Decorating & Design
January 8, 2024
The Best Indoor Plants According To Plantfluencer Hilton Carter
“It only takes one plant to change the atmosphere in a room,” says Instagram plant expert and author of Living Wild (Cico Books, 2023), Hilton Carter who counts a heady Instagram following of over 500,000 and has been featured in the The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post. He’s made it his business to help houseplant “parents” grow lush, happy, indoor plants bursting with greenery and blooms (which is especially appreciated when the temperatures dip outside).
His third book, Living Wild, is packed with interior design and styling ideas that blur the boundary between inside and out. The book features unique homes that have been plant styled by Hilton, offers a detailed look at his top 10 designer plants, and even provides care and growing tips.
“Have you ever walked into a plant nursery or greenhouse and instantly felt a change in the air?” says Hilton. “The feeling of calm that washes over you as you tilt your head back, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. This is the feeling you’re looking to replicate when you bring plants into your home.”
Keep scrolling for Hilton’s best suggestions for indoor plants during the winter and beyond!
Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)
“I styled a towering Ficus lyrata in the bedroom of my studio to make a loud statement in this quiet space. The clean, off-white trunk and branches and large, glossy oval leaves of the banyan work great in a Scandi-styled space that aims for simplicity.” Glossy dark green leaves and elegant stance can add to the quirky, playful vibe associated with this style.
Ficus binnendijkii ‘Alii’
“Experienced plant parents can show off their creativity by pruning Ficus binnendijkii ‘Alii’ to create customized forms. Single trunk or multi-stemmed, the Alii is a great option for those looking for a one of a kind, living centerpiece.”
Ficus Danielle
“I love recommending the Ficus Danielle to beginner plant parents due to its resilience. Its bushy foliage can often be variegated featuring a mix of green and white hues. With the correct care, the Ficus Danielle is a durable and long-lasting houseplant that can adapt to different environments. In the kitchen of artists Evan Guidera and Fay Ray, I styled a Ficus benjamina ‘Danielle’ to add a pop of green against the white.”
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Hilton Carter
Living Wild by Hilton Carter (Cico Books, 2023)