Small Indoor Greenhouse

  Small Indoor Greenhouse 

The gardens that are made with the aim of enhancing the beauty of the house by preserving natural beauty are called 'Home Garden'. No matter how big or small the house is, a garden in front of it makes the entire environment of the house attractive and colorful. It is very important to select the right type of trees and plants according to the available land and climate of the house. After selection, planting the trees and plants at the right place is also very important to increase the attraction of the 'Home Garden'. On the other hand, the garden can be given speciality by planting some plants which are not usually found at that place as a sample.

Apart from the garden planted on the land around the house, the gardens planted in the inner parts of the house or the inner gardens are also included under the home garden. Apart from this, many other types of small gardens are also included in this category, which are described below-

Types of Home Gardens

There are many types of home gardens, which are mentioned below-

(1) Compound Gardens - Planting a garden of ornamental trees and plants in whatever land is available in front of the house not only enhances its beauty, but also indicates the good taste and health of the people living there. It would be better if the outline of the garden to be planted is prepared in advance at the time of construction of the building and the front part of the house is made in accordance with the garden so that a good harmony can be established between the two. Usually, little land is available in front of small and medium sized houses, big trees should not be planted in such courtyards, rather bushy plants should be planted singly like trees. If it is necessary to plant ornamental trees, then in that case low height trees should be planted on the sides so that they do not cover the house or create hindrance in the sunlight reaching them. If the size of the house is big and sufficient land is available around it, then single or double rows of ornamental trees like Ashoka, Acacia etc. can be planted on the sides, which act as a very beautiful background for the garden. Medium sized evergreen or shrubs with special structure or climbing plants can be planted in the beds attached to the wall. Climbers should be planted on pillars in front of the verandah. In the remaining space, lawn, rockery, seasonal flower beds etc. can be planted according to the architecture of the house. If the size of the garden is big, then a pond or lake can also be built in it and stone paths can also be made to reach it from the main road.

Aerogarden Pod

(2) Indoor garden - Architecture has special importance in modern buildings and they are decorated with various types of attractive but inanimate objects, but decorating the rooms with plants brings them alive. Decoration with plants is more impressive. On the other hand, growing plants in an indoor garden is also an entertaining and challenging hobby, which is suitable for people of all ages.

Indoor gardens incorporate nature in the artificial environment of modern cities, it is a permanent source of happiness and joy. Apart from verandahs, plants can be grown in any room with windows. Plants in rooms should be kept as close to the windows as possible so that they can get natural light easily and remain healthy. For this, stones placed on the window can be used. However, it is good to grow plants in a porch that receive sunlight. Normal size windows are also fine for small or medium sized plants. Tables and shelves have also been found useful for keeping ornamental plants near the window . Bathrooms can also prove to be good for keeping plants. But at present, this practice is almost negligible in India.

(3) Terrarium - The size of a terrarium can vary as per the requirement. A convenient size of this can be 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.5 m. It can have a sloping roof of glass cover, which is also shaken occasionally for aeration. Since the terrarium is closed, there is no need to water the plants frequently, because the moisture produced by transpiration of leaves and soil evaporation remains liquid inside. If there is no hole in the bottom, then before filling the soil mixture (one part each of soil, leaf manure and sand), a layer of about 8 cm of coarse sand and small (65 mm) pieces of coal can be spread on the bottom. Keep in mind that fast growing plants should not be planted in it. Proper gap should be left between them. With proper selection of plants and careful watering, plants can be left in the terrarium for many years for change without leaving space.

(4) Aquarium - Aquariums provide special attraction and uniqueness in indoor gardens. If sufficient number of oxygen producing plants are maintained for the fish, they require care. If oxygen producing plants are not grown, water should be changed regularly.

Oxygen producing plants should be planted in a layer of sand about 3 cm thick spread at the bottom of the container. The quantity of water required for each fish depends on its variety. If the number of fish in the container is not large and the number of oxygen producing plants is sufficient, then water need be changed only once a year, provided the food not eaten by the fish is thrown out and no sediment is formed. While changing the water, care should be taken that the temperature of the fresh water is the same as that of the water to be taken out, as fish are very sensitive to changes in water temperature.

(5) Table gardens and miniature landscapes - Miniature landscapes can be created by placing various types of small plants in appropriate arrangements in cups, saucers, troughs, aquariums, land aquariums or bottles.

Formal or informal miniatures of desert, forest land, mountain or rock gardens can be created by using small plants along with rocks, pebbles, pieces of plates etc.

(6) Bowl garden - Large glass cups can also be used to grow plants. The mouth of the cup can be covered with a glass cover. Planting of plants in the cup is done in the same way as in a land aquarium. Plants can also be grown in saucers, troughs or shallow cups without a glass cover. Suitable plants should be selected for creating a special type of landscape in miniature. Small plants can be designed in a saucer or trough. Sometimes metal rods are buried in the soil between the plants in a shallow cup or saucer garden and some plucked flowers are placed in them for temporary colorful decoration.

