From an environmental, economic and aesthetic perspective, indoor plants tick all the right boxes. Perhaps the quickest and easiest way to inject some verve into your home, indoor plants are the interior decoration du jour – and for good reason.

I used to buy flowers on a regular basis and I admit, I love nothing more than a fresh, pretty bunch gracing the bookshelf or dining table; I literally smile every time I look at them (a pedicure has much the same effect). Fresh flora really does make me feel better but…a bunch of blooms is ephemeral, hence from an economic perspective its sometimes hard to justify the purchase (especially when tacked on the end of an already daunting grocery bill).

But indoor plants? Give them some care and they last a good, long while. I admit, I’ve killed a few of them in my time (the maidenhair fern is a tough one) but persistence definitely pays off when it comes to potted greenery. Generally, indoor plants require little in the way of attention but I’ve found that regardless of the variety of plant or aspect of your home, trial and error is the only way to go. It’s also comforting to know that as well as looking good, indoor plants contribute towards a healthier home by cleansing the air (beeswax candles are great at it, too).

If you’ve got children, a trip to your local nursery is a fun and productive activity and in my opinion, it’s the best way to do your plant research. Talk to the staff about the best indoor plants for your climate and home and go from there. The plastic pots that you buy your plants in will do for the time being but if you want to pretty up the scene a basket offers an ideal alternative.

If you’re looking for some online inspiration I highly recommend Gardenista and if you’re lucky enough to have a vintage trolley on wheels, take Claire’s cue (a mobile planter is great if your plants need to chase the light).

Despite the relentless heat right now (wilting is an apt word to describe my current state), I’m making plans for late-pregnancy nesting and they include a few trips to the nursery for some succulents and the like; plants that require very little in the way of care considering my time is about to be stretched like never before.