Perfect pairings: Plant life for different kitchen styles

First thing’s first: Why should you have plants in the kitchen?

Aside from their aesthetic appeal, plants act as functional allies in your cooking space. Research has shown they can purify the air and boost your mood, and some even double as ingredients, helping you create a more sustainable kitchen.

When it comes to choosing plants for your space, the trick is selecting varieties that thrive in the unique conditions of a kitchen – including fluctuating temperatures, occasional humidity and varying light levels.

Kitchen plant ideas: Matching plants to your design aesthetic

Modern minimalist kitchens

For contemporary kitchens with clean lines and monochromatic schemes, opt for structural plants with architectural appeal:

• Snake plants: Their strong vertical lines echo minimalist design principles while requiring minimal maintenance.
• ZZ plants: With their glossy, dark green leaves, ZZ plants add a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the space.
• Aloe vera: Not only does it have a sculptural shape, but the juice from the leaves can also help soothe minor kitchen burns.

Position these in simple pots (think matte black or white ceramics) and place them on open shelving or kitchen islands for maximum impact.

Rustic farmhouse styles

Kitchens with a country feel call for plants with casual charm:

• Herbs in terracotta pots: Basil, rosemary and thyme arranged in weathered terracotta create an authentic farmhouse feel.
• Trailing ivy: Draped across open shelving or hanging from ceiling hooks, ivy adds movement and softness.
• Lavender: Place it near windows for a fragrant homage to country gardens.

Use vintage containers, enamel jugs or wooden crates as planters to enhance the homespun aesthetic.

Industrial chic

Raw materials and utilitarian design elements pair brilliantly with:

• Succulents: Their robust nature complements the hardiness of industrial design.
• Fiddle leaf figs: Their large, glossy leaves create a striking contrast against industrial materials like concrete and metal.
• Air plants: Mount these on magnetic strips or suspend them in glass orbs.

Container choices should emphasise the industrial aesthetic. Think galvanised metal pots, concrete planters or repurposed factory containers.

Classic shaker kitchens

For timeless elegance with a touch of tradition, these plants work beautifully with shaker kitchens:

• Boston ferns: Their delicate fronds add a dash of refinement to classic spaces.
• Peace lilies: With their elegant white blooms, they bring sophistication without looking overdone.
• English ivy: Trained along windowsills or cabinet tops, English ivy adds a hint of stately home grandeur.

These varieties work well in ceramic or wooden planters with understated designs that complement your cabinetry.

Kitchen plants that don’t need sunlight

Not all kitchens are blessed with abundant natural light. If yours is more shadow than sunshine, try these plants:

• Cast iron plants: True to their name, they're virtually indestructible and happily tolerate low light conditions.
• Pothos: These trailing beauties adapt to dim conditions and look striking cascading from high shelves.
• Chinese evergreens: With their variegated leaves, Chinese evergreens bring intrigue to darker corners.

Kitchen windowsill plants: Making the most of prime real estate

The windowsill is often the most coveted spot for plants in any kitchen. Maximise yours with:

• Herbs: When creating a windowsill herb garden, choose herbs that work well together and have similar watering needs, such as rosemary, thyme and oregano together, or basil, chives and parsley.
• Microgreens: The young seedlings of edible leafy greens, microgreens make a nutritious addition to salads, sandwiches, juices and as garnishes.
• Succulents: If your windowsill gets plenty of sunshine, these drought-tolerant plants will thrive.

Caring for your kitchen greenery

Kitchen plants face unique challenges like fluctuating temperatures and humidity, and can end up by the wayside in busy households. But with a bit of maintenance, you can keep your kitchen greenery thriving.

Check the soil moisture regularly (around once a week) to make sure your plants are getting an appropriate amount of water for their preferred environment, and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove kitchen dust and grease.

Every couple of months, move or rotate your plants to give them equal light exposure. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and fungus gnats, which can damage young plants.