Do you want a green thumb? So do I. Whether they’re cute succulents the size of a thumb, lavish vines that latch onto the walls of the living room, or even an old sweet potato that was forgotten for too long, plants can be good companions whether you are the active type or more a couch potato.
Indoor gardening, moreover, can be a fruitful (quite literally in some cases) undertaking that can add beauty, fragrance, and even flavor to your life!
Step 1. Pick your plant (I want to start gardening, but I haven’t botany plants.)
The first step of indoor gardening is actually choosing a plant that is right for you. Are you an office worker that works late hours for half of your week? A student who has all the time in the world except on test weekends? A freelancer that works at home? Well, everyone can have a plant that’s just mint to be.
There’s multiple things to consider when choosing a plant: how busy you are, how much space you have and where it is, whether it’s your first try, whether you have a pet, and even whether you are someone who forgets your keys often. Lay out a realistic schedule of when you can water your plants, how much time you can give them, and where you can put them (next to the window, in the shade, etc.), and you’ll be good to go! As for choosing the plant, ask the next botanist you see or read this or take this quiz(plant logistics) or this(lifestyle related)!
Step 2. Find the right pot & Water your plants (Spring is almost here. I’m so excited I wet my plants.)
It’s a given that plants need sunlight and water but some can go weeks without water while others will dry up in a few days. The amount of water a plant needs depends on the type of plant, the type of soil, and even the size of the pot. Take time to care for your plant and water them however often they need it, but also remember it may be as harmful to over-water a plant as it is to under-water them.
To remember when to water your plants, you can place them in spots that will make you notice them, such as the kitchen or the bathroom, or use apps like Dreamfora to receive notifications and keep track of when you have to water your plants. However, do remember that plants are living organisms and may need adjustments to their watering patterns every now and then!
Step 3. Ventilate the room (What vegetable is always cold? A chilli.)
Good air is also important to keep your plants healthy. Whether you use an oscillating fan, air extracting system, or even just a wide open window, the right humidity, temperature, airflow, and carbon dioxide will produce an environment to help your plants thrive. Keep the surface of the soil dry or wet according to what your plant needs!
Step 4. Check on your plants (You may have to go through some trowel and errors.)
Another important step is to give your plants some love! Check on your plants for any unwelcome insects or signs of disease, such as drooping leaves or a change in color in the stem or leaves. Different symptoms indicate different problems so some research with the right treatment will bring it back to its green vigor.
Other things to keep in mind for some plants are pruning, propagation, and pollination. You may need to take an extra step or two for these processes, but soon you’ll have baby plants that you can share or grow again!
Click here to download Dreamfora to add the customized plan “Indoor Gardening for Beginners”. Dreamfora will set you up with a comprehensive set of daily tasks, habits, and milestones for you to follow.
Have fern!