Indoor gardening or keeping houseplants is a hobby that many outdoor gardeners bewilderingly often do not pursue. Conversely, there are many green thumbs out there who fill their homes and workplaces with plants, yet never touch an outdoor one. With the current trend of blurring outdoor and indoor living, I’m hoping this strange separation of growing worlds begins to fade away.
Why Bother with Indoor Gardening?
I turn to indoor plants for solace during our (admittedly reasonably mild) DC-area winters. Their greenery reminds me that spring is just around the corner. For that same reason, I love forcing bulbs as well to make the seasons “hurry up.”
Then there is the frugal gardening practice of over-wintering your outdoor plants indoors — ergo making them indoor plants for at least five months of the year. I know there must be many of you out there who, like me, have some blooming zonal geraniums, herbs, succulents, and coleus in your kitchen windows right now. They are just biding their time until they can once again grace our outdoor spaces.
Then there is the intangible “feeling” part of the houseplant equation. When I visit homes and offices without living things in them — both plants and pets — I can’t stand the sterility and usually don’t stay long. My favorite stores are those with a few cats roaming around and some cacti crowding up their counter space. And don’t get me started on hotel rooms with nary a green leaf! The first thing I do on any trip is run out of a small plant or flower bouquet to breathe some life into it.
I think this process is instinctual. My body knows that it needs oxygen that houseplants provide in spades. Did you know that many plants remove the toxins in our indoor air, as well? Try a Peace Lily, Spider plant, or any of the ivy cultivars in your bedroom to get rid of those airborne pollutants given off by carpeting, fabric dyes, detergents, etc.
But I Have a Black Thumb!
That is what I used to think after going through five African violets in one year of college. What I’ve learned since starting indoor gardening is the same lesson we outdoor gardeners get drummed into our heads: right plant, right place.
If you have a cool, dry home, you are not going to have luck with moisture-loving plants. Unless that is, you adjust the environment to address this growing requirement.
Examine where you would like to have some greenery in your home or at work, then seek a plant that fits that space. Just as it never works in your backyard, you can’t force a plant to adapt to conditions in which it will not thrive.
Looking for the right plant for your home? The team at The Great Big Greenhouse is here to offer personalized recommendations and advice for your specific space. Stop by today, and let us help you find the perfect plant for your environment!
The Best Houseplants For Beginners
If you’re new to indoor gardening, plants like Bromeliads, Crotons, and Dracaenas are great options, especially for low-light spaces like offices. These hardy plants are easy to care for and will thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Other beginner-friendly plants that can handle a bit of neglect include Jade, Begonia, and Aloe. These plants are forgiving and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for those just starting out.
Mother-in-law’s Tongue (Sansevieria) is a favorite for beginners because it thrives in nearly any condition, from low light to dry air. If you’re looking for a plant that’s nearly impossible to kill, this is it.
Pothos is another fantastic choice for beginners. It can grow in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to indirect light. Pothos is a versatile option too—grow it as a hanging plant, train it to climb a stake, or let it trail along shelves or windowsills.
Ready to Start Your Indoor Garden? Visit Us in Richmond!
If you’re excited to dive into the world of indoor gardening, we’ve got everything you need at The Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond, VA! From beginner-friendly houseplants to expert advice on how to care for them, our knowledgeable team is here to help you every step of the way. Stop by today to find the perfect plant for your space and get all the supplies you need to start your indoor garden with confidence!