5 Creative Ways To Use Plant Leaves As Decor — Plant Care Tips and More

Taking cuttings from our houseplants isn’t just for propagation purposes. Plant leaves also make wonderful accents, last for ages, and instantly add a dash of style to any corner or surface they adorn. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose the foliage after pruning!

Wondering how to take a cutting? There is no secret. Simply snip off a stem of your plant several inches below the leaf or at the base and place in water. Many plants will easily sprout roots on their own, and will stay “fresh” in their water for months if not years. Some plants (bulbs, for example, like Elephant’s Ears) will be more like flowers in the sense that will need to be replaced more frequently.

Because this is such an easy and simple way to get more from our leafy housemates, we asked our plant stylists for a few tips on how to get creative with plant cuttings and leaves. All you need is a pair of scissors and a vessel of sorts (think vase, bottle, or simple kitchen glass) to bring instant, no-mess greenery to your home! Read on for our tips on using plant cuttings as decor.

Go big and bold

Want to make a bold statement with just one leaf? Take a leaf from a big-leafed beauty like a Bird of Paradise or Monstera Deliciosa. Use it either as a centerpiece for a table or place on a side table as an easy accent.

An Elephant's Ear leaf makes a big statement in this modern dining area. Photo: West Elm

Use them as wall art

Walls looking a little bare? Consider making your own vertical garden with plant cuttings! And if a living wall seems a bit ambitious, start simple with three simple wall vases or propagation stations on a smaller surface area.

Propagation stations as wall decor! Photo: Margaret Wright

Double up

While single leaves look gorgeous in their simplicity, there’s no reason why you can’t put multiple pieces in one glass for a fuller or richer effect. You can even mix up different textures to make a type of plant cutting bouquet!

Two is better than one, right? Two Monstera leaves complete this cozy corner. Photo: Cash VanBuskirk

Add some color

Make your greens pop with a bit of color. Consider styling a Monstera leaf with florals (the flowers you may need to refresh after a few days, but the leaf will last for ages!), or accessorize with something like these Anywhere Vases that make any vessel an instant modern vase.

We love these colorful Anywhere Vases that make any vessel the perfect vase. Photo: Poketo

Decorate a sill

Unless they’re tiny, most indoor plants won’t fit on typical windowsills, but you know what will? Cuttings! Add some charm to a bathroom or kitchen windowsill with a simple cutting in your favorite glass or recycled bottle.

The perfect accent for a kitchen or bathroom windowsill. Photo: Margaret Wright

How are you styling plant cuttings and leaves in your home? Share your look with us on Instagram by tagging @leonandgeorge!