Indoor gardening is an exciting prospect for those who love to keep their fingers in the dirt but live in an apartment or a cold winter climate, or perhaps must remain in a wheelchair and cannot take advantage of outdoor gardening. Indoor gardening is just like doing it outdoors except on a smaller scale, and that the climate is entirely controlled by the gardener. If a few basics are attended to, then that little indoor piece of Eden can be a great joy.
Lighting
Plants cannot live without light. No plant on earth grows without some amount of sunlight because they create their own food through photosynthesis, which requires light. There is a plethora of plant choices for each lighting situation, so be sure to choose a plant that will grow well in the area chosen for it. This requirement can be stretched a bit by buying a lamp known as a ‘grow light.’
Watering
Plants cannot live without water. When a plant is outside, the gardener does not have to be so vigilant about this one because in the natural order of things, a plant will receive some water most of the time. When the same plant is indoors in a clay pot, the dry air that makes a person comfortable inside the home is hazardous to a plant.
In addition to regular watering, a plant pot can be placed on a tray of marbles. Pour enough water in the tray to cover the bottom but not cover the marbles. As the water evaporates, the leaves catch some of this water. Plants that are especially prone to dryness can be made more comfortable if loosely covered with a plastic bag for the majority of each day.
Temperature
Plants cannot thrive when it is too hot or too cold. If the plant is too cold, it becomes prone to disease and flowering is delayed. When it is too hot for the plant, it will begin to shed its leaves and flower buds. Plants should be kept at a temperature that is comfortable for a human to thrive. If necessary, a special plant can be placed on a heating pad or near a cool window sill to compensate for its special needs.
Fertilization
A plant will not thrive without supplemental nutrition in the soil. In nature, a plant can send roots several feet down to get the nutrients it needs. In the home, it is dependant upon the gardener to supply food on a regular basis. Each plant has its own particular needs, so be sure to read up on your own plant to determine what to give it and how often.