Indoor V/S Outdoor Plants
Choosing the Right Environment for Optimal Growth
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general purposes only and may not apply to all plant species or individual circumstances. Always consider specific care needs and environmental factors for your plants.
I hear you saying “wow” at the sight of the above pictures, but think about the countless plants we see online, on streets, in houses, resorts, and more. They’re all amazing, right?
To me, plants have a home just like we do. Our homes have walls and a roof; their home is the open environment, with each other as their canopy.
I have both indoor and outdoor plants, and my family and I manage them together. However, we sometimes forget to water the indoor plants or remove weeds from outdoor plants. While I’m not an expert, I have experience with both types of plants. Indoor plants require more attention: managing watering, changing plates, and keeping plant hangers and baskets clean. Keeping the indoor space tidy is crucial — while a plant lover might not mind a bit of mess, others might find it off-putting. Plants are generally happier outdoors. Even those needing indirect sunlight can thrive under sheds, huts, or roofs outside. Both indoor and outdoor plants have their pros and cons, but indoor plants tend to need more meticulous care.
INDOOR PLANTS:
Care tips:
- Light: Ensure plants receive adequate light according to their needs. Most indoor plants thrive in indirect sunlight. Keep them in well-lit corners of your house with good ventilation.
- Watering: Water plants based on their specific requirements. Overwatering is a common issue, which can lead to fungal growth. Water once or twice a week it can easily withstand.
- Humidity: Maintain proper humidity levels. Misting plants or using a humidifier can help.
- Temperature: Keep plants in stable temperatures, avoiding extreme heat or cold.
- Soil: Use appropriate soil mixes for different plants to ensure proper drainage and nutrients. I would suggest you use a soil tester in case you are not sure and a finger test doesn’t help, it will check whether the soil is wet or dry, pH, and light.
Benefits:
- Improved Air Quality: Indoor plants can help filter and purify the air.
- Reduced Stress: Keeping them in your bedroom will give optimistic vibes, watching them first thing in the morning is a good start for the day. Being around plants can lower stress levels and enhance mood.
- Enhanced Productivity: Plants can boost concentration and productivity.
Challenges:
- Pest Control: They can attract pests like spider mites and aphids.
- Light Fluctuations: Inconsistent light exposure can affect plant health, but for some low light plants such as the ZZ plant is fine.
- Watering Issues: Overwatering or underwatering are common problems that can harm plants.
Plant recommendations:
- Snake Plant
- Spider Plant
- Peace Lily
- ZZ Plant
- Wandering Jew
- Areca Palm
- Money plants
- Rubber plant
OUTDOOR PLANTS:
Care tips:
- Watering: Water plants in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation. Use mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Soil: Ensure well-draining soil and consider using organic mulch to improve soil health and moisture retention.
- Sunlight: Choose plants based on their sunlight needs. Most outdoor plants thrive in full sun, but some require partial shade.
- Pest Control: Regularly check for pests and diseases. Mealybugs and termites can cause tremendous problems that are difficult to control, so it’s better to keep a check. Use organic treatments as needed.
Benefits:
- Mental Health: Gardening can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental well-being.
- Physical Exercise: Gardening activities provide moderate physical exercise, improving cardiovascular health.
- Aesthetic and Environmental Benefits: Outdoor gardens improve property aesthetics and provide habitat for wildlife.
Challenges:
- Weather Conditions: Extreme weather can impact plant health. Protect plants from frost, excessive heat, or heavy rains.
- Pest Infestations: Outdoor plants are susceptible to pests and diseases which can damage or kill them.
- Soil Degradation: Over time, soil can lose its fertility. Regular amendments and proper management are required.
Plant recommendations:
- Almost all kinds of flowers, fruits and vegetables.
A COMMON QUESTION:
Is it safe to plants in your room at night?
Plants produce carbon dioxide at night as part of their respiration process. However, the amount of CO2 released by plants at night is significantly lower than that produced by a sleeping human. This minimal emission has no adverse effects on indoor air quality or human health.
What would you prefer?
Image credits:
https://www.rotochopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/4-reasons-to-use-mulch-inset.jpg
References:
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/g40742429/best-indoor-plants-for-health/
TLDR:
Indoor and outdoor plants have different care needs. Indoor plants require more attention and care for optimal growth. They can improve air quality and reduce stress, but may also attract pests. Outdoor plants provide mental and physical health benefits, but are susceptible to weather and pest infestations. Both types of plants have their benefits and challenges, so it’s important to choose the right environment for each plant.
