Dear Plant Stylist: "Which plants will complement a gem-tone decor?" — Plant Care Tips and More

A lush Bird of Paradise. Photo credit: Batch

In our Dear Plant Stylist series, we share styling inquiries received by our in-house stylist with our audience. So read on- you just might find that your plant styling questions are answered below!

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Dear Plant Stylist,

My husband and I just inherited a living room set from his mother and it’s beautiful, but the entire set is light gray. I like this color, but I don’t want our whole living room space to become washed out. I’m not a “beige/minimalist” person. My Pinterest searching led me to gem tones, and I saw a lot of emerald there, so I naturally thought: plants! Which statement plants would you consider “gem tone”?

Best,

S.F.

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Hi S.,

We adore inherited furniture! And it’s not only sustainable- it’s the perfect complement to a storied, love-filled home. In regard to your particular set, we think that you’ve lucked out with a gray collection, because it will be easy to incorporate accents- plants, patterns, and textures- to your heart’s content. Now, onto gem tones.

The Zanzibar Gem, aptly named! Photo credit: Léon & George

A wonderfully matched Dracaena Lisa. Photo Credit: Alison Giese Interiors

You’re not wrong that emerald is a stunning gem tone, and living plants showcase the hue while adding texture and sculptural intrigue to a space. Of our plant varieties, the Zanzibar Gem and Dracaena Lisa are particularly popular for the depth of their emerald foliage.

But the fun doesn’t stop there: enter the Rubber Tree. Its shiny, glowing leaves combine hues of both deep emerald and burgundy. Gem tones galore! The extra large Rubber Tree variety is an absolute standout, but it is also available in large, medium and small sizes. No matter the size, its foliage will display that emerald and claret combination that is so stunning.

Another excellent option for a large gem tone plant is the Red Congo, aptly named for its deep, scarlet stems and emerald leaves. Red Congos are beyond low-maintenance, low-light adaptable and have lush, full foliage. They’re ideal for those pesky corners that receive low light, where other plants might fail.

Statement plants with deep green hues like the Kentia Palm are a great fit for gem tone interiors. Photo credit: Batch

And now for a smattering of fantastic plants to place on surfaces! For adorning coffee tables, mantels and shelves, we offer a great selection of colorful, variegated plants. Magenta Triostars, Calathea Rattlesnakes, and Golden Petras are all wonderful options, with foliage that reflects emerald, pink and citrine tones. They can all be mixed and matched, and playing with pot colors can highlight their hues. Black ceramic pots provide beautiful contrast for brightly variegated plants.

With your greenery locked down, it’s time to accessorize! Wood stands, particularly in light teak and black tones, will provide further contrast and warmth to your arrangements. It’s also fun to play with levels and shapes, by mixing the bell-shaped Nouvelle pot with other styles. When placed on surfaces, medium plants housed in wood stands provide both height and visual play.

The takeaway: go wild! Your gray furniture has provided you with the perfect clean slate to explore an abundance of gem tones, for a result that will be harmonious and engaging.