Not all of us are lucky enough to have outdoor gardens on our doorstep! I spent many years of my younger life in a city apartment without a spot of greenery for miles around.
Growing plants indoors is a fabulous way to bring nature into the heart of your home. Imagine creating a lush oasis (however small) where you can kick off your shoes, sit back, and relax amidst greenery and vibrantly colored flowers.
And, I discovered that you don’t have to have green fingers or amazing gardening skills. There are so many varieties of indoor plants that simply require a pot of fertile soil and a few drops of water now and then, and they are happy to flourish and grow.
Why Grow Plants Indoors?
I asked the same question and after a few months of seeing my plants grow, here are my answers!
Improved air quality – Indoor plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as a byproduct. This oxygen release contributes to the overall oxygen content in the air. It is one of the reasons why having plants indoors can enhance air quality and create a more oxygen-rich environment.
Stress reduction and mental well-being – Amidst the greenery, I find solace and serenity. My indoor oasis has become a sanctuary for peaceful moments and rejuvenating thoughts.
Aesthetic appeal – Look around your home with fresh eyes and find those dull corners, empty shelves, or unappealing areas. Placing a lovely pot plant in these spaces will transform your living space into an area of freshness and charm, filled with life and color.
What You Need To Get Started
Getting started does not mean that you have to break the bank and spend a fortune. In fact, all you need to do is to set off to the nursery and buy a plant in a pot!
However, if you are going to be serious about your indoor gardening project, you can consider having these tools on hand.
Pots – Select a variety of sizes to accommodate different plants. Make sure that the pots have drainage holes at the base to allow water to run out. A saucer that fits under the pot is vital to prevent water from spilling all over your table tops or onto the floor.
Potting Soil – Buy a small bag of nutrient-rich potting soil suitable for indoor plants.
Watering Can – A small watering can helps provide precise and gentle hydration. Depending on what type of selfies you want to snap, you can buy a decorative watering can that matches your apron, or, just get a functional watering can that does the job.
Gardening Gloves – A must-have to keep your hands clean and protected during planting and maintenance. If you love the feel of the soil in your hands, you can skip the gloves and get dirty!
Small Spade or Trowel – This is for when your skills improve and you need to repot your plants into larger pots as a result of how well they are growing.
Pruning Shears – Again, for when you become more experienced. Pruning shears allow you to trim and shape your plants to encourage healthy growth.
Decorative Plant Markers – Fun little signs that add a personal touch and keep track of your plant varieties.
Artificial Light – This is optional. I started by placing my plants in areas where I had natural light coming in via a window.
Fertilizer – Again optional. Your nutrient-rich soil should be adequate to keep your plant healthy. Once you become more experienced, you can add fertilizer from time to time to replenish the soil nutrients and give your plants a feeding boost.
Plant Stands or Shelves – If you do not have surfaces available to use. Choose aesthetically pleasing stands that do not get in the way of children or pets.
Which Plants To Choose?
Here are some of the low-maintenance plants that can thrive even if you forget to water them from time to time. I have also included the scary long Latin names, just so you can sound knowledgeable when you go out shopping. I haven’t bought all of them, but I have a Spider Plant and a Philodendron that are doing well in my home study.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – Known for its arching leaves and adaptability to different light conditions.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – Thrives in low light and is known for its upright, sword-like leaves.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – A trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves that is forgiving and versatile.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – With elegant white blooms, it’s known for its air-purifying qualities and shade tolerance.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Requires minimal care, thriving in low light and infrequent watering.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) – A succulent known for its gel-filled leaves and resilience to neglect.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) – A hardy plant with large, glossy leaves, adapting well to different light conditions.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) – A succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that stores water, making it drought-tolerant.
Succulents (Various varieties) – Echeveria, Haworthia, and Sedum are popular choices, known for their water-storing abilities.
Philodendron (Philodendron) – Heart-leaf Philodendron or similar varieties are easy to care for and adaptable to different environments.
Care Tips To Ensure Your Plants Are Happy
Check the Light Conditions – Light is the most important factor to consider. Some plants require many hours of sunlight, while others can survive happily in low-light conditions. Check with your nursery, or do some research online! Examples of plants that need low light – Peace Lily, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant. Examples of plants that need moderate to bright indirect light – Pothos, Spider Plant, Rubber Plant.
Water Correctly – Allow the soil to dry between watering for most plants. Check the moisture levels by inserting your finger into the soil, and only water when the top inch feels dry. Adjust your watering frequency based on the plant type and environmental conditions. Too much water will cause the soil to remain damp and the roots can start to rot.
Proper Drainage – Ensure that your pots have drainage holes to prevent overwatering and root rot. Use a well-draining potting mix to enhance aeration and water flow. After watering, the water should flow out of the pot into the saucer below. If this does not happen, your drainage holes may be blocked by debris or roots.
Planned Watering Routine – Establish a regular watering schedule to provide consistency. Be mindful not to let the soil become excessively dry or waterlogged. This is one of my plants that sadly was over-watered! I am trying to save it my letting the soil dry out. Hopefully it will work!
Humidity Awareness – If you are brave and want to try your hand at exotic tropical plants, humidity will play a big part in creating the perfect environment. You can install a small indoor humidifier or set up a humidity tray to increase the water content of the air around your plants.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing – If in doubt, do not fertilize! Only fertilize sparingly and only during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute fertilizers to half or quarter strength to prevent nutrient buildup in the soil. Do not fertilize your plants in winter, as they need to rest.
Pruning and Grooming – If you notice dead or damaged leaves, be bold, grab your pruning shears and trim them off. This will encourage new growth. You can also remove spent flowers to redirect energy to the plant. As you can see from my plant above, it is growing beautifully but is in need of some trimming!
Pest Prevention – Pesky pests will infect your plants and can cause them to die. This is not what you want to have happening. Keep an eye out for pests like spider mites or aphids. You can wipe the leaves softly with a damp cloth or spray the plant with insecticidal soap if needed. Try to use a natural organic spray to prevent chemical buildup in the soil.
Rotate for Balanced Growth – Rotate your plants from time to time to allow all sides to get equal amounts of light.
Final Thoughts
With some knowledge and care, it is easy to create a fabulous indoor garden that will impress your family and friends. Greenery adds a vibrant and fresh ambiance to any space, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. Turn your space into a green haven that will bring joy and calmness to your everyday moments.