Make your Apartment Greener with Indoor Plants

Whether we ever thought about it or not, plants, trees, shrubs – flowering or non-flowering – all have a soothing effect on us.

Image source – purenutrient

And not just in gardens, playgrounds and big spaces, even those small potted ones are known to:

Reduce carbon dioxide levels
Increase humidity/moisture
Reduce levels of certain harmful chemicals
Reduce airborne dust levels
Keep temperature down
Absorb background noise
Bring stress levels down
Fight the modern-age phenomenon of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
Decrease risk of many disorders and diseases

And the list is endless. Wondering how can you grow your own green sanctuary while staying in a flat? You don’t need to be a farmer to reap the benefits of indoor plants. All you need is a bit of sunshine, a bit extra time every few days and you are good-to-go. Add a bit of creativity to your kitchen, bedroom and even bathroom to enhance your living space.

Image source – brit

Here are few places where you can grow indoor (as well as outdoor) plants:

Stack flower pots in an old shelf
Stack fruit crates together (these can be put on the wall too)
Reuse old coloured bottles or get them for minimal rates from your local junk dealer
Mason jars can hold small flowering plants (you are surely going to love this idea)
A cinderblock can hold bigger plants
Hang your plants in decorative macrame
Old water cans, tins, etc., offer a rustic look
Stack a smaller pot in half filled bigger pot. Blooming floral creepers in this setting will surely brighten up that corner.
Place few pots on a tray to make a portable garden
Old buckets are great for plants that need more space

Image source – goodhousekeeping

Herbs, microgreens, garlic, tomatoes, lemons, salad greens and even carrots can be grown indoors. There’s a huge list of plants that are low-maintenance, do not require much sunlight and at the same time revive the air in your room. Bonsai is also a nice way to jazz up homes. What else can you ask for?

But while you plan to make a small garden for yourself, keep these points in consideration:

Few plants need a bigger space as they grow. Plan the setting accordingly.
Stone/terracotta pots look great but are difficult to move
Wooden containers look beautiful but lend a foul smell too. Make sure they are not placed in a closed room.
Ensure to make drain holes in all the pots
Soil used should be disease free
Use organic manure (look for options from your kitchen waste)
Place plastic saucers under the pot to prevent water and soil spillage
April, May and June are the best months for planting new saplings
Ensure that plants are not overexposed to sunlight
Keep the soil moist, water the plants twice if need be