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The Indoor Therapy for Containers

  • Writer: Nipun Garg
    Nipun Garg
  • Sep 18, 2021
  • 7 min read

Looking to pep up those bare corners that make your den or your office space look stuffy? Having a lot of artworks but still finding something that spruces up and adds a little liveliness to the space? Maybe the answer is just a terrarium or a nice flowering plant that brightens it up and boosts your mood instantly.

If care is one of your concerns, then indoor plants not only are relatively easy to take care of but in addition, also provide health benefits that can go in tandem with a variety of interior themes. The possibilities are endless and growing them can open one up to all sorts of fun from geraniums on the sill to growing orchids and flowering plants in bathrooms. Depending on the space one can opt for something as small as the African violet or something as large as an umbrella plant.


Some plants also help in air purification of the space such as the Pachira tree, Mother-In-Law’s tongue or commonly known as the Snake plant, Chlorophyttum, Spathiphyllum, or Peace Lily, etc. It is also scientifically proven that plants release oxygen during photosynthesis and use up carbon dioxide, which makes the air breathable for you.


But, once you choose to go in this relationship between you and your plant, it is not that you go all bonkers and buy a plant-based only on its appearance without considering which room or space will it occupy, whether the conditions for its growth are viable or not and what kind of care would it require.


Things to Consider?


If you tend to forget things like me then it might be a good idea to take notes before choosing a plant you want as your companion.


1. Lighting

Many plants require bright and direct sunlight for which south, west, and the east-facing sun is the best. If it is the north then you might have to consider it again. Although, there is a large variety of plants that are easy to grow and maintain even when the lighting conditions are not that favorable.


2. Temperature

Spring and summer are the ideal seasons for most plants. As soon as you enter winter there might be a problem and the plant may even die if you are not careful as the temperatures fluctuate a lot with the central heating system being switched on and off quite often. To check how a plant reacts to cold temperatures is, therefore, of utmost importance before buying it.


3. Maintenance

If you are a busy person or travel a lot but still have a soft corner for growing plants indoors, then no worries. Some plants prefer not to be a burden. They prefer neglect over too much care in the form of light and water.


4. Pets

If you have pets then you would need to be extra careful and double-check whether the plant you bring is toxic to them as especially cats love chewing on the house plants.


5. Small Children/ Toddlers

Beware of buying plants that are toxic to the skin and cause irritation when handled and damaged as toddlers would usually be seen running all around the place and irritate when manhandled.


6. Costs


Costs are proportional to the size of the plant as well as how commonly they are found.


7. Soil

A general indoor potting soil mix that does not use soil at all but is a mix of organic and inorganic materials is good enough for most plants. Plants like orchids and cactus will need special mixes that are easily available at any gardening store. Cactus require faster drainage while orchids require little soil as they grow on tree trunks.


Choosing the Right Fit

Here is some plantation palette to choose from. (Note: These are only a few species that I came across but there are a lot more available)


Areca Palm

Preferrable Spaces: Living Room Watering Requirement: A couple of times a week in summer but not in winter Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Non-toxic to both cats and dogs and are pet friendly


Money Plant/ Golden Pothos

Preferrable Spaces: Hanging baskets / Table plants/ Bathroom with sunlight Watering Requirement: Regular watering Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Removes common household toxins.

Benefits people having Asthma or lung problems


Spathiphyllum/ Peace Lily

Preferrable Spaces: Pots/ Near North and east windows/ All spaces indoors Watering Requirement: Moderate water Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Low maintenance, low height. Said to bring Peace and prosperity


Philodendron Ceylon

Preferrable Spaces: Hanging Basket / Pedestal/ Bathrooms/ Balconies/ Patios/ Windows Watering Requirement: Moderate water Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes


Philodendron Heartleaf

Preferrable Spaces: Hanging Basket / Pedestal/ Bathrooms/ Balconies/ Patios/ Windows Watering Requirement: Moderate water Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes


Chlorophytum/ Spider Plant

Preferrable Spaces: Bathrooms with no windows/ Bedrooms/ Hanging Baskets Watering Requirement: Regular but moderate Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: One plant can clean up to 200 sqm. of space. These are pet friendly. Best for people having common dust allergies. Reduces stress


Boston Fern

Preferrable Spaces: Hanging Basket / Pedestal/ Bathrooms/ Balconies/ Patios/ Windows Watering Requirement: Regular misting is required Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Requires humid environment and consistent moisture. High maintenance. Reduces stress. In winters one should cut fronds by 2" so that they can grow back in summers. These are natural humidifiers. Absorbs smell


Dracaena Concinna

Preferrable Spaces: Open to Sky areas/ Big Areas/ Table plants/ Bedroom/ Living Room Watering Requirement: Once a week Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Can grow up to 15' high.


