Too Hot Outside? Garden Indoors with Houseplants!

Houseplants are a great way to decorate your home with live greenery and can present a new challenge for those used to growing outdoors.  From finding the right way to water to learning new fertilizing schedules, houseplants are a great way to keep growing when it is too hot out for traditional gardening. 

Here are 5 houseplants we have in stock right now in order of how challenging their care is.

Pothos – This vining plant is extremely easy to care for.  It can take all types of light levels, although it prefers bright, indirect sun.   The more sun exposure this plant gets, the more it will need to be watered.  Although Pothos is vining in nature, it does not have tendrils so it will need your help to stay on any structure you want it to grow on.  Check out the variety ‘Marble Queen’ in stock now!

Monstera – This  gorgeous tropical plant is a favorite of many houseplant enthusiasts due to its large, beautiful leaves and its ease of care,  Monstera prefers to have mostly dry soil before being watered. There are many sizes and types of Monstera to grow, but we are partial to the variety ‘Swiss Cheese’ which has multiple fenestrations (holes) in each leaf and is available in our houseplant section.

Philodendron – With its wide variety of sizes and colors, Philodendron is a popular plant for indoor growers, but can be a bit more challenging.  Philodendron prefers to have completely dry soil between waterings, yet it also needs high humidity.  Misting this plant daily can help it stay healthy.  Keeping it away from drafts and AC vents can go a long way in keeping this plant happy.  We have the rare silver-leafed Brandi Philodendron for sale.

Croton – Stepping up a few rungs on the difficulty ladder, we find the brightly-leaved Croton.  Caring for this tropical can be more involved, but not difficult.  Croton prefers bright but not direct light.  Warmth and humidity are also a requirement to keep this houseplant happy.  Mist daily and keep away from cold drafts and AC vents.  Croton does have its share of pests including red spider mites and scale, so closely monitor your plant to catch them before they are a problem. Using an organic pesticide like neem oil can help keep them at bay.

Orchid – The most challenging on this list is the Orchid.  Starting with the soil, Orchids prefer a specific soil mix that will maintain moisture while letting go of water.  Speaking of watering, avoid any water near the crown of the plant.  When it comes to sunlight, Orchids need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight from a south-facing window.  Feed your orchid regularly with an orchid-specific fertilizer during spring and summer.  You will need to research what level of heat your type of orchid prefers to keep it healthy and happy.  Orchids need lots of humidity so regular misting is a must.  Although Orchids are more challenging to grow, they can be most rewarding when they begin blooming, thanks to all your work.

Houseplants can prove to be challenging at any level of gardening experience.  One constant that will help almost all houseplants is to give them a regular dose of houseplant food.  Come by Guilford Garden Center and challenge yourself by trying a new houseplant this summer.  We have a large variety to choose from and a great staff to help you with all your questions!