Every kind of reader has their own unique book nook to match their style. But what book nook is complete without a cute plant? Whether you’re a casual or expert-level reader, I’ve got the perfect list of plants to suit your reading habits. Bring out your inner plant mom or dad with these bookish-inspired houseplants.
Book Clubber and Bird of Paradise
Trigger Warning: The book recommendation below contains themes of murder, violence, sexual assault, substance abuse, and suicide. Please exercise care while reading.
Maybe you’re the kind of reader who best enjoys a book socially, alongside your equally bookish friends. You might enjoy musing over the intricacies of the plot or the nuanced main character you can’t quite decide if you love or hate. If you’re a book clubber, then you’re probably going to love a plant with an extravagant and sophisticated style.
Good news. The Bird of Paradise plant is the best choice for you. Native to South Africa, this plant has long, winding stems and beautiful leaves that exude elegance. Any member of a book club is sure to have this in their book nook, in its very own grand corner. Perfect in an ornate pot, the Bird of Paradise is a wonderful plant for all readers with acquired taste.
In fact, why don’t you try The Secret History by Donna Tartt for your next book club? Full of mystery and sophistication, it’s best enjoyed surrounded by fellow bookworms, and of course, your brand-new Bird of Paradise plant.
The Casual Reader and Spider Plant
Trigger Warning: The book recommendation below contains themes of grief and mental health. Please exercise care while reading.
Or maybe you’re on the opposite side. You like to flit between books now and then. You take a slightly more non-committal approach to reading, dipping in and out of a paperback whenever you choose. For casual readers, they’ll need something as equally laid-back as they are.
That’s why the Spider Plant is an ideal plant companion for you. It’s easy to care for, low maintenance, and makes a wonderfully decorative addition to any book corner. Much like your casual reading style, the Spider Plant doesn’t need much attention and is just as healthy without frequent nurturing.
Speaking of, Emily Henry’s Beach Read is the perfect novel to pick up for the casual reader type. Much like the title suggests, it’s chilled, laid-back, and full of addictive drama you might not be able to get enough of. You and your Spider Plant won’t be able to put it down — you’ve been warned.
Note-Taker or Scribbler and Yucca Cane
Trigger Warning: The book recommendation below contains themes of murder, abuse, and mental health. Please exercise personal care while reading.
The note-taker/scribbler reader always has their favorite pen at the ready, prepared to decorate the crisp pages of their newest read. If this reader sounds a lot like you, then you should know that your bookish plant is as ornate and detailed as you are. Think architectural style leaves and a sturdy trunk.
The Yucca Cane originates from Guatemala and southeast Mexico. This plant enjoys plenty of indirect sunlight and indoor environments. Known for its spiky leaves and visually striking appearance, the Yucca Cane looks a lot like the pages of your latest novel. You and this plant will be in great company inside the coziness of your designated bookish space.
If you’re on the lookout for your next noteworthy novel, you’ve got to add Daphne Du Maurier’s classic, Rebecca, to your TBR. Full of emotion and haunting, it’ll be sure to grip you all the way through. By the end of the book, your pages will be covered in illegible scribbles.
The Escapist and The Alocasia Frydek
Are you always reading in the hopes of traveling somewhere new? You might just be an escapist reader. You’re the kind of reader who loves to get lost in the pages, letting hours slip by without notice. You’ve likely nurtured a lifelong, avid habit of reading, and may have a penchant for fantasy novels.
Much like your desire to travel to incredible places, chapter by chapter, the Alocasia Frydek represents a unique, exotic beauty. This plant is a popular collector’s plant, and it’s not hard to see why. With its velvety, green leaves and their white markings, the Alocasia Frydek comes in rare forms. It would perfectly suit any distinctive book corner.
But no book corner is complete without Roshani Chokshi’s Aru Shah and the End of Time. Although it’s more for young readers, no doubt adults, too, will get lost in this alluring prose and find themselves right there with Aru. Navigate demons and plenty of spells in this magical read.
Digital Reader and Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ) Plant
Trigger Warning: The book recommendation below contains themes of grief and mental health. Please exercise care while reading.
Opposed to the traditional reader, the digital reader fully embraces technology and owns the latest device for all their reading ventures. You prefer the glow of a screen over the feel of paper and appreciate the convenience of carrying an entire library in your bag (or your pocket).
Cue the Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, also known as the ZZ Plant. This glossy-leafed plant is practically indestructible and thrives in low-light spaces. It’s perfect for those late-night scrolling sessions. Place it beside your charging area or tablet stand, and you’ve got the best modern reading haven.
And my top rec for the digital reader has to be We Lived on The Horizon by Erika Swyler. This is such a unique read, and one not to be missed. Not to mention ideal for tech lovers, as the sci-fi novel contains plenty of AI and human engineering that’ll have you unplugging all of your devices.
The Night Owl and Snake Plant
Trigger Warning: The book recommendation below contains themes of psychological horror, gore, violence, body horror, and death. Please exercise care while reading.
If your best reading hours begin when the sun disappears, you are undoubtedly a night owl. Your most cherished reading sessions happen in the nighttime stillness, and you devour chapters while the rest of the world sleeps. Reading often stretches into the early morning, leaving you in need of a plant as adaptable as you are.
The Snake Plant, with its tall, sword-like leaves, is a true champion of the night. It tolerates low light better than most houseplants. Plus, it even thrives in the evening, releasing oxygen when the sun goes down. Its structured silhouette will bring a touch of mystery to your book nook, making it feel like a nocturnal retreat.
Since you’re probably hiding under the covers as you read this (yes, you), you may as well add another thrilling, cover-hiding-approved book to your TBR. Strange Houses is an utterly terrifying read, set around an uncanny Tokyo house, and is guaranteed to make for a spooky late-night read.
No matter your reading style, a perfect plant companion is waiting to join you in your book nook. From the extravagant Bird of Paradise for the social book clubber to the resilient Snake Plant for the night owl, your leafy friend will bring a touch of nature to your book nook. So pick a plant that matches your literary personality and watch it grow while you read. After all, a great book and a great plant make the perfect page-turning pair!
Feeling in the mood for more plants and books? Let your interests (and plants) grow, here.
Check out these books and more over on Bookstr’s bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
