In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, design trends shifted towards enhancing safety and functionality, especially in healthcare settings. Amid these changes, indoor gardens gained popularity as people sought to reconnect with nature indoors.

 

Although not a new concept, indoor gardening saw a resurgence during and post pandemic, with increased interest in everything from simple houseplant arrangements to elaborate vertical gardens. This trend continues to thrive as people recognize the benefits of incorporating greenery into their spaces. However, successful indoor gardens require careful consideration of factors like ventilation, natural light, and design to flourish.

Health and Wellness Benefits of Indoor Gardens

Indoor gardens offer significant health and wellness benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal. Research shows that houseplants can improve indoor air quality by removing up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants within 24 hours. These toxins, found in common household products, can cause health issues.

In addition to purifying the air, plants enhance concentration and productivity by up to 15%, reduce stress, regulate humidity, and elevate mood. The benefits are even greater when plants are exposed to natural light, which boosts mood and energy levels. Because of this, interior landscaping is becoming more popular in retail spaces, offices, and hospitality settings.

Creating the Ideal Conditions for Indoor Gardens

Establishing an indoor garden involves more than simply placing a few potted plants on a windowsill. Plants are living organisms with specific needs, and providing the right conditions for them to thrive is essential.

Design Elements

When planning an indoor garden, consider the proportion and scale of the plants in relation to the room. The size and shape of the plants should complement the space, ensuring a balanced and harmonious look. Texture is another important factor—mixing smooth and coarse plant surfaces can add visual interest and depth to your garden. Additionally, think about color, repetition, and balance to create a cohesive and appealing display.

Display Methods

The way you display your indoor plants can have a significant impact on the overall ambiance of your space. The display method you choose will depend on the budget, style of the room, available space, and the visual impact you want to achieve. Some popular display methods include:

Tiered planters: Ideal for small spaces, tiered planters enable the creation of a vertical garden that maximizes available space.

Individual pots: These offer flexibility in arranging and rearranging your plants to suit your changing preferences.

Walled, elevated, or sunken gardens: These approaches can introduce architectural interest and create a striking focal point in any room.

Raised beds: Suitable for larger spaces, raised beds can accommodate a variety of plants, creating a lush, garden-like atmosphere indoors.

Lighting

Lighting is crucial for indoor gardening as plants depend on it for photosynthesis and growth. While artificial or LED lights can support some plants, natural light is the best option. For optimal results, an indoor garden should be placed in a space with large skylights, windows, or curtain walls to ensure adequate sunlight. Insufficient light can lead to dormancy or plant death.

Humidity and Temperature

Most indoor plants flourish in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and require humidity levels around 50%. If you’re aiming to create a focal point with a large indoor plant or tree, see to it that the spot you choose receives plenty of light, as larger plants typically require more sunlight to thrive.

Plant Selection

The types of plants you choose will depend on the purpose of your indoor garden. While some indoor gardens are designed to grow fruits and vegetables, others are purely for decor purposes. Popular indoor plants include the Weeping Fig, Spider Plant, Aloe Vera, and Jade Plant, all of which are known for their resilience and low maintenance requirements.

Optimizing Natural Light for Indoor Gardens

Natural light is crucial for indoor gardens, but positioning windows and skylights to maximize light exposure can be challenging. The orientation of your windows and skylights plays a significant role in determining the amount and quality of light your plants receive.

South-facing windows and skylights: These provide the most direct sunlight, making them ideal for plants that require high light levels.

North-facing windows and skylights: These offer indirect, diffused light, making them suitable for plants that thrive in lower light conditions.

East-facing windows and skylights: These receive bright, direct light in the morning and indirect light for the rest of the day, making them a good option for plants that need a mix of light levels.

West-facing windows and skylights: These provide direct light in the late afternoon and indirect light in the morning, suitable for plants that can handle a bit of sun exposure.

In addition to orientation, the type of glazing and glass used in your windows, skylights, or curtain walls can affect the amount of light that passes through. For example, double clear glass windows allow up to 80% of light to pass through, while thicker polycarbonate materials may reduce light transmission to around 50%.

Enhancing Your Indoor Garden with Quality Glass and Glazing

To create the perfect environment for your indoor garden, consider investing in high-quality glass and glazing products. These are designed to maximize natural daylight while providing energy efficiency and temperature control. Opting for solutions that allow for unparalleled control over light, humidity, and temperature ensures that your indoor garden flourishes year-round.

The Science-Backed Benefits of Indoor Plants

Interacting with plants offers significant mental and physical health benefits:

Therapeutic Effects: Horticultural therapy is used to improve well-being, particularly for those with mental health conditions, and some medical clinics now prescribe potted plants for mental illness symptoms.

Faster Recovery: Exposure to plants can speed up recovery from illness, injury, or surgery, reduce pain medication needs, and shorten hospital stays.

Stress Reduction: Activities like repotting plants can lower stress levels, while computer tasks tend to increase stress, making indoor gardening a useful stress management tool.

Enhanced Attention: Real plants boost attention and concentration, beneficial for learning and working environments.

Increased Productivity: Plants in the workspace enhance productivity and creativity, and reduce sick days.

Improved Air Quality: Plants contribute to cleaner indoor air by reducing VOCs and other contaminants, complementing modern air-purifying technologies.

Safety and Health Considerations

While indoor gardens offer many benefits, it’s important to consider potential risks, especially if you have children or pets. Some plants can be toxic if ingested, so it’s essential to research each species before introducing it into your home. Additionally, indoor plants can attract pests or mold, so proper care and maintenance are crucial to prevent infestations and maintain a healthy environment.

Indoor gardens go beyond just a design trend; they offer significant benefits by bringing nature indoors. And, with proper lighting, humidity, and design, an indoor garden can both beautify your space and promote a healthier, happier lifestyle. Contact the design experts of JarvisInteriors today to help you achieve the indoor garden concept you’ve been waiting to create.