Color your life with the beauty of nature.
Creating an indoor garden can bring life and vibrancy to your living space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first-time plant owner, there are important distinctions to understand and consider in an indoor garden. Let’s explore the benefits of indoor gardens, dos and don’ts for indoor gardening and garden ideas to get you started on your green thumb journey.
Indoor garden ideas by plant type and lifestyle
Perhaps the most exciting step of your indoor plant-growing adventure is selecting the greenery that fits best with your lifestyle and personal aesthetic. Certain plants require daily attention while others require little to no upkeep, making selecting the right plant around your specific lifestyle imperative. When deciding between potted plants, hanging plants and climbing plants, it’s good to consider how much responsibility you have to give to your indoor garden.
If you’re always busy:
- Succulents: This plant is growing in popularity and for good reason, they require little care. Succulents rarely need watering, making them perfect for the busy indoor gardener who struggles to add more to their to-do list.
- Snake plants: These low-maintenance plants are perfect for enhancing your apartment without inflicting on your busy schedule. Not only do snake plants thrive in any light (including low natural light), but they are only required to be watered once every two weeks.
If you’re not home a lot:
- Air plants: Air plants survive on just that — air. These self-sufficient plants don’t even require soil and absorb most nutrients from the air. They’ll enjoy an occasional misting but require little to no attention or light.
- Spider plants: Even with a scary name, these plants have become well-loved additions for many spaces, and they’re ideal for someone who is rarely home. They handle irregular watering well, lending themselves to your ever-changing schedule perfectly.
If you have pets:
- Bamboo plant: These non-toxic ferms are the perfect addition to any room. Along with their stunning stature, they provide peace of mind for your cats, dogs or other pets.
- Boston fern: This non-toxic option is a popular addition to a hanging garden as a great hanging plant, making it a perfect option for pets who may bite or knock over plants. Even if you choose to place this plant lower, your pets are safe.
If you love to cook:
- Herbs: The options are truly endless when it comes to an indoor herb garden. Consider basil, rosemary, thyme and mint to add the homegrown touch of fresh herbs to your favorite meals.
- Aloe vera: While not necessary for a chef, this is a great plant to have on hand for any accidental kitchen burns. Plus, it’s very easy to care for.
If you are a maximalist:
- Prayer plant: If you’re looking for a boisterous plant for your indoor garden, the Prayer plant has a beautiful pattern sure to stop guests in their tracks. Its lemon-lime coloring makes it a great addition to your maximalist pad.
- Fiddle leaf fig: A large and in-charge plant, the fiddle leaf fig is sure to be the star of the show in your indoor garden. Not only do these thrive indoors, but they also add a touch of lush greenery to your vibrant space.
Plant combinations we love for your indoor garden
Want to transport yourself to a tropical paradise? Combine tropical plants like alocasia, bird of paradise, calathea and spider plant for a stunning and exotic-feeling indoor garden.
If you’re looking for a more zen garden feel, consider mixing a bonsai tree, lucky bamboo and peace lily. Together, these gorgeous potted plants will bring a sense of tranquility to any indoor space.
Awaken your sense of smell with lavender, jasmine and geraniums. This trio sits perfectly on a sunny windowsill and will fill your small room with a delightful smell.
Dos and don’ts of an indoor garden
Growing plants is a commitment, small or large, depending on the indoor plants selected. In order to successfully bring your indoor garden ideas to life, consider these dos and don’ts of an indoor garden.
Do:
- Assess lighting conditions: Understand the natural light available in your space. Most plants require some level of direct sunlight, so choose plants that match the lighting conditions in your desired indoor garden rooms.
- Select your plants carefully: Choosing the right plants for your garden ensures the garden is visually pleasing and easy to maintain. Consider starting with one or two plants from the list above that fit your lifestyle.
- Invest in quality soil when needed: Not all plants require soil (air plants) and some may even come with soil when purchased. However, when necessary, it’s important to invest in a good potting mix suitable for your plant types. Learn more about soil types here.
- Create a watering schedule: Different plants require different watering needs. Be mindful not to overwater; it’s often better to underwater than overwater. Invest in a sauce to keep under the floor or table plants to collect any access water. Also, misting often is important. Certain types of plants thrive in humidity, so spritzing your plant that requires a humid environment needs to be a priority.
Don’t:
- Overcrowd plants: Leave room in between plants so they can thrive and grow. Indoor gardens lack sunlight, making it important each plant can get ample sunlight.
- Tend to them too much: Too much water will drown your plant. In the same way, too much fertilizer can harm your plants. Follow recommended feeding schedules and watering schedules based on plant type.
- Neglect pest control: Keep an eye out for pests. Early detection of any pesky unwanted guests can save your plants. Use natural remedies or plant-friendly bug deterrents when needed.
What if you want to grow a spice garden?
Compared to an outdoor green space, an indoor spice garden is much less difficult. Still, there are decisions to make and steps to follow to achieve success!
