The Best Plants to Grow Indoors!

If you don’t have room to plant directly in a garden, live in a cool climate, and dream of growing tropical flowers, container gardening is your solution. You may choose tiered planters, window boxes, hanging pots, or other container styles for your living space. After selecting your container type and the flowers you want to grow, always consider the sunlight exposure and choose the best option accordingly. For instance, flowers that require full sun may not thrive in partial shade, and vice versa.

Tiered Planters

If you have limited space at home, a tiered planter provides multiple levels for displaying your plants, allowing you to create a stunning summer display even in a small area. When arranging plants in a tiered planter, place shorter plants at the top and taller ones at the bottom. Some ideal flowers for tiered planters include:

• Petunias

• Begonias

• Sage

• Fuchsia

• English Ivy

• Coneflowers

• Morning Glory

• Geraniums

Indoor or Outdoor Options

Window boxes are perfect for maximizing space inside and outside the home while adding a vibrant touch. When selecting flowers for a window box, consider their sunlight needs: south- or east-facing windows suit sun-loving plants, while north- or west-facing windows are better for shade-tolerant varieties. Ensure the box is securely attached to the wall but leave an inch or two of space to prevent moisture buildup.

Indoor Window Boxes:
Who says window boxes have to stay outside? An indoor box can be ideal for houseplants. Consider fragrant plants carefully, as strong scents can overwhelm sensitive visitors. Suitable indoor window box plants include:

• Aloe

• Swedish Ivy

• Spider Plant

• Philodendron

• African Violet

• Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)

• Begonia

Outdoor Window Boxes:
Outdoor window boxes allow for more variety but choose plants that won’t grow too tall and block your view. Some of the best flowering plants for outdoor boxes include:

• Daffodils

• Cherry Tomatoes

• Snowdrops

• Chives

• Hyacinths

• Dwarf Gladiolus

• Marigolds

Office-Friendly Flowering Containers

You don’t have to limit plants to indoor spaces. Outdoor containers can enhance the entrance to your office and greet visitors warmly. Whether you choose vibrant blooms or simple greenery, these plants create a welcoming atmosphere:

• Portulaca

• Begonia

• Spidul

• Pansies

• Marigolds

• Coleus

• Sage

• Morning Glory

• Sweet Alyssum

• Coneflowers

• Browallia

• Petunias

• Nasturtiums

Custom Flower Arrangements

For creative gardeners, standard plants may not be enough. Unique ideas can transform your space, and a variety of container types help bring them to life. Consider using buckets, baskets, kettles, old cans, wine barrels, boots, carts, or even wagon wheels. Some containers may be less portable in changing weather, so always consider your USDA growing zone when selecting plants for garden containers.

Hanging Planters

Short on floor space? Hanging planters lift your garden vertically, whether inside or outdoors. Trailing, heavy, or cascading plants thrive in hanging pots, making them enjoyable even from below. While summer and fall are good for planting, spring is the best time to plant flowering annuals in hanging baskets. Make sure containers have drainage holes to prevent root rot. Top choices include:

• Begonia

• Bluebell Vine

• Nasturtium

• Sweet Alyssum

• Fuchsia

• Lobelia

• Pelargonium

• Petunia

Choosing the Right Containers

Still searching for the perfect summer blooms? Consider Tuscan-style stone or metal pots for a unique outdoor display. In addition to stone and metal, plastic, fiberglass, and concrete pots are also excellent. Mixing perennials and annuals with varying textures and shapes creates the best visual impact. If your pots lack drainage holes, add filler materials like gravel or peanuts to absorb excess moisture and prevent wasted soil.

How much filler should you use?
About 40 cm (16 in) of soil with 10 cm (4 in) of extra space at the top is enough for an annual display. Perennials and larger annuals may need deeper soil, so check the recommended soil depth for your chosen plants.

Final Thoughts

Gifting flowers is undeniably impactful. Whether potted plants or bouquets with a heartfelt message, flowers profoundly affect emotions. We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring container gardening ideas and can share them with fellow plant enthusiasts. For more lifestyle and gardening inspiration, visit the Lifestyle section of SaedNews. Thank you for joining us!