January. Cold. Dark. Lifeless.Outside snow blows past the window in a near horizontal direction. The bitterness of the cold is relentless and wind chill becomes a measure of hardiness for those who dare venture out.
Inside, it's a different story though. Basking in the low sunlight which gains in strength each day are all manner of tropical plants: bananas, amaryllis, orchids, Agapanthus and avocado trees. Small blooming specimens of African violets, primula and bulbs forced into bloom greet the grey winter days with a childlike cheerfulness. Herbs on the windowsill sit at the ready to freshen the evening meal. Tiny seedlings cautiously show themselves - a vivid green against dark, moist soil. The room's recessed corners are enlivened by generous ferns and a fresh, humid air wafts through the house. This is why I garden indoors.
My plant obsession goes way beyond a single houseplant and it is the lush greenery and cheery fragrant blooms that help me get through the long, cold winter months.
Earlier this week (January 10th) was National Houseplant Appreciation Day. Established by The Gardener's Network to create awareness of the many benefits of houseplants, the day reminds us that even a single plant can improve air quality, increase humidity and improve your mood and productivity. Many studies have shown that indoor plants can even lower your blood pressure, speed the recovery of illness and improve sleep patterns.
A houseplant for every situation
The most important thing with houseplants during the winter months is not to over water. The short daylight hours and weak sunlight, coupled with the cooler temperatures of most offices and households slows down the over all plant growth and they require less water. Do let the soil dry to the touch in between waterings.
Easy house plants:
The following will tolerate low light and forgetful watering. In fact the succulents listed below can get by with a small amount of water about once a month.
Succulents, including a houseplant favorite, Jade Plant (Crassula)
Airplants
Spider plants
Dragon Tree (Dracaena)
Philodendrons
Neanthe Bella Palm
Kalanchoe (flowering, succulent)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum- also flowering)
With a bit more water:
Forced spring bulbs- tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinth. These can easily be picked up just about anywhere from the local greenhouse to the grocery store. The blooms can be short lived, but the riot of color might be just the thing you need in January.
African Violets and Primula. When selecting, look under the open flowers. Is there another flush of unopened buds visible? If so, these plants will bloom for weeks. Soak in a dish of water for about 10 minutes once a week. Don't water from above as wet leaves can rot.
Ferns. These plants are lush and come in a variety of leaf sizes and shapes. Maiden Hair, Rabbit's Foot and Bird's Nest are some of my favorites. Definitely work well in low light situations. Soil should remain moist, so water every 3-7 days depending on pot size.
Orchids, (specifically moth or Phalenopsis) Surprisingly easier than you think. Keep in a bright (not direct sunlight) and warm room. During the winter months water with warm water about every 7-10 days. Let the pot drain well. Most orchids are planted in bark, not soil. This will feel dry most of the time and that is ok.
Speciatly:
Herbs. Herbs fall in this category because they need a lot of light. As much direct sunlight as you can provide. Easy herbs for indoor gardening are Chives, Parsley, Cilantro and Rosemary. Just a few sprigs can add so much flavor to any meal!
Dianthus, Begonia, Cyclamen and other flowering plants. Care will vary by type, be sure to ask questions or pick up a care sheet when you purchase. Most will need bright light and even watering every 7-10 days. If you are nervous about care, purchase a smaller plant (ie, cheaper) and if it dies, you've enjoyed the flowers and aren't out much. In this case, the benefits might out weigh the loss of an inexpensive plant.
Seed starting and microgreens. This is a whole new topic. Watch for a post coming soon! |
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| Photos below. Purple hyacinth. Left, Primula victoriana 'Silver Black Lace'. Right, a mix of ferns. |
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| Looking for something more uncommon? A couple of my favorite resource books about houseplants are: The Unexpected Houseplant and Well Clad Windowsill, both by Tovah Martin. |
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