little softer from my list of cute and Fuzzy Succulents!
Enjoy both the benefits of having plants that add to your bohemian atmosphere, without a lot of maintenance!

22. Yucca

Yucca plants are an easy way to add upward movement in your bohemian space with their long, slender leaves reaching upward without adding a lot of bulk to the space. This works well for both the minimalist boho interior, as well as the maximalist boho space.
These resilient green beauties not only bring a natural, earthy vibe but also thrive in low-maintenance conditions, making them the perfect companions for the laid-back, carefree atmosphere.
These plants also do well in a variety of decorative pots and woven baskets, helping them to effortlessly blend into the eclectic mix of textures, patterns, and colors that define a boho-chic interior, creating a harmonious and tranquil oasis in your home.

Get one here!

23. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera’s laid-back, easygoing care requirements make it a top choice for boho interiors, perfectly aligning with the carefree and eclectic vibes of this design style.
Just like the holistic approach favored by boho enthusiasts, aloe vera offers more than just aesthetics. Its gel-filled leaves bring natural healing properties, adding a wellness dimension to your boho haven.
This plant’s long, striking leaves create a textured, sculptural presence that can fit into any medium-light space. Just note that it does best when left in one spot and it doesn’t change light conditions frequently. This allows it to adapt its leaves to that location, then be perfectly happy! For care information about this plant, check out my post Aloe Vera Plant Care.

Find one here!

24. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Aglaonema houseplants offer a kaleidoscope of options, with various colors and varieties to choose from. This diversity effortlessly integrates into boho interiors, where mixing and matching different elements is the name of the game. Just ask my white-edge aglaonema, that’s next to my pink aglaonema! 😉
The aglaonema’s lush and vibrant foliage adds a touch of exotic elegance to your bohemian sanctuary. Its unique patterns and shades create a mesmerizing contrast against eclectic decor, making it a standout piece in your design. Choose colors that compliment or contrast against your pot choice, either calming your space, or making more noise, depending on your desired outcome.
The thing that I love most about aglaonemas is that for their bold colors and large leaves, aglaonema plants are actually quite low-maintenance. If you give them a good amount of indirect light and a weekly watering, then they will be happy for you for a long time!

Get one here!

25. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

The string of pearls houseplant is one of the original cornerstones of boho interiors, with its cascading strands of succulent pearls adding a touch of unconventional elegance. Perfect for hanging baskets, macrame hangers, and uniquely-shaped pots, it effortlessly complements your eclectic decor.
This plant looks best when given plenty of sunlight. The main cause of plant death comes from either a lack of sunlight and too much water, or plenty of sunlight and too little water. So make sure when you pick out one of these beauties, that you have a nice, sunny spot to hang it!
One of the best things about string of pearls is for those out-there plant pots and unconventional decor, such as your elephant pots, sculpted heads, sloth figurines, etc. The round ball leaves are perfect to add the boho flair without overwhelming the space.

Get it here!

26. String of Bananas (Senecio radicans)

The string of bananas houseplant exudes boho charm with its cascading vines of unique banana-shaped leaves. Its quirky and playful appearance adds an artistic touch to your boho interior, making your room feel fun and creative at the same time.
One added bonus of the string of bananas is that it is a pet-friendly choice, ensuring that your beloved furry friends can coexist harmoniously with your trendy boho designed space.
It’s also worth noting that string of bananas looks fabulous in hanging macramé planters, embracing the trendy and free-spirited aesthetics of boho design. Its trailing vines create a captivating visual effect, enhancing the cozy and artistic vibe of your bohemian haven.

Get one here!

27. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia variegata)

Whether you plop it into a textured pot, hang it in a breezy macramé planter, or let it chill with other plant pals, peperomia obtusifolia variegata plays nice with your boho vision, making your home a cozy, artsy haven with minimal effort.
This peperomia variety is one of the easiest peperomia varieties to care for that I’ve come across. It’s the kind of houseplant that’s happy with some light, but it won’t throw a fit if you occasionally forget to water it – perfect for both the beginner houseplant parent, or someone that just doesn’t want to deal with a picky plant.
The Baby Rubber Plant is also one of the smaller plants that does great being paired with others. Whether it’s in a fun, eye-catching pot, or paired as a group with other greenery on your side table or on a credenza, this peperomia variety is a must-have for every plant parent wanting a chic look.