Ficus Benjamina

Preferrable Spaces: Balconies/ Living Room Watering Requirement: Weekly Sunlight Requirement: Bright/ Indirect Sunlight. If placing in balcony should be placed in an area that is not directly under sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Can grow up to 10'. Combats pollutants generated by furniture/ carpets/ curtains


Snake Plant/ Mother-in-Law's Tongue

Preferrable Spaces: Bathrooms with no windows/ Bedrooms Watering Requirement: No overwatering/ Less frequent Sunlight Requirement: Can tolerate bright or direct sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: It Is succulent and can grow up to 7'. Requires low maintenance. Releases oxygen at night


Aloe vera

Preferrable Spaces: Pots/ Bathrooms with sunlight Watering Requirement: No overwatering/ Less frequent Sunlight Requirement: Warm and well-lit rooms Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Can replace up to 9 air purifiers with an added advantage of providing health benefits.


English Ivy

Preferrable Spaces: Hanging baskets / Table plants Watering Requirement: No overwatering Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: The best indoor air purifier


Bamboo Palm

Preferrable Spaces: Living Room/ Bedroom Watering Requirement: Water when the soil is dry Sunlight Requirement: Full Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Can grow up to 4-12'. It is pet friendly and requires less maintenance


Fishtail Fern

Preferrable Spaces: Bathrooms/ Corridors or corners/ Good choice for offices Watering Requirement: Frequent watering Sunlight Requirement: Indoor filtered/ Poor/ artificial light Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Requires humid environment and consistent moisture. High maintenance. Reduces stress. In winters one should cut fronds by 2" so that they can grow back in summers. These are natural humidifiers. Said to bring Peace and prosperity


Kimberky Queen Fern

Preferrable Spaces: Living Room/ Bedroom Watering Requirement: Frequent watering Sunlight Requirement: Indoor filtered/ Poor/ artificial light Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Requires humid environment and consistent moisture. High maintenance. Reduces stress. In winters one should cut fronds by 2" so that they can grow back in summers. These are natural humidifiers. Safe for pets and kids


Lemon Balm

Preferrable Spaces: Offices/ Living Room/ Bedroom Watering Requirement: Less frequent watering Sunlight Requirement: Can tolerate full sun or full shade Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Aromatic plants. Reduces stress. Uplifts mood and enhances intellectual wellness. Also, is a traditional medicine for upset stomach, vomiting etc.


Ladies Slipper Orchid

Preferrable Spaces: Living rooms/ Bedroom Watering Requirement: Regular watering Sunlight Requirement: If chemically treated water then let it stand for a day or two but requires less frequent watering Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Adds aesthetics to a space.


Ficus Umbellate

Preferrable Spaces: Living Rooms Watering Requirement: Less frequent but no overwatering Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes


Tulsi

Preferrable Spaces: Living Rooms Watering Requirement: Every day in summer and every alternate day in winter Sunlight Requirement: Direct/ Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Medicinal Benefits


Azalea

Preferrable Spaces: Hanging baskets / Table plants/ Bathroom with sunlight Watering Requirement: Should be kept uniformly moist every 10-14 days Sunlight Requirement: Brightly lit but cool areas Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Comes in a variety of colours


Aglaonema Snow White

Preferrable Spaces: Living Room/ Bedroom Watering Requirement: Less frequent Sunlight Requirement: Indoor filtered/ Poor/ artificial light Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Low maintenance and easy to care


Aglaonema Red Lipstick

Preferrable Spaces: Living Room/ Bedroom Watering Requirement: Less frequent Sunlight Requirement: Indoor filtered/ Poor/ artificial light Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Low maintenance and easy to care


Gerbera

Preferrable Spaces: Living rooms/ Bedroom Watering Requirement: Regular but moderate Sunlight Requirement: Warm well-lit area Air Purification: Yes


Flamingo Lily/ Anthurium

Preferrable Spaces: Living Room/ Bedroom Watering Requirement: Once / Twice a week Sunlight Requirement: Bright/ Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Adds colour to the space and flowers 300/365 days. Requires humid conditions


Chrysanthemum

Preferrable Spaces: Living Room/ Bedroom Watering Requirement: Less frequent Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Available in colours


Orchids

Preferrable Spaces: Bathrooms/ Kitchen Watering Requirement: Less frequent Sunlight Requirement: Moderate/ Bright Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Thrives in spaces that have tropical rainforest-like conditions


Philodendron Congo

Preferrable Spaces: Hanging Basket / Pedestal/ Bathrooms/ Balconies/ Patios/ Windows Watering Requirement: Moderate water Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes


Philodendron Selloum

Preferrable Spaces: Hanging Basket / Pedestal/ Bathrooms/ Balconies/ Patios/ Windows Watering Requirement: Moderate water Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes


Philodendron Xanadu

Preferrable Spaces: Hanging Basket / Pedestal/ Bathrooms/ Balconies/ Patios/ Windows Watering Requirement: Moderate water Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes


Monstera

Preferrable Spaces: Offices Watering Requirement: Once a week Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: Not suitable for children and pets


Ficus Elastic

Preferrable Spaces: Offices Watering Requirement: Regular watering in summer but fortnightly in winter Sunlight Requirement: Bright or filtered light Air Purification: Yes Additional Information: One can grow as a small plant in small pots or as a tree in large pots. It is not suitable in where there are small children or pets


Pachira Tree

Preferrable Spaces: Smoking zones in the office Watering Requirement: Water consistently, 1-2 times a week Sunlight Requirement: Indirect Sunlight Air Purification: Yes


 
 
 

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