Must-Haves for an Indoor Garden

Plants are not only beautiful, but they may also be beneficial to health. Growing them indoors increases air flow and filters out pollutants. The downside? They require care, which may be daunting for beginners. But not to worry, below are a few tips for indoor garden success! 
 

Caring for Plants in the Kitchen  

If you water and care for your plants on your countertops, there are things you can do to protect the surfaces and also prevent plant root rot, a plant disease often caused by overwatering. A diatomaceous earth plant saucer (such as this one from Dorai Home) is made with from a natural stone material that quickly absorbs excess moisture. They are available in several shades of gray and attractive shapes that can double as decor. Do a quick rinse after every use to prevent dirt build-up.  

When it is time to repot, use a liner to protect your countertops and make cleanup easy. A washable and reusable one is an environmentally friendly alternative to disposal plastic liners.  

Use Soils Formulated for Indoor Plants 

Soil formulated for indoor plants contains minerals that prevent fungus gnats and an easy-to-water formula that is root-rot resistant. Indoor potting soil retains just the right amount of moisture and drains properly to prevent overwatering. Some varieties contain a slow-releasing fertilizer that keeps plants healthy. We recommend Miracle Gro’s Indoor Potting Mix which contains plant food that feeds up to 6 months.  

Ensure Adequate Lighting 

An indoor-safe live plant still requires a light source. And not all plants are created equal when it comes to lighting. Certain varieties will need more light, others less. For example, ZZ plants can tolerate low light while olive trees require several hours of bright, direct sunlight.  

The issue is not all windows and rooms receive the same amount of light. North-facing rooms typically do not receive as much sunlight as other rooms, so it is best to choose a plant that doesn’t require a lot of light in a north-facing room. But if you insist on sun-loving plants, we recommend utilizing a bar or mobile cart to easily transport it to a brighter spot during the day. You can also use artificial plant lights that are designed to emulate the sun. Some companies make decorative grow lights that are unobtrusive.  

A greenhouse kitchen makes indoor plants a focal point and is surrounded by glass windows designed to let in plenty of sunlight. In addition, it is also an attractive design that brings nature indoors.  

A more budget-friendly solution to a greenhouse kitchen is a greenhouse cabinet. These cabinets can be purchased with integrated plant grow lights and humidifiers. They are also a popular DIY project, for those that are up to it! 

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Prevent Over and Under-watering  

Indoor plants require pots with good drainage. Some pots come with drainage holes and saucers, but some do not. Some experts suggest lining the bottom of a pot that does not have drainage holes with a layer of pebbles to prevent roots from sitting in too much moisture. An additional option is to drill drainage holes underneath the pot yourself. Get a diamond drill bit and keep it moistened to prevent overheating and prolong its life.  

You can also purchase clear plastic plant pots with drainage holes that you can place inside a slightly larger pot. The clear plant pot has the advantage of allowing you to inspect the interior soil and roots more easily, which is especially helpful for beginners.  

You can certainly overwater plants, but you can also underwater them. If they are starting to look droopy and the soil feels dry, then it is time to give them a watering. You can keep yourself on schedule by downloading a plant care app such as “Planta”. This app will alert you when it is time to water each plant that you have added to the calendar.  

Plant Care While You Are Away 

Do not neglect your plants while you are away from your home, especially for longer periods. Arrange for a friend or family member to help care for them or use self-watering apparatuses such as these glass watering globes, this modern self-watering planter, or this automatic drip irrigation system.  

Automatic grow lights with a scheduled timer are also available. These lights allow you to set the “on” and “off” times daily.  

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Step One is the Renovation 

Plants and home decor look best in updated surroundings. The Cabinet Doctors is well-versed in the latest home design trends. We ensure your vision comes to life, while working with you to keep the project within budget. Get an estimate today!