Plants are beautiful, relaxing, and a necessary part of our lives. The global COVID-19 pandemic has shown the necessity of creating an indoor space we want to be in.
That said, many people don’t know where to start. Starting an indoor plant collection is a fair bit of work, but it’s worthwhile if you take your time. Choosing indoor plants isn’t something to take too lightly.
There are several factors to consider to ensure your plants live their best lives in your indoor space. For a full breakdown of the 7 most important factors when choosing indoor plants, read our guide.
Consider the Space You Want to Create
When choosing indoor plants, you need to consider the type of space you’re working with and want to create. The thing with an indoor plant setup is it can be as simple or as impressive as you want it to be. Some are happy with having a couple of pots by the window or shelf; others want a more organized look.
Some go as far as having an indoor mini greenhouse. Recently, being a plant-parent is becoming more than a trend. The joys of keeping an indoor plant (or two or more) have shed light on its many benefits.
Looking into the space you have, its conditions and positioning are key. Whether you want plants as a focus or filler for your room is also important. This will help you choose the right indoor plant while considering its needs.
Your budget will also play a big role in plant selection and space. Caring for specific succulents, for example, can get pricey.
Lighting Will Be Key
Any indoor plant setup needs to factor in lighting. Without adequate lighting, many of your plants could wither and die. They could also develop discoloration on their leaves or petals.
Make sure all of your plants have access to the amount of light they like. Some plants will do best near windows with lots of natural light. Others are more light-sensitive and should sit outside of direct sunlight.
A fair number of plants will thrive with artificial or fluorescent lights. If you insist on caring for tropical or light-hungry plants, invest in high-powered plant lights.
Watering and Soil Needs
There are many different types of plants, and they all have different watering and soil needs. Some plants like to be dry and watered only a few times a week. Others will require huge amounts of water on a regular basis.
Knowing the difference is crucial to a plant’s health and longevity. Overwatering is a real risk, and it can mess with root systems and kill your plant. This is especially true when it leads to root rot, fungus, or parasites.
Many plants also prefer specific types of soil, such as rocky or containing peat and woodchips. Potting and garden soil are available with tons of added parts and different moisture retention levels. Knowing the soil is one of the most difficult things a new plant parent needs to learn but is crucial.
Think About Humidity and Temperature
One of the biggest things most first-time plant enthusiasts overlook is humidity. Most plants can get very specific and sensitive. If you’ve chosen a plant for how it looks alone, then you might be in trouble.
At best, it’s something that would be happy on a humid bathroom shelf. At worst, it’ll leave you deep in thought finding answers in plant-care forums. Remember that many indoor plants are tropical ones.
This means they’ll need warmer temperatures to survive. They thrive best during the summer months, especially in colder countries. Some plants may also prefer to have water misted on their leaves once a week or so.
Many veteran plant owners get around this issue by having a mini greenhouse or humidifier for their plants. They also make sure to put the same plants with similar requirements in the same space. This creates a sort of micro-climate your plants will love.
If you’re unsure about your plants’ requirements, it’s best to consult the experts. Your predicament is something an indoor plant provider can tell you about.
Are You the Responsible Type?
They say that plants are a good gauge for nurturing abilities. That said, nurturing a plant all boils down to how much responsibility you’re willing to take. Certain plants have very specific needs and requirements.
If you’re the type to not want to deal with these, then look for ones that suit your lifestyle. If you’re new to the scene, it’s best to start with low-maintenance indoor plants. Establish a routine or system with your first plants.
Once you do so and are comfortable and committed to it, you can try other (more demanding) plants. If you’d rather stay low maintenance and stress-free, there are plenty of plants that let you do that too. Make sure not to neglect them too much, though, as even the most beginner-friendly plants have a limit.
Make Sure You Take Space into Account
It doesn’t matter what types of plants you get or how you want to place them. Small and large plants need space to grow and are happiest when they get it. Overcrowding or placing plants in a pot too small for them will stifle their roots and stunt their growth.
Putting tall plants in cubbies where they can’t grow to their full height is also bad. As is opting for climbing plants without giving them any support to climb on. No matter what kind of indoor plant setup you create, always ensure your plants have all the room they need to thrive.
Determine How Much Time You Can Spare
Life can get busy and leave us with little time to care for something like our plants. We could be too busy to bother watering, pruning, or setting up and maintaining larger displays. If your indoor plants are a business investment, you likely have other duties to attend to as well.
It’s important to consider if you’ll have enough time to care for your plants. Neglecting them is sure to result in a few casualties, even with low-maintenance ones. To avoid worrying about finding the time, an interior plant service could take care of it for you.
Choosing Indoor Plants Made Easy!
There’s a lot to consider when choosing indoor plants. You need to make sure they are happy, healthy, and have access to everything they need. You also need to make sure you care for them on a regular basis.
For tips and advice on how to do that, give our site a look through.
