8.1 Interior landscaping elements

Interior landscaping, also called interiorscaping, is the design, installation and care of living plants and related natural and built elements inside buildings. Its elements fall into two main groups: softscape, the living plants and natural materials such as moss and soil, and hardscape, the non-living features such as planters, pebbles, water features, lighting and irrigation systems. Together these elements bring nature indoors, improving appearance, air quality, comfort and wellbeing. Example: the atrium of a corporate head office combines tall ficus trees and ferns in large fibreglass planters, a pebble-edged water feature and plant grow lights, creating a calm green space for staff and visitors.

8.1.1 Softscape elements

Softscape elements are the living and organic parts of an interior landscape. Plants are chosen for their appearance, size, light needs and tolerance of indoor conditions. Example: a private clinic's waiting room uses low-maintenance snake plants and ZZ plants because they tolerate low light and irregular watering.

Types of softscape

• Trees and large plants: Tall plants such as ficus, palms and dracaena that act as focal points in large spaces.
• Shrubs and medium plants: Plants such as peace lilies and philodendrons that fill corners and planters.
• Ground covers and small plants: Low plants for tabletops, desks and planter edges.
• Climbers and trailing plants: Pothos and ivy that grow up supports or trail from shelves.
• Succulents and cacti: Drought-tolerant plants for bright, dry spots.
• Flowering plants: Orchids, anthuriums and bromeliads for seasonal colour.
• Moss and preserved plants: Living or preserved moss for green walls and features.

Common indoor plants

8.1.2 Hardscape elements

Hardscape elements are the non-living features that hold, support, display and complement plants. They give structure to an interior landscape and are often part of the design style. Example: a shopping mall uses large concrete planters, timber seating edges and pebble mulch around its indoor trees.

8.1.3 Growing media and supporting systems

Plants indoors depend on growing media and support systems that provide water, nutrients, drainage and light. These hidden elements determine whether plants thrive. Example: a hospitality group's indoor plants are grown in a light soilless mix with self-watering inserts to reduce maintenance visits.

Growing media

• Potting soil mixes: Blends of soil, compost and sand for general plants.
• Soilless mixes: Peat, coco coir, perlite and vermiculite for light, clean media.
• Hydroculture (LECA): Expanded clay balls with water reservoirs.
• Succulent mixes: Free-draining mixes with sand and grit.
• Drainage layers: Gravel or clay balls at the bottom of planters.

Supporting systems

• Irrigation systems: Drip lines and timers for watering large plantings.
• Self-watering planters: Reservoirs that supply water gradually.
• Grow lights: LED lights that supplement natural light.
• Drainage and waterproofing: Liners and drainage to protect floors.
• Humidity and climate control: Misting and ventilation for plant health.

Worked example: potting mix for a planter

Volume of a cylindrical planter = π × r² × h

A round planter has an internal diameter of 600 mm and is filled to a depth of 500 mm. Use π = 3.142.

Radius = 600 ÷ 2 = 300 mm = 0.3 m

Volume = 3.142 × 0.3² × 0.5

Volume = 3.142 × 0.09 × 0.5 ≈ 0.141 m³ = 141 litres of potting mix