Ornamental plants offer more than just the beauty of nature at your fingertips—they're also a way to improve your well-being, microclimate, and interior aesthetics. In this article, we present three main types of plants: live, dried, and preserved. We discuss their benefits, uses, and inspiration for various spaces—from the living room to the office to the bathroom. Here, you'll learn many practical care tips, trend overviews, and the ecological benefits of introducing greenery into your home and commercial space.
What are ornamental plants?
Ornamental plants are more than just decorative elements—they're a living (or preserved) form of nature that brings harmony, peace, and freshness . Contemporary design trends, such as biophilic design and urban jungle , have made greenery an indispensable element of modern spaces—both private and commercial.
Depending on your needs, room conditions, and lifestyle, you can choose from a variety of plants: live, preserved, and dried . Properly selected plants can completely transform the character of a room, introducing not only beauty but also a healthy microclimate and a welcoming atmosphere .
Why is it worth decorating with plants?
Plants improve air quality, increase humidity, mute noise and reduce stress – this is confirmed by NASA and WHO research.
Our observations and customer opinions show that greenery:
- Improves air quality – interesting fact: some species can filter toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene and xylene.
- It increases humidity – which is especially important in winter, when the air in apartments becomes too dry.
- Dampens noise – plants with large leaves absorb some of the sound waves, helping to quieten the space.
- Reduces stress and tension levels – contact with nature reduces cortisol and improves mood.
- It increases productivity – especially in office spaces – by up to 15%, according to research.
- It improves the aesthetics and harmony of the interior – it adds life, color and structure, complementing other natural elements such as wood, stone or moss.
- It is an alternative to renovation – a quick and cheap way to refresh the arrangement without the need for reconstruction.
What types of ornamental plants are there?
Three main types of plants are used in interior design: live, dried , and stabilized . Each has different advantages and requirements.
Style, durability, and maintenance level are key selection criteria. Depending on the room and the user's needs, you can choose the right type of greenery.
Live plants – a classic in arrangement
Live plants are a classic choice for interiors – they improve air quality, grow and change over time.
The most commonly used plants include monstera, ficus, sansevieria, and ferns . They require regular care, light, and adequate watering.
Main benefits and features of living plants:
- Natural air purification – reduces CO₂ and toxins (confirmed by NASA research).
- They increase humidity – they regulate the moisture level through transpiration.
- They need access to light – they do best in well-lit rooms.
- They respond to changes in their surroundings – they grow, put out new leaves and give rhythm to the space.
- They create a friendly environment for work and relaxation – especially when combined with natural materials such as wood.
Dried plants – durable and stylish
Dried plants retain their shape and color for a long time, without the need for care.
Dried plants are an excellent alternative to fresh greenery – aesthetically pleasing, durable, and maintenance-free. Among the most popular choices: pampas grass , lagurus , Italian helichrysum , and dried eucalyptus .
Why choose dried plants?
- They do not require water, light or fertilizers – ideal for harsh conditions.
- They do not dust or fade – recommended for allergy sufferers and for hotels, restaurants, and offices.
- Long-lasting – they can last for up to several years without changing their appearance.
They support boho, rustic, and Scandinavian styles thanks to their delicate texture and neutral colors. - Photogenic and fashionable – often chosen for photo shoots and commercial displays.
Stabilized plants – greenery without care
Stabilized plants are natural specimens preserved in glycerin – they look lifelike but require no light or water. They maintain their fresh appearance for years and require no care. They are most commonly found in panels of reindeer , eucalyptus , amaranth, ruscus and fennel . Check out our article on stabilized plants to learn more!
Advantages:
- Maintenance-free – no need to water or trim them.
- Resistant to lack of light – ideal for bathrooms, corridors, and interiors without access to sunlight.
- Possibility of personalization – composed in individual shapes and sizes, even with the company logo.
- They absorb sound – they improve room acoustics thanks to the moss structure.
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Which plants suit which interiors? – practical inspirations
Plants are an exceptionally flexible decorative element – they blend harmoniously into almost any design style. From stark minimalism to the opulent urban jungle, greenery can completely transform the character of a space. Plants are the perfect decorative element for both homes and businesses .
Greenery in individual rooms:
- Living room – impressive potted plants: ficus, palm, monstera in ceramic or concrete pots..
- Kitchen – it's worth investing in useful plants here: basil, mint, rosemary, and oregano. Placed in glass jars or metal containers, they serve both decorative and practical purposes.
- Bathroom – humid conditions favor ferns, orchids, and spathiphyllums. If light is lacking, stabilized plants or moss panels are ideal choices.
- Bedroom – here we recommend moss, aloe or eucalyptus – they support sleep and purify the air.
- The hallway is a welcoming place, often darker – it is worth using stabilized compositions in a frame or plants that are resistant to lack of light.
- Office or commercial space – green decorations improve concentration, reduce stress, and create a friendly environment for employees and customers. Popular options include ready-made moss panels or green letters with a company logo. Check out our article on the perfect plants for businesses .
What will you find in our series of articles about plants?
Our series of articles is a comprehensive source of knowledge for green lovers – from advice to ecology.
We focus on usability, proven solutions, and real-world advice. All based on our implementations and client experiences.
- Care tips – we offer advice on how to care for plants based on species, conditions, and season. You'll learn how to water, fertilize, and repot plants, including specific deadlines and a product list. Tested by us and our customers.
- Style and arrangement guides - we present design inspirations using greenery in various rooms, aimed at both home and corporate spaces.
- The ecological value of plants —plants are not just decorative; they also provide oxygen, a microclimate, and zero waste. They support the local ecosystem, lower temperatures, and absorb pollutants.
Hi, my name is Marian Sikora and I'm the founder of Sikorka and Vikingmoss a company that has been producing wooden world maps for walls and moss walls since 2018. My extensive experience and qualifications have led to my success. I began my career in the IT industry, where I spent many years creating websites, graphic design, programming, and implementing marketing campaigns. However, over time, I desired a change and decided to channel my passion for creation into something more tangible.
