The Green Chef Plants have invaded almost every room of the house. By choosing the right species, you can grow potted specimens in the living room, kitchen and even in the bathroom! Get inspired by the following projects
Use an uncommon place
The vases with ferns break the rigidity of the white bookcase with modules of equal sizes, creating points of emphasis.
Curing plant
Who has never bought or won an orchid vase as a gift? A champion in indoor use, it requires little care. One of the most common species is the falenopsis, whose rounded flowers vary from white, pink, yellow and purple. As it is quite delicate, it is best to support its stem with a guardian. And it is worth replacing plastic pots by clay ones, as they are porous and drain water better. It must be cultivated in half-shade, receiving indirect lighting. Pay attention to the foliage coloration: if it is dark, move the orchid to another location
Living Division
The beam makes it clear that there was a wall there and, although the element was removed during the renovation orchestrated by architects Rogério Gurgel and Regina Strumpf, the separation between the living room and the home office is still well demarcated. In addition to the change in flooring, a series of plants help divide the two areas. Ferns, rhizopalis, pigtails, philodendrons, Adam’s ribs, aspleniums and pacovas were brought together by landscape designer Daniela Ruiz in different models of pots and supports.
Natural emphasis
With leaves so shiny that they seem to be waxed, the zamioculca draws attention in this living room designed by designer Marcelo Rosenbaum and architect Flavio Miranda. It was positioned right next to the large windows, along with ferns and a bamboo palm. The simplicity of the clay vases matches the natural fibre rug created by a community of artisans in Várzea Queimada, Piauí, and contrasts with the brutality of the stripped back and the burnt cement floor.
BEAUTIFUL AND EASY TO CARE FOR
Succulents are plants that have a thickened root, stem or leaves, a characteristic that allows them to store water for prolonged periods. Quite easy to care for, they usually “tell you” what they need, all you need to do is pay attention to details. If the leaves start to wilt, gradually increase the amount of water; if the leaves at the base start to rot, reduce it. If it becomes thin and loses many leaves, it is not receiving the necessary amount of light. The ideal is to provide at least four hours of sunlight a day for them to survive in good health.
SHADES OF COLOUR
The Crotton attracts attention with its large, colourful leaves. Shiny and slightly twisted, they come in various sizes and can mix shades of red, purple, pink, white, yellow, green or orange, forming beautiful combinations. The exuberant foliage will only be maintained if the plant receives plenty of direct sunlight. Therefore, place the pot near a window. Important tips: it does not adapt to places with air conditioning; when handling the plant, wear gloves, as its sap can cause skin irritations.
TRANSPARENCY IN FAVOUR
Mounting pictures with pressed leaves is a great idea to bring the green indoors. And they look even more beautiful when hung on a window. As the light passes through the glass, the textures and nuances of the leaves become more evident. In the photo, we used capuchin leaves and strelitzia flower.
TROPICAL GARDEN
Filled with ferns, bromeliads and lilies of the peace, this 15 m² bathroom takes a young bachelor to spend hours in the bathtub, which overlooks Jardim Europa, in São Paulo. It’s almost a tropical spa, as he asked the Suite Arquitetos office. “One of the three bedrooms became this bath room,” says architect Daniela Frugiuele, co-author of the project alongside Carolina Mauro and Filipe Troncon. The demolition wood deck hides the pipes and raises the bathtub, clad in hijau stone by Palimanan. The vertical garden by Vertia completes the mood and receives a back-lit mirror on the sideboard with a soapstone tub. In front of the set is an Indian headdress, and in a separate cabin, bidet and toilet are isolated.
ROOM WITH SOMETHING EXTRA
With its sculptural appearance, the yuca has long, stiff, pointed leaves with serrated edges. As with some palm trees, the dead leaves can take a long time to fall, forming a skirt under the crown. If potted when still young, it adapts well to the internal environment. Just take care to place it in an area with plenty of light and ventilation. Once well established, it becomes extremely resistant. It is important to avoid excess water, because it causes the roots to rot.
GREEN DETAIL
Light green in colour, this fern has long, drooping leaves which usually form large clumps, showing off its beautiful texture. To take advantage of these characteristics, plant it in hanging pots or in a high place. The ideal lighting for growing it is half-shade, but it also likes to receive diffused lighting. The wind is one of its greatest enemies as it burns the youngest leaves.
LUCK AND JOY
It is believed that the presence of the Happiness Tree in the house brings harmony and luck, but for that it is necessary to receive a copy as a gift. Some people also believe that good energies are only guaranteed when both varieties are planted in the same pot: the male and the female. It has small, delicate, dark green leaves. To keep them well supported use wooden stakes. It accepts full sun, half-shade or diffused light, but will grow more vigorous and fuller in well-lit areas. Attention: it does not tolerate cigarette smoke, air-conditioning or excessive wind.
GREEN TOP
This kitchen designed by Minke Studio for a young couple with two children features cabinets covered in mineral blue Formica, custom designed by the office and executed by Proforma Marcenaria. Near the ceiling, iron L-iron cabinetry with milky glass and smooth plates, also designed by architects Camila Stump and Nabila Sukrieh, from Minke Studio, received peperomia and jiboia specimens.
