In nature, plants group themselves together naturally based on their requirements; so why not provide them with the same consideration when having them in your home? Grouping plants together that thrive in similar conditions, and thus have the same care needs, makes it extra easy to tend to their needs.
Strategically clustering indoor plants in a group is a great idea, and this is why.
Grouping plants together:
Light
Group by low to bright light, direct versus indirect.
Bright, direct light – Except for cacti and succulents, most houseplants do not like full sun due to the sun potentially burning or damaging their leaves. Group plants, for example, Cacti, Succulents, and Fiddle Leaf Fig, that enjoy summer sun together near a south-facing window.
Medium-light – For plants that love receiving sun during the day for a couple of hours, will need to be grouped together close to the west or east-facing window. Grouped near a west or east-facing window will give the plants some morning or evening sun, avoiding the heat of the midday sun. For example, Peace Lily, Spider Plant, and Ferns.
Low light – Most plants do not grow at their best in shaded or low light conditions, especially flowering types. However, you’ll find some species survive and are known for their ability to thrive in low light and they’re easy to grow (good for beginner growers). Group these together, for example, Pothos, Snake Plant, and ZZ Plant, near a north-facing window where it will provide them with full shade or low light.
Bright indirect sun – Most Houseplants enjoy this light requirement. The best place for bright light without direct sun is a south-facing window; with the plant set back a few feet from the window. East and west facing windows are also suitable if the window is large enough to allow plenty of daylight, with the plant sitting far enough back from the early midday sun arriving and early sunset. For example, Anthuriums, Monstera and most Ficus varieties.
Watering
Watering is easier if plants that require more of it are living together, and vice versa.
Low – Allow the soil of your houseplant to dry out completely in between watering. Usually, it is only necessary to water the houseplant once every 1 to 2 weeks. Plants in this category that can be grouped together are Aloe Vera, Cacti, Pilea, Spider Plant, and Snake Plant.
Moderate – When the soil is dry to touch, water the plant. Usually, this ends up being once a week. Group plants such as Elephant Ear, Anthurium, Asparagus Plumoses, and Fiddle Leaf Fig together.
Moderate to heavy – For houseplants with this requirement, it usually is best to water once every 5 days. Keep the soil slightly moist. Make a grouping in this category with Dieffenbachia and most Ficus varieties.
Heavy – Keep the plants soil moist at all times. However, be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. You do not want the soil soggy, just moist. Usually, you will need to water houseplants with this requirement twice a week. For example, Calathea, Croton, Peace Lily, and Rubber Plants.
Start with the basics
When you have the basic grouping technique covered, you can start considering how they look together to make the final grouping. Generally, plants that thrive together will look good together since they have similar requirements and thus complementary features.