Best Plants for a Cozy Artisan Studio

Creating an inspiring artisan studio isn’t just about tools and materials—it’s also about atmosphere. One of the best ways to elevate your creative space is by incorporating houseplants. Plants breathe life into your studio, cleanse the air, and bring a calming, organic presence that sparks creativity. I feel like any space without a couple plants is missing something.
​
Here are some of the best plants to create that cozy, earthy feel in your artisan space.

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• Why it's perfect: Pothos is a low-maintenance trailing plant that can adapt to a variety of lighting conditions. Its heart-shaped leaves and cascading vines add softness and movement to a studio. I recommend these to many of my friends who want plants but aren't as experienced in plant care.
• Care tip: Let the soil dry out between waterings, and give it a trim to keep it lush and full. These are also soooo easy to propagate in water or soil. Simply trim off a piece of the vine, ensuring the end has a "node" where the root will grow from, then place the freshly cut vine into a small cup or vase of water, stem down.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

• Why it's perfect: This plant thrives on neglect and adds rich green, architectural foliage to your studio. Ideal for low-light spaces. I think these do best when you leave them alone! They have a modern feel and unique leaf growth. Once they grow very crowded in their pot, simply separate the plant into sections and repot! This can help you make more plants out of a single one.
• Care tip: Water sparingly—ZZ plants store water in their rhizomes, so overwatering is a no-go. Treat this plant similarly to a cactus or succulent in terms of water.

3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

• Why it's perfect: Hardy and sculptural, the snake plant gives a modern yet grounded aesthetic to your space. Plus, it purifies the air. These are great especially in lower light bathrooms and interior of living rooms.
• Care tip: Place it in indirect light and water only when the soil is bone-dry or the leaves are shriveled.

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Why it's perfect: With its graceful white blooms and deep green leaves, the peace lily brings calm and elegance to your studio. It is very leafy and is a great choice if you are wanting a very lush atmosphere.
• Care tip: Keep the soil slightly moist and give it filtered light. This plant is dramatic, so you will know when it really needs water because the leaves and stems will wilt over. Don't be discouraged if this happens. Simply water it and watch it spring back to life.

5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

• Why it's perfect: The rubber tree i on of my favorite classic plants. It is the plant that produces sap to make rubber! I think that is such a cool fact. It adds bold, broad foliage and a dramatic presence to any creative space. You can prune it to appear more like a tree or to grow like a bush. It looks great both ways, but choose what works best for your space. The variegated rubber tree is also stunning.
• Care tip: Prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering. It can do well outdoors as long as it has acclimated to the climate.  

6. Aloe Vera

• Why it's perfect: Beyond its soothing medicinal properties, Aloe has a sleek, minimal form perfect for small shelves or window sills. These can grow really big outside, or you can keep them in a smaller pot to accommodate more limited space. Keep in mind there are some look-alike plants to the Aloe Vera such as the Zebra plant or Agave.
• ​​Care tip: Needs lots of light and very little water. Aloe Vera store water in their leaves, so you can tell when it needs water when it looks a little shriveled. Otherwise, just let it be!

7. Prayer Plants

• Why it's perfect: Known for its striking patterns and gentle movement, marantas and caltheas add personality and texture to your studio. A personal favorite of mine is the Red Maranta Prayer Plant. I love how it moves (or fold their leaves in prayer) throughout the day based on light movement. It is very entertaining to see!
• Care tip: Keep in medium light and maintain high humidity. They typically like distilled or filtered water, and in my experience, they do great in a self-watering pot. Prayer Plants are not the most beginner-friendly plant, simply because they can be a bit finnicky at times, but if you see one that you like, I say go for it!

8. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus - yes, very funny)

• Why it's perfect: A whimsical, trailing succulent that adds a magical, boho touch. Many people have success with these when they leave them alone and let them do their thing. They are very sensitive to overwatering, so ensure the soil is completely dry and the pearl are slightly shriveled before watering. When in doubt, wait to water. 
• Care tip: Let soil dry completely before watering and place in bright, indirect light.

Styling Tips for Your Studio

• Use www.nec-designs.com/clay or handmade pots for a cohesive artisan feel.
• Hang trailing plants in macramé hangers for vertical interest.
• Mix tall floor plants with small tabletop plants to create balance.
• Incorporate plant shelves with studio tools and art for a living, layered look.

Bringing plants into your artisan studio isn't just about aesthetics—it's about nurturing a space that reflects your creativity, care, and connection to the natural world. Whether you're throwing pottery, painting, weaving, or journaling, the right greenery can ground and inspire you.

Which plant will you bring into your studio first? Let us know in the comments!

​