Plants in the home can be used to reflect the theme of a decor, give life to a space, or even inspire a conversation. Start with the overall style of the home, and match types of plants to it. Here are some style suggestions and ways to accessorize:

• Southwestern: Desert plants, such as cactus, succulents, aloe vera, or yuccas. Accessories: terra cotta or stone pots, sand or pebbles to cover soil, driftwood or stones as add-ons.
  
  
• Victorian:Full foliage plants, such as grape ivy, parlor palms, or indoor hydrangea. Accessories: place plants on pedestals. Use urns, baskets, or pots colored or covered with fabric to match the decor. Fashion fabric bow treatments.
  
  
• Cottage: Whimsical, dainty, and compact plants, such as herbs, african violets, english ivy, and bulb gardens. Accessories: metal or rustic containers. Incorporate found objects such as tipped over teacup half buried in the soil of a dish garden, trellises and add-ons that represent nature, such as birds, butterflies, and mushrooms.
  
  
• Contemporary: Plants with bold lines, such as dracaenas, orchids and bromeliads. Accessories: soil covers that are uniform, such as marbles or corks. Use solid color containers with stakes that add line or structure, such as bamboo or curly willow. Add-ons can create an abstract look, such as a metal cutout of a geometric shape.

Placement of plants in the home will depend on the amount and quality of light, average temperature and humidity.

Homes aren't the only places that benefit from well-selected and placed plants. Public buildings, offices, and retail locations present planting opportunities. Commercial buildings will have different uses for plants. Installations are meant to be utilitarian, to fill empty spaces, and help clean the air. They may cover unsightly areas, direct traffic flow, or divide areas of a large space. Plants may also be used to create a particular mood or feeling.