How to Arrange Indoor Plants in a Basket for a Stunning Display

Creating a portable plant garden is one of the easiest ways to add life and charm to any indoor space.  It’s a perfect way to showcase your favorite varieties of plants while making them easy to move around to find the ideal spot in your home. Let me walk you through how to arrange indoor plants in a basket with some simple steps, helpful tips, and a sprinkle of personality!

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I didn’t use to be a plant person. 

It wasn’t until the pandemic that I fully appreciated the joy and beauty of growing and displaying plants in our house.

​One by one, I started adding different plants to my little green family.

I discovered how important bright indirect sunlight is…and how little of that we have in our house.

With a need for giving each plant its time in front of the window in our kitchen, I needed a way to easily move and display plants so they get their time in the light.

And so my first portable indoor plant garden was created!

So whether you have one plant, a few, or a jungle…let’s dig into how to arrange indoor plants into a portable plant garden!

How to Arrange Indoor Plants in a Basket

The First Step: Pick Your Basket

Start with the perfect basket!

Well, perfect may be hard to come by but there are some things to look for in a good plant garden basket.

Look for one that’s large enough to hold at least three small pots of plants, but not so big that it overpowers your indoor space.

This thrifted basket used to be a basic wicker basket. A little boring but the size is great for multiple plants. A little paint makeover gave it some personality and now I am a huge fan of painted wicker baskets!

A basket with a high lip is ideal for keeping everything neatly contained. Woven baskets, terracotta pots with a rim, or even a vintage bar cart can be great options depending on the style of your home.

Top tip: Ensure your basket has a liner to protect it from moisture. If it doesn’t, you can line the bottom with a plastic tray to catch any water that seeps out of your pots.

Time for the Plants: Choose a Variety

To create visual interest, aim for an odd number of plants with different shapes, heights, and colors. Odd numbers naturally create balance and harmony, making your arrangement more appealing to the eye.

Here’s a rule of thumb: combine tall plants, small plants, and trailing plants for a dynamic look. (Don’t stress if you don’t know the names of the plants. I usually don’t until I read the tag!)

I prefer no fuss plants that are forgiving when I forget to water.  But you know how green your own thumb is.  (Mine is light green……not emerald green!) 

Plant Combinations to Try:

1. Bright Room, Tropical Vibes:
   • Peperomia (amazing texture)
   • Pilea Plant: often referred to as a Chinese Money Plant (smaller plant with round leaves)
   • Philodendron (trailing plant)
2. Low Light, No Problem:
   • Snake Plant (great way to add height)
   • Peace Lily (pop of color with white blooms)
   • Spider Plant (trailing plant with green and white stripes)
3. Colorful and Textured:
   • Swiss Cheese Plant (holes in the leaves create visual interest)
   • Pothos (trailing plant with golden variegation)
   • Painted Lady Plant (I love the pink shading in this plant!)
4. For a Bright Office or Coffee Table:
   • Orchids (great height and elegance for an arrangement
   • Trailing Ivy (softens edges)
   • Succulents (Try an aloe vera plant! Spiky and easy-care accent plants.)

Important factors: Consider the light needs and specific needs of the plants you select. Place plants that require bright light near a window, while varieties that thrive in indirect light can go deeper into the room.

Style and Layer Your Plants

Once you have your plants, it’s time to style them!

Group plants together based on height to create a cohesive display. Taller plants should go in the back or at eye level, smaller plants in the front, and trailing plants can cascade over the edges. This creates depth and keeps the arrangement balanced.

Pro tip: Use a mix of terracotta pots and decorative pots to add texture. Terracotta pots are great for drainage holes and a natural look, while decorative pots can add an accent color or pattern to complement your living space.

Soften the Edges and Add the Finishing Touches

If your basket has depth, crumble up some paper or place a small box in the bottom to create height for smaller plants.

Cover the base with dried green moss or Spanish moss for a polished look. Not only does moss give your basket a finished appearance, but it also helps hide any gaps between pots.

Don’t be stingy.  You don’t want to see hints of paper through the moss!

For a pop of color, tuck in faux flowers or plants. Recent years have brought us incredibly realistic faux plants that can seamlessly blend with real ones. They’re a perfect way to fill empty spots without adding to your watering schedule.

See It In Action: How to Arrange Plants in a Basket

Want to see this in action? Take a look at this video to see how I arranged everything in the woven tray!

The Best Spots for Your Basket

Now that your portable plant garden is ready, let’s talk about placement. Here are some ideas for where to showcase your stunning display:

• Living Room: Place your basket on a coffee table, side table, or in an empty corner near a bright window.
• Home Office: Add greenery to your desk or bar cart to create a calming atmosphere.
• Bedroom: Use it as a focal point on a dresser or at ground level in front of a window.
• Entryway: Welcome guests with a cheerful arrangement by the door.

Avoid placing your basket near air vents or heaters, as this can dry out your plants.

Pro Tip: Make It Easy to Maintain

One of the best ways to care for your portable garden is to group plants with similar needs.

For example, plants that love indirect light and need occasional watering make excellent roommates. Keep a watering can handy and check that your pots have good drainage to prevent root rot.

Why This Works in Any Space

Now that all of your small plants are in the same place, watering them will be a piece of cake! 

And, because they are all contained together, your display is easily moved from room to room as your mood or the light dictates! 

Arranging indoor plants in a basket is such a simple way to elevate your home. It’s versatile, portable, and adds a layer of coziness to any room.

Whether you’re working with a large space or a small space, this display will bring nature indoors and make your home feel warm and inviting!

Now it’s your turn! Grab a basket, gather some plants, and create your very own portable garden. It’s the perfect way to bring a touch of nature to your living space while showing off your creative side. Happy planting!

Cheers!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (just click the Pin button in the top left corner). You can also follow along with me on Pinterest!

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