Step 1: Pick a location (or two!)
As all plants require at least some sunlight to grow, identify the window spaces that have the best light for the herbs you’re growing. South-facing windows offer the most sunlight during the winter, so those are the best choice for plants that grow best in tropical climates, such as thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary and bay laurel. However, herbs like mint, chives, chervil and parsley don’t require such heavy light, so nurture those near east or west-facing windows.
If you want to get really fancy try setting up grow lights for best results, especially when growing from seeds. Then, it won’t really matter where the plants are!
Step 2: Choose herbs, then purchase plants or plant seeds
Purchase plants any time of year! Pick up a few from the local nursery and consider buying more attractive containers than those plain, black plastic ones they come in. Think farmhouse chic, a la Joanna Gaines!
If planting from seed, start in spring. Buy the seeds you want, as well as a bag of seed-starting potting mix. This is very important because heavier types of potting soil aren’t good for helping the germination process.
Some people opt to start the seed-planting process in plastic trays that have a lot of individual cells. Then, transplant the sprouts into clay pots. But you can do either! Whichever container type you select, place the newly seeded containers out of direct light in a warm room. Use clear plastic to cover them until germination happens, then take the plastic off and place it in sunlight or under grow lights (preferably the latter).
Step 3: Water and fertilize
Water is another essential ingredient to herb garden success. Be careful not to add too much of a good thing, however. Do not allow the soil to get very wet. Instead, water lightly using a watering can or sprayer to keep the soil slightly moist.
Frequency of watering really depends on how quickly your plants dry out. The amount of sunlight and temperature inside the apartment affects this. Do a fingertip test to make sure each plant really needs watering before you do it.
Starting a week or so after germination, use a liquid houseplant fertilizer a couple of times a month. Follow directions accordingly.
Step 4: Harvest
Don’t cut into that brand-new plant right away! Instead, wait to start snipping until the plant is at least four to six inches tall.
To harvest, cut the outside leaves first. Use kitchen scissors or shears that are both clean and sharp. This will help the plant heal more quickly. Take care not to cut more than one-third of the plant at any given time, so that it can grow and mature at a good, strong pace.
If the plant starts to flower be sure to pinch the buds off, or else it will change from a producing plant to one that is more interested in reproduction.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Your enjoyment of these herbs is only limited by your imagination! Top your favorite dishes with fresh green onion or cilantro, or cook with sage or thyme for extra flavor. Some even go well as cocktail garnishes (mint)!
The best herbs to grow in your indoor spice garden
The great thing about growing your own herb garden is that you don’t have to plant anything that doesn’t suit your palate. Not a fan of cilantro? Don’t even bother! Put basil on everything? Plant extra!
Certain herbs are extra popular in DIY gardens. When you’re planning your garden, consider these versatile cooking herbs:
- Lemongrass: Fans of Asian cuisine should definitely plant this easy to grow herb.
- Parsley: This one is tricky to grow from seed, so perhaps start off with a plant, instead. Never transplant parsley from one container to another!
- Rosemary: A must for soups and stews, this aromatic herb grows best in full sun.
- Mint: One of the easiest to grow, mint is a great addition to just about any type of recipe.
- Chives: Another on the cinch list, chives grow quickly and with little help. They make a wonderful and tasty garnish atop many dishes!
- Basil: A little trickier than some herbs to grow, basil is well worth the extra effort.
FAQs: bringing your indoor garden ideas to life
Embracing your green thumb can come with some questions. Whether you’re dealing with a potted plant, living wall, trailing plants or edible greens, you’re sure to encounter a myriad of challenges and curiosities along your gardening journey. Here are the answers and tips for some challenges or questions you may encounter.
How do I know if my plant needs water?
You can test the soil with your finger. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep and if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Some plants also show signs like drooping leaves when thirsty. It’s best to google your specific plant if you’re unsure.
Do I need to repot my plants?
A good rule of thumb to follow is replacing the pot every 1-2 years. If the plant is outgrowing the pot, then a replacement pot is also necessary.
What do brown or yellow leaves mean?
Leaves that turn brown or a yellowish color are typically a sign of something wrong. Most likely, this is a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Try checking the soil moisture and adjusting your watering routine as needed. Then, trim off the affected leaves to encourage new growth.
What are some benefits of an indoor garden, beyond aesthetic appeal?
Indoor gardening can alleviate stress, enhance creativity and increase productivity. Additionally, some studies prove houseplants may have a positive impact on the air quality within your home as well.
Indoor plants will breathe new life into your place
Whether you’re moving into a small or large apartment, there are ways to breathe unique life into your space with plants. These indoor garden ideas will help you transform your living environment, making it a vibrant and refreshing oasis of greenery. Test out these numerous creative approaches to infuse your living space with the beauty and benefits of indoor gardening.
Still looking for the perfect apartment to furnish with greenery? Start and end your search with our list of apartments for rent.
Source: rent.com