For Emmi Koskela, a biology and geography teacher and CEO of DigiGarden – known on Instagram as @klorofylliterapiaa – houseplants are not just decorative elements but committed plant companions. When Koskela talks about plants, her words resonate with both passion and expertise.

“A plant isn’t something to be forgotten in the corner of a room. It needs light, water, and care,” Koskela says.

According to her, successful green interior design starts with the compatibility between the home and the plant. Before choosing a plant, observe how light moves through the space. Only then should you consider which plant truly suits your home.

Koskela finds peace in plants. Her weekly Sunday morning ritual, set to the rhytm of Groove FM, is a cherished moment when she wipes the leaves, waters, and fertilizes them.

“It’s meditation for me. I am present in that moment and not thinking about anything else,” she describes.

Caring for plants is her way to pause. In a world flooded with news and where the mind easily dwells on worries, plants offer a return to something calm and tangible.

“I’m the kind of person who tends to worry about things easily, but when I sink my hands into soil or trim dried leaves, everything else fades away,” Koskela explains.

Koskela reminds us that caring for houseplants is not difficult if the basics are right. If you don’t have much time or experience, start with plants that are not too demanding. For example, snake plants, ZZ plants, or cacti are good and resilient options for beginners.

The key is to learn to observe when a plant truly needs water. Finns tend to overwater their plants, so Koskela recommends using a moisture meter. It helps you understand the actual moisture level of the soil and avoid overwatering. It’s also important to consider your lifestyle and home conditions.

“If you travel often or forget to water, choose plants that can thrive with less care. And if there’s not enough light in your home, use grow lights. A plant cannot survive based on decor alone; your home must be adapted to the plant’s needs.”

Although decorating with plants is trendy, Koskela encourages people to make mindful choices based not only on home conditions and personal habits, but also on what feels meaningful.

“A slightly spindly plant in a clay pot can be the most beautiful thing in your home if it has a story,” Koskela says.

This idea is embodied in the nearly 164 cm tall euphorbia cactus standing in her living room, which has accompanied her through several homes and grown alongside her for over a decade. It has witnessed life stages, moves, and even a pest problem, surviving them all.