Get one here!

28. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is like the ultimate houseplant for your indoor jungle. Its lush, trailing vines add a dreamy, nature-inspired vibe to any boho oasis, and trust me, it’s all about that adding those relaxed, earthy elements.
As for home decor, English ivy looks great in either a woven macramé planter or left to gracefully drape along your tabletops. It’s like having a piece of the forest right inside your home. So pair it with a natural planter, such as ceramic planters, or minimalist solid colors to let the pure greenery of this plant shine!
And as an additional perk, English ivy doesn’t just look great; it also helps clean the air! Check out my list of Indoor Plants the Clean the Air for more air-purifying plants to add to your space!

Find one here!

29. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)

Bird of paradise is like having a slice of the tropics right in my boho haven. Its lush, banana-like leaves and striking presence transport me to a carefree, exotic paradise every day. This is one of my go-to boho beauties for any interior space that wants the bohemian feel.
Despite its exotic appearance, the bird of paradise is surprisingly low-maintenance. It enjoys plenty of sunlight, but once it finds its happy place, it does best being left alone to grow and look beautiful and elegant!
The last thing that I love about the bird of paradise is that it is naturally pest free. A lot of indoor plants can come with insect problems, but this is one that I’ve seen time and time again come away insect-free, even when its neighbors are crawling with them! So if you’ve had issues with indoor plant pests in the past, then consider adding one of these beautiful gems into your space!

Get it here!

30. Scindapsus (Scindapsus pictus)

Scindapsus is the perfect houseplant for those looking for a variety of different plants within their indoor space but are bored with their pothos vines. This vine has unique leaves that come in an array of silvers that contrast well against the typical greens and yellows of most vines.
This plant is also perfect for those who struggle with watering, since the leaves curl when it’s thirsty, so it practically tells you when it’s needing a drink!
Whether you want to add a trailing vine, or keep it trimmed short and bushy, this plant does extremely well in different conditions, allowing you to style it and use it however fits best in your boho-inspired space!

Get one here!

Conclusion

Finishing up our plant-infused Boho design journey, we’ve introduced a variety of lush, indoor houseplants that can help your living spaces achieve a bohemian flair. These are the key takeaways from our exploration:

A diverse selection of palms like the Areca Palm, Parlor Palm, and Ponytail Palm are essential to the boho interior.
Ferns, such as the Boston Fern, Staghorn Fern, and Bird’s Nest Fern, offer verdant green hues that add an earthy yet elegant touch to your design if you have the humidity to support them.
Apart from ferns and palms, there are numerous other plants like the Monstera Deliciosa, Spider Plant, Bird of Paradise, and Snake Plant that all bring texture, color, and a heightened sense of style to boho interiors.

Endeavor to experiment and play around with these plant choices and arrangement styles until you achieve a design that feels distinctly you, while also respecting the vibrant use of natural materials that encapsulates the Boho aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are plants so important in Boho design?

Plants play a pivotal role in Boho design because they complement the nature-inspired, eclectic, and carefree vibe of this interior style. Indoor plants bring in the freshness and tranquility of the outdoors, while adding varied textures and shades of green that match the earthy, eclectic boho style.

How to care for indoor plants in Boho living spaces?

Every type of plant requires different care. However, most indoor plants that fit with boho interiors are either tropical or desert plants. These plants do best with strong, indirect light and lots of humidity, or lots of bright, direct light with infrequent waterings respectively. It’s essential to understand your plant’s specific needs to make sure that you are providing the correct sunlight, water, soil, and temperature to ensure its success in your space.

Can outdoor plants be used in Boho design?

While outdoor plants can sometimes be used indoors, it depends on the plant variety and your living conditions. Some outdoor plants can survive indoors if they receive enough light and proper care, but it’s generally easier to use plants already adapted to indoor environments. This is because most outdoor plants require lots of sunlight, as well as distinct seasons to maintain its healthy lifecycle. But once again, this all depends on the type of plant you are trying to move indoors.

How many plants should I have in one room for a Boho look?

Boho design embraces a mix-and-match, maximalist approach, but the number of plants would depend on the size of the room and the amount of natural light it receives. It’s not about crowding the space but creating a harmonious, lush look. Start with a few and add more as you see fit. And remember, just as each person’s wardrobe fits their personal preferences and lifestyle, so should your indoor space fit your own personal desires and lifestyle.