No Space? No Green Thumb? You Can Still Garden

Plants are great. They help clean and humidify the air. Having something to take care of can also help keep you from falling into a rut. They can even help you recover from illnesses and injuries at a faster rate.

With so many of us living in urban areas, we’re often disconnected from nature. By keeping indoor plants, we can rekindle some of that connection.

However, it can be daunting to know where to start. Not everyone is naturally talented at gardening. But it’s possible to keep houseplants even if you think you’re a “plant killer.”

1. Figure Out What Your Difficulties Are

If a plant isn’t doing well, it could be due to any number of reasons. Look at the plants you’ve tried and failed to grow and find a pattern. Maybe your room doesn’t get much sunlight. Maybe you’re using the wrong type of soil. Maybe you’re overwatering or underwatering, or the plant needs distilled water. Maybe it needs to be trimmed or its container is too small.

Take note of the environment you live in and find plants that fit your environment. Also, look at the level of care the plant might need. If you’re very busy, you’re better off choosing a hardier plant that will survive if you forget to water it occasionally.

2. Constructing a Window Garden

The best place to put an indoor garden is most likely by a window. Most plants need a decent amount of sunlight. Depending on your space limitations, you could set up a box of soil on a table or you could keep your plants in pots on the windowsill.

You can hang some plants from the ceiling or the top of the window, but be careful about which ones you choose. Some plants prefer to be on solid ground. Also, if you live in a dorm room or are renting an apartment, there might be restrictions on how you can hang things.

Another quick advice: If you’re using command hooks, err on the side of caution and get ones that can handle a load that’s a bit heavier than the ones you plan on using.

3. Some Hardy Plants You Might Want To Try

Lucky bamboo is a great choice for beginners. It grows fast and fits with almost any décor. It’s a popular item in feng shui and is said to attract positive energy and prosperity. It doesn’t need much sunlight or pruning, though if it grows too big you can trim a few of the leaves. Usually it does not need to be re-potted if you buy it from a store. It can also aerate the water when added to a freshwater fish tank. And if its leaves are yellowing, it might be getting too much sunlight or it might need filtered water.

Succulents and cacti are great if you have an area in your home that gets a lot of sunlight. They come in a lot of fascinating shapes. You can get creative with the way you display them because of their odd shapes and small sizes. Some, like agave and aloe vera, also have medicinal properties. Succulents and cacti are also great for beginners because they prefer bright sunlight and don’t need much water, although their soil needs to be well-drained; if succulents start growing tall and green, they’re not getting enough sunlight.

Snake plants are one of the best plants for removing toxins in the air, even absorbing carbon monoxide. They grow fast and are very hard to kill, preferring bright light but able to grow in low light as well. They only need to be watered occasionally. Be mindful that, yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering; only water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.