Bookshelves are ubiquitous in homes. They hold our favorite books, make our rooms look nice, and show who we are. But often, the tops of bookshelves sit empty and bare. When you look up at that empty space next time, think about putting plants there! The right plants can bring life and greenery to parts of your home that you might not have thought about before.

When choosing plants for your bookshelf the most important factors to consider are size light requirements, and growth habits. You’ll want compact plants that don’t require much light. Trailing varieties that spill lushly over the edges of shelves add drama.

Here are some of the best plants for bookshelf tops and how to care for them:

Snake Plants

Snake plants, also called mother-in-law’s tongue, are virtually indestructible. Their architectural, strappy leaves do best in low light and with little watering. They come in many shapes and sizes, so you can find small ones that are great for shelves. Some top options are:

• Birds nest snake plant – A tiny plant, under 8 inches tall. Tolerates low light.

• Cylindrical snake plant – Tall and slender, but slow growing. Survives in low light.

• Samurai snake plant – Very compact at 4-6 inches tall. Does well in low light.

Pothos

With their vining growth, pothos are made for shelves. Choose low-light types like golden pothos over types with more stripes. Jade pothos is another easy, low maintenance option. Let the stems that trail off hang over the edges of the shelves.

Philodendrons

Similar to pothos, philodendrons are trailing plants perfect for shelves. Heartleaf philodendron is a classic choice that thrives in low to bright light. Let it spread out along your shelves.

Ferns

Delicate ferns bring an airy, natural feel to shelves. Try compact varieties of maidenhair ferns, Boston ferns, or lemon button ferns. Place in bathrooms and other humid areas. Keep their soil consistently moist.

Calathea

The colorful leaves of calathea, which is also known as prayer plant, add a splash of color. Choose compact varieties, like rattlesnake calathea. Give them medium to low light. Keep their soil moist.

Peperomia

Peperomia are succulent-like plants with thick, colorful leaves. Try variegated types like Peperomia ‘Hope’ or Peperomia ‘Pixie Lime.’ Let them trail along your shelves. Give them medium to bright light and well-draining soil.

Air Plants

Air plants are versatile and low maintenance. Display them on shelves without soil. Simply mist or rinse them weekly. Place them in bright light for best color.

Cacti & Succulents

For a minimalist look, decorate shelves with a variety of small cacti and succulents. Favorite picks are burro’s tail, echeveria, aloe vera, and mini cacti. Give them plenty of direct light. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

Herbs

Herbs aren’t just for cooking! Tuck pots of mint, rosemary, thyme and other herbs on shelves to add fresh fragrance and greenery throughout your home. Harvest them whenever you need.

Caring For Shelf Plants

When growing plants on your bookshelves, provide the right care to keep them healthy:

Lighting – Place plants either in front of a bright window or supplement with a grow light. Rotating plants weekly ensures all sides get light.

Water – Check soil before watering. Let the top inch dry for cacti and succulents. Keep tropical plants evenly moist.

Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix, like one containing peat and perlite. Re-pot plants annually.

Fertilizer – Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Pruning – Trim back wayward vines and pinch off dead leaves to keep plants compact.

Styling Tips

Follow these tips to style your bookshelf tops with plants:

• Mix trailing plants with upright, rosette-shaped plants for contrast.

• Use pots in a cohesive color scheme for a coordinated look.

• Incorporate plant stands, hanging planters, or wall mounted shelves for dimension.

• Display air plants in shells, baskets, or affixed to driftwood.

• Add decorative accents like candles, sculptures, and vases.

• Set plants on stacks of coffee table books for height.

• Allow plant stems to freely drape down the shelves.

• Choose low maintenance plants if shelves are hard to reach.

• Rotate largest plants to back of shelves, small ones in front.

• Prune and train vines to shape the look you want.

So if you have some empty bookshelf space, fill it with green, living plants! Just be sure to select plants suited to the light level, climate, and care you can provide. With the right choices, you can easily transform your bookshelf into a beautiful indoor oasis. Let those overlooked spots bring new life into your home.