Indoor plants have become one of the hottest trends in interior design this decade. Many young people are relying on indoor plants to bring life into their homes.
Indoor plants offer several benefits, not just aesthetic value. They help clean the air you breathe and offer a green oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. If you want to be a gardener and create your own garden in your apartment, here are a few tips.
Plants vs. Pets
When deciding on which plants to acquire for your home, you need to consider whether it will be safe for your pet. Unfortunately, many indoor plants are toxic to dogs and cats when ingested. English ivy, which is a favorite among many because it is easy to care for, should be placed somewhere that your pet would not be able to reach. The plant has a high concentration of chemicals that can burn your pet’s mouth and will cause vomiting.
It might help to create a room where your plants can grow in peace and your pet will not be allowed to enter. If you need help, enroll your pup to a dog board and train center to be taught not to munch on everything, especially not your plants. You also should use over-the-counter sprays to make leaves unappetizing for cats.
Think Vertically
If you lack space in your apartment for a garden, crafting your own trellis will solve the problem. Using only a metal wire or wood panels to create a checkerboard pattern where you can hang potters or any other items that you want to free up room on the floor for other, more important, items in your home such as chairs and tables.
Another option is to simply hang plants from the ceiling. Your plants will not take up space and will be out of reach from your pets.
Mist Plants
You know that, for plants to thrive, they need water. However, in addition to watering your indoor plant, you also might need to mist them.
Some plants do better when they are misted. When you turn your air conditioner on to cool you during the warmer months, the level of humidity in your apartment drops.
To compensate for the lost moisture, you need to gently spray your indoor plants with water. Not all plants would like to be misted. Tropical plants, in particular, would benefit from misting because they are used to high humidity. Succulents, on the other hand, are tolerant of drought and do not need to be misted.
Protect from Bugs
Your indoor plants are not safe from insects and other pests. The same bugs that threaten to harm them also will attack your indoor plants. You can concoct your own spray that will deter mealybugs, aphids, and other insects from attacking your garden.
Crush heavily scented herbs such as basil, mint, rosemary, sage, and lavender then mix them with water and a few drops of gentle dish soap to create a herbal bug spray. This bug spray is free from toxic ingredients and is friendlier to the environment. Coat your indoor plants with the mixture.
Before you start planting, learn everything you can about your indoor plant. You need to be aware of how much water each type of plant needs and be able to notice when the plant is weakening or dying.
