The term “Sephora plant” is not a botanical classification. It is an informal phrase for common, aesthetically pleasing houseplants often featured in modern retail environments like Sephora. These plants embody a contemporary, clean, and low-maintenance aesthetic, chosen for visual appeal and enhancing modern interior design.
Common Houseplants Associated with Modern Retail
Many plants fit the “Sephora aesthetic” due to their striking appearance and adaptability to indoor settings. These selections often possess unique foliage, architectural shapes, or trailing habits that complement sleek, minimalist decor. They add natural beauty without extensive specialized care.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), or Devil’s Ivy, is popular for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. Its adaptability to different light and forgiving nature make it a common retail feature. This plant offers a lush, cascading look that can soften modern lines.
Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss Cheese Plant, is recognized by its large, glossy, dark green leaves with distinctive natural splits and holes (fenestrations). These iconic leaves provide a tropical and architectural element, making it a statement piece in contemporary settings. Its dramatic foliage lends a sophisticated jungle-like ambiance.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) stands out with upright, sword-like leaves, solid green or variegated. Its architectural form and resilience to neglect make it ideal for modern, low-maintenance interiors. This plant adds a vertical design element, fitting well in compact spaces.
The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) features thick, glossy, dark green leaves emerging from rhizomes, giving it a structured yet organic appearance. Valued for its exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in very low light, its sleek, waxy foliage contributes to a clean and sophisticated aesthetic.
Care Guide for Popular “Sephora-Style” Plants
Caring for these popular houseplants involves understanding their specific needs: light, water, soil, temperature, and occasional feeding. Providing the right conditions helps them thrive and maintain their aesthetic appeal.
Pothos Care
Pothos prefer bright, indirect light but tolerate lower levels; variegation may diminish in shade. Allow the top two inches of soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot, while drooping leaves signal a need for water.
A well-draining potting mix is suitable. They thrive in 65°F to 75°F temperatures and adapt to average household humidity, though higher levels are appreciated.
Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a balanced, half-strength water-soluble fertilizer. Pruning helps maintain a bushier plant by pinching off growth tips or removing dead foliage.
Monstera Deliciosa Care
Monstera deliciosa flourishes in bright, indirect light. Direct sun can scorch its leaves, so placing it near an east or west-facing window is ideal. Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry, ensuring thorough watering until it drains from the pot, then allowing it to dry out again to prevent root rot.
A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is suitable. This plant prefers temperatures between 65°F and 85°F and benefits from high humidity (around 60%), which can be increased with a humidifier or misting.
Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring to fall). Pruning can control its size and remove any yellowing or damaged leaves, cutting just above a node.
Snake Plant Care
Snake plants are adaptable, preferring bright, indirect light but tolerating low-light; growth may be slower. Overwatering is the most common issue; allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, which might be only once a month in winter.
A well-draining potting mix, ideally one formulated for cacti and succulents, is best. Temperatures between 70°F and 90°F are ideal, but they tolerate ranges from 50°F to 85°F, avoiding cold drafts below 45°F.
Snake plants do not require high humidity and thrive in average household humidity. Fertilize sparingly, once every six months during the growing season, using a general-purpose indoor plant fertilizer. Pruning is generally not necessary beyond removing damaged or yellowing leaves at the base.
ZZ Plant Care
ZZ Plants thrive in medium to bright indirect light and tolerate very low light. Overwatering is the primary concern; water every two to three weeks, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
A well-draining potting mix is recommended. Average room temperatures between 65°F and 85°F are suitable, and they do not require high humidity.
These plants are not heavy feeders; fertilizing three to four times during the growing season with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer is sufficient. Pruning is typically done to remove yellowing or leggy stems, cutting them at the base.
Selecting the Right Plant for Your Space
Choosing a houseplant that suits your home involves more than just aesthetic appeal; it requires understanding your environment and lifestyle. Matching the plant to its intended location and commitment level ensures its long-term health and your satisfaction.
Assessing the light conditions in your home is a primary step in plant selection. Observe how much natural light each area receives throughout the day and whether it is direct, indirect, or low light.
Consider available space, horizontally and vertically, to accommodate the plant’s mature size and growth habit. Trailing Pothos suit shelves or hanging baskets, while larger plants like Monstera deliciosa need ample floor space. Matching the plant’s potential size ensures it remains a pleasing focal point.
Factor in your commitment to plant care. Low-maintenance plants like Snake Plants and ZZ Plants are forgiving of infrequent watering, ideal for busy individuals or beginners. Others require more consistent attention, like regular misting or specific feeding schedules.
For households with pets, always consider pet-friendly plant options. Many common houseplants can be toxic if ingested. Researching a plant’s toxicity before bringing it home is important to protect pets.