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Is it just me, or is it getting hot out here? I love gardening as much as the next green thumb, but when temperatures rise and the day gets longer, there’s not much upside to gardening outdoors as there was before. I love nurturing and watching my plants grow, but how can I play in the dirt when the only thing I’m thinking about is the sweet relief of a cool breeze?
As much as I enjoy gardening, the sweltering heat often deters me away. That’s when I like to take my gardening indoors. There are plenty of plants that actually fare better indoors than they do outdoors, from herbs, to succulents, to plants that cleanse the air.
To make your room really bloom, follow a few of these indoor gardening tips and be the envy of everyone on the block.
Use Your Windowsills to Grow Herbs
Herbs grow best in sunny, sheltered locations like your kitchen windowsill. Not only will the addition of herbs like basil, parsley, dill, and mint and a pop of nature to the room, they smell good and are useful too!
A good start to growing herbs at home is to simply scatter a few seeds on the surface of damp, well-draining soil. Cover the seeds and soil with a clear plastic bag (or any clear covering, like glass) to trap the humidity, and place the container somewhere bright and warm like your windowsill. Once the seeds have sprouted, remove the covering. Easy!
What’s wonderful about windowsill herbs is that you can cut the herbs as you need them and they’ll continue to grow—replenishing your supply of fresh herbs. You can harvest your herbs regularly to encourage new growth.
Recycle Glass Jars for Air Plants and Succulents
Air plants and succulents are truly beautiful and unique plants. Their beauty transcends the beauty of other typical house plants, and therefore warrant prominent display.
A trend that has been gaining popularity is to use empty glass containers such as mason jars, bottles, and vases to house these types of plants. These glass containers are perfect for air plants and succulents because they let a ton of sunlight come through while allowing you a full view of your pretty plants.
Air plants only need a light misting every now and again, so you won’t need any drainage holes in your glass containers. If you decide you want to put succulents inside these glass jars, make sure you’re extra careful about overwatering, or make your own drainage hole in the jar. One method is to use a diamond drill bit to slowly and carefully bore a hole into the glass.
You can hang these glass containers from the ceiling, mount them to the walls, rest them on your shelves, or even have them float on water. Whichever way you choose to display your plants, they’ll be sure to catch a glance or two.
Bring an Orchid into Your Home
Orchids often get a bad rap for being a difficult and temperamental plant to grow. Yes, there were some species of orchids that were challenging to maintain, but things have changed. Gardeners worldwide have been breeding species of orchids together for years in order to come up with hybrids that are easy to take care of and are equally beautiful. More likely than not, you will encounter hybrid orchids.
To make sure your orchid survives, it’s best to think about how orchids survive in the wild. These plants typically grow off tree bark and other branches, absorbing the water they need from the air and whatever drips off the tree. They don’t root in the soil—too much water will kill them. Remember to not overwater, and your orchid will thrive. Pot your orchid in bark chips, stones, or tree fern to make sure their roots stay well-aerated and that the water drains quickly. Water your orchid minimally and make sure that it dries thoroughly before its next watering.
Orchids need moderate amounts of indirect light. A good rule of green-thumb is to look at the color of the orchids leaves. Leaf color will indicate if the amount of light is adequate. A grassy green color means the plant is receiving sufficient amounts of light to bloom.
Purify and De-Stress with Pretty Plants
Did you know that some of the prettiest plants can help purify the air and lower your stress levels? Talk about some functional decorations.
According to NASA research, plants remove toxins from the air every 24 hours. The research discovered that plants purify indoor air by pulling the contaminants out of the air and into the soil, where root zone microorganisms convert them into food for the plant. Isn’t that neat?
Not only will these pretty plants beautify your home and purify the air, they’ll reduce your stress levels too! According to a 2008 Dutch study, hospital patients with plants in their rooms reported lower stress levels and higher recovery rates than patients without them.
If that didn’t convince you to add some de-stressing, air-purifying plants to your home, maybe their beauty will. Here are some of the most beautiful (and popular) indoor plants to choose from:
Boston Fern
Palm Trees
Rubber Plants and Janet Craigs
English Ivy
Peace Lily
Golden Pothos
Mum and Gerbera Daisies
Don’t waste your money on those expensive HEPA air filters when you can own a few of these beautiful air-purifying plants. These plants are a delight to look at and will deliver the same results, if not better.
The Secret Garden in Your Home
When the sweltering heat drives you away from your garden outdoors, consider nurturing the garden inside your home. From windowsills to shelves, your home has an abundance of valuable plant real estate. Not only will your home’s beauty benefit from the addition of these plants, but you can reap the benefits too.
From lowered stress levels, to easier breathing, to fresh herbs on hand, to being the envy of the block—indoor gardening is a hobby you should look into.
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