Indoor Gardening
Green in your indoor spaces
Generally speaking gardens and plants are know to be beneficial to our overall health, wellbeing and sense of calm. Scientific research is continually being updated to help us understand the specific benefits of having plants around us such as improving air quality and the nurturing effects of reduced stress, improved cognitive function and improved mood. What we do know is that if gardens and greenery add to your individual and family sense of wellbeing then bringing the green indoors is a worthwhile pursuit. Here we explore some of the common considerations when choosing indoor plants for your individual spaces and preferences.
Choosing the right plants for your space
Similar to choosing plants for your outdoor gardens its important to consider the following when thinking about indoor plants:
- Light conditions Think about the intensity and duration of light in the room over a 24 hour period and choose plants according to the degree of light. Some plants thrive in filtered or reduced light and others need lots of direct sunlight
- Size of your space may dictate the number of plants you can introduce without creating a cluttered look
- Maintenance requirements This is important if you do not spend a lot of time in the space. It’s easier to care for plants in a space where you spend a lot of time
- Decor Style the types of indoor plants you choose should compliment the styling of your space. For example, fewer but larger plants such as rubber plants and bird of paradise compliment a minimalist style versus industrial style is better combined with tougher looking plants such as snake plants
- Humidity how much care and attention your plant will need. This is also important if you do not spend a lot of time in the space. It’s easier to care for plants in a space where you spend a lot of time
Terrariums
Terrariums are generally a mini garden created in a sealed or semi sealed container. The word Terrarium literally combines the words ‘Terra’ meaning earth and ‘arium’ meaning place or receptacle. Terrariums can be used for both indoors and outdoors however are more common as an indoor green option. Growing a healthy outdoor terrarium can be a challenge due to the extremes in the environment that can’t be as easily regulated. There are two types of terrariums closed (traditional) and open.
Closed terrariums are great for humidity and shade loving small plants such as ferns, moss, begonia and african violets. Within the closed ecosystem, the plants and soil release water vapour which gathers on the terrarium walls and essentially drips into the soil creating a self watering effect.
Open terrariums are a good choice if you want to include plants such as succulents, sky plant and spanish moss that prefer drier conditions than the humid closed terrarium. Open terrariums are susceptible to pests such as mealy bugs so require close monitoring and swift action at the first sign of plant degradation.
Succulents
Succulents are very popular at the moment and for good reason! They are very low maintenance and as they can retain water they tend to thrive in warm conditions without a lot of attention. They come in lots of different shapes, sizes and variations of green and purple colours. Miniature succulents look great on their own or layered up to create a mini indoor garden in a single pot which can add texture and variety to your room. As they are low maintenance they are often safe choices for office environments where they will survive if neglected for periods of time. To ensure your indoor succulents are set up to thrive, ensure they are planted with a planter that has a drainage hole, use soil that is specifically formulated for succulents (normally lighter, aerated and therefore better for faster drainage), is aerated and rich in nutrients. A key tip is to avoid over watering your succulent. Too much moisture can lead to a rotting plant. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Succulents are one of the easiest types of plants to propagate from a cutting so they can also be fun to get kids involved and, if you are willing to take the time, also lower cost to develop a larger display.
Growing plants under lights
Using artificial light to grow plants under indoors is a great way of supplementing insufficient indoor light and for boosting the amount of light (and growth) of your plants. This is particularly helpful during winter months or in gardening regions where there is less sunlight.
Artificial lighting has traditionally been used to boost growth with hydroponic crops for farming and commercial purposes. In recent years this technique has been made available for home gardeners via grow light kits that provide lighting for smaller amounts of plants with residential and work spaces in mind. Grow light kits make it possible for gardeners to boost growth for propagation and supporting plants that require more light regardless of the season or the amount of light in the space. Grow lights come in different colours and it can be confusing which colour light will be right for your needs. Generally:
- Red light encourages the production of flowers and fruit
- Blue light encourages chlorophyll production supporting leafy vegetative growth
- Full spectrum lights appear white and are the closest to mimic natural sunlight
