Cultivating Tranquility: Tips for Indoor Plants
The idea of being a “plant parent” has grown in popularity recently. Pictures of beautifully curated homes with plants in every corner are all over Instagram and Pinterest. However, when I talk to people around me, some say they can never grow plants because they kill each one they touch. Living in student housing or an apartment also makes plant growing intimidating, especially if you don’t have any experience. Fortunately, it’s easier than it seems.
Growing indoor plants require time and attention. A lot of plants need an adequate amount of sunlight. South-facing windows receive the most sunlight and are often best for plants requiring more light. At the same time, you can still own other plants if you don’t have a south-facing window. Plants which thrive in low-light environments include: snake plants, rubber plants, English Ivy, and several philodendron varieties.
If you notice a plant start to lean dramatically towards a window, it might need to physically be moved closer to the window to receive more light. If this doesn’t help, grow lights are always an option. They are a good tool to use, especially during the winter months if you notice your plant is looking a little “leggy” or the leaves are turning a pale color.
Maybe you have enough sunlight in your apartment, but you’re worried you’ll forget to water your plants. Luckily, some of the plants I listed above like the snake plant and rubber plant don’t require much water. English Ivy and philodendron must be watered more often, but not more than once a week.
Herbs are also possible to grow in an apartment. It is lovely to have these around when you want to add some oregano to a pizza, basil to pasta or some mint and rosemary to your tea. Generally, herbs and other food plants require more sunlight. These plants will be more successful on a balcony or even with a large south-facing window. Herbs vary in the amount of water they require. Rosemary needs very little water, while basil must be watered more consistently. If you want to get creative with growing plants indoors, there is more than one way to do it.
Traditionally, plants are grown in pots with soil, but there are ways to grow plants without soil. Hydroponic growing means cultivating plants with one ingredient: water. The Kratky method is a great way to get started with this and can be done in a container as small as a mason jar. This is a good method for growing leafy greens if you want to add a little “oomph” to your salads.
Growing plants indoors can be easy, and it can have many health benefits, too. Some studies suggest having plants in your home improves air quality by filtering out toxins. Houseplants can also have a positive impact on mental health. This is because looking at plants reduces anxiety and also brighten up a space. Plus, having greenery in your home can soften harsh lines and overall beautify a space. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that certain plants are toxic to animals, so if you have a pet, do your research before you add a new green friend to your home.
There are so many ways to go about growing plants indoors. It can be done just about anywhere, as long as you have the right tools and practices. The benefits of connecting with nature inside are diverse and there are always more things to learn. The most important thing is to have fun while you do it.
Graphic by Karis Tsao