Indoor Gardening: 21 Delicious Plants to Savor
From local farmer's markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) boxes to urban farms and home delivery services, the local food movement has become a booming industry in the United States over the past few years. And for good reason!
Locally grown produce tends to be more environmentally friendly and beneficial for local communities than its store-bought counterparts. Plus, indoor plants, like those you'll learn about in this guide, can help filter the air in your home.
If you want to take your green thumb to the next level, consider growing food right in your own home.getCultivating your own edible plants ensures that you know exactly where your food comes from and how it's grown. No need to worry about deceptive food labeling.
Here are some easy and healthy plants to grow indoors, along with tips on how to get them started.
Best Plants to Grow Indoors
- Snake plant
- Pothos
- Dracaena
- Jade plant
- Spider plant
- Aloe vera
Each of these plants has its own unique benefits, from air purifying qualities to humidity-increasing properties. Plus, many of these plants are easy to propagate, so you can share your green talents with others.
Snake plant
This trendy houseplant is known for its low-maintenance needs and ability to grow to over 10 feet. It prefers bright light but can tolerate lower light levels. Its other benefit? It can filter out chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Pothos
Hardy and beautiful, pothos is a great plant for those with a black thumb. They come in a variety of colors and can thrive in low lighting conditions. They also help reduce air pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Dracaena
Dracaena plants are great for newbie indoor gardeners. They are adaptable to varying light conditions and can grow to 6 feet tall. They can filter out pollutants such as benzene and trichloroethylene.
Jade plant
Jade plants are easy to care for and can add humidity to the air during dry, cold months. They are part of the succulent family, which means they store water in their leaves and are independent.
Spider plant
Spider plants are easy to propagate and can filter out chemicals like formaldehyde and xylene. They also prefer bright light but can tolerate lower light levels.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is not only a great plant for air purification but also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Its gel can be used to soothe skin and heal burns. Just make sure not to over-harvest.
Tips for Growing Plants Indoors
- Choose a location with good light. Most plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, so consider placing them near a south-facing window.
- Use a well-draining potting mix. This will prevent soil from becoming water-logged and ensure that your plants get enough air.
- Water regularly but not excessively. Most indoor plants need to be watered once a week, but the amount of water required can vary depending on the plant. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilize with a balanced plant food once a month during the growing season. This will provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive.
- Rotate your plants regularly. This will ensure that they receive even light and prevent them from growing tall and lanky in one direction.
Growing plants indoors can help improve air quality and provide you with fresh, locally-sourced produce all year round. By following these tips and choosing the right plants, you can create a thriving indoor garden in no time.
Engaging in gardening at home not only allows you to cultivate your own food for a better understanding of its origins but also offers an opportunity to grow air-purifying plants, such as snake plants and aloe vera, which can filter out harmful chemicals in your living space.
Furthermore, gardening indoors can add a bit of nature to your home, providing a soothing environment that can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Plus, many indoor plants, like pothos and jade plants, are easy to care for and require minimal effort to maintain, making them great options for beginners.