Home Indoor Garden

(7) Bottle garden - Some plants like ferns, pothos etc. can also be grown in large bottles like a greenhouse. These bottles are filled with soil mixture. Small plants can be put inside the bottle with the help of forceps tied to bamboo rods with wire or tape and after that the bottle is closed firmly with a cork. While planting, the bottle and the leaves of the plants should be protected from soil splashes. It needs very little water. Such gardens are gradually becoming popular.

Difficulties related to the construction of home gardens

Many problems are faced in the construction of gardens, the major ones of which are mentioned below-

(1) Often in less shade or light, plants wilt or their growth is slow because the plant does not get proper light or temperature.

(2) When the plants are kept inside, the colour group suddenly wilts. The reason for this can be temperature change or direct cold air blowing. This can also happen when watering is done with very cold water.

(3) Buds are not formed in the plants. This happens due to excessive sunlight or excessive dry climate. If the buds fall, it is especially due to lack of humidity.

(4) Dry spots are formed on the leaves. This happens due to the presence of vapors of diesel, petrol etc. in the air, industrial smoke.

(5) Burnt or scorched spots are formed on the leaves. This is due to the defect in the glass of the window and due to insufficient sunlight falling on the plants. Root damage also causes brown leaf spots.

Selection of Plants - Flowering plants can be divided into the following two categories according to their temperature requirements -

(1) Plants of hot (34.22-39.22°C) zone.

(2) Plants of moderate (25.33-34.22°C) zone.

(3) Plants of cold/cold but not freezing zone (18.66-25.33°C) zone. 

If the plants are to be kept inside the house, then keep in mind that the north-western corner of the house should remain cool and the south-eastern part should remain relatively warm. Radiators can be used in the verandah to heat the cool part of the room in winter.

The best time to plant plants is spring and autumn. New plants grow rapidly in spring. The cold of early autumn is good for the plants to get established. New plants take some time to acclimatise indoors. They should be acclimatised by watering them sparingly, protecting them from direct sunlight, keeping them away from heat and fertilizers.

Larger plants can be acclimatised more easily than smaller plants. It is best to get plants that are new to the area from a reliable nursery. It is better to grow well-established, beautiful, houseplants in groups rather than growing a single plant of exceptional beauty. To protect the plants from pests and diseases, new plants should be kept separately for a few days so that it is ascertained that the plants are free from these diseases.

Selection of pots for plants - Clay pots are inexpensive and are available in various sizes and shapes. These days, many types of decorative pots are also available which are very expensive but it has become fashionable to use them to increase the attraction. These days, plastic pots are also available and their maintenance is also easy. Also, the plants grown in them require less water, because their walls do not absorb water. For special purposes, pots with perforated or double walls can be used.

Creepers like money plant (pothas) and zebrine look good in hanging baskets or brackets or other similar containers. Baskets are hung on thick chains or wires.

Shelves made of glass near windows look beautiful. If proper drainage is arranged, then everything from cages to wooden tubs and tea pots can be used to grow plants.

Many plants go dormant after flowering. Some plants lose their leaves and some plants need pruning. The cut leaves and branches can also be used for decoration.

Plants can be grown in pots or other containers using the following methods:-

(1) One plant in one pot or container.

(2) Planting different pots with one plant in one container together, in groups.

(3) Planting many types of plants in one container.

While arranging plants inside rooms, it should be kept in mind that beauty comes from the harmony of contrast and complementary elements. For this, it is very important to keep in mind the design and measurement of the room.

Suitable environment for plants

Suitable environment for plants is of special importance for home garden, detailed information of which is given below-

(1) Light- Light has an important place in suitable environment for plants, because it is required for the growth and development of plants. Some plants need less light and some more, but there is no plant that can grow in complete darkness. In winter, days are short and there is less sunlight. In summer, days are long and sunlight is intense and at that time some shade is required. This purpose can be fulfilled to some extent by putting nets on the windows. Generally, proper light can be obtained from windows facing south-east. For many plants, it is appropriate to keep the window facing west open. Some species grow better on the northern window. In summer, plants should be kept on such a window where there is no direct sunlight. If the plants kept on the window have a tendency to grow, then they should be rotated one-fourth every day.

The flowering of these plants is affected by the length of the day. For example, Christmas cactus and many orchids flower in the months with short days. On the other hand, some plants like plumbago require a minimum of 3-4 hours of photoperiod for flowering. They should be kept on the windowsills of the house or in the open verandah facing south. Plants which require a minimum of two hours of photoperiod, like Saintpaulia , can be kept on the windowsills facing west or east.

In most cities, window gardens get 3-4 hours of sunlight. Leafy plants should be grown on the east or west windowsills or in places with diffused light.

The discovery of fluorescent sources that provide artificial light has opened up many exciting new possibilities in indoor gardens. Now small rooms, basements and other spaces in the house are also being used for plants. Although not all types of plants respond well to artificial light, most plants grow well in it.

Indoor Home Garden Ideas

(2) Temperature - Apart from other factors, air temperature is also important for the growth of plants. If the day and night temperature is kept at 27-29.70°C, most plants grow well. Plants should be protected from strong gusts of wind. Generally, the temperature of the house is slightly higher than the temperature outside the house. Therefore, plants should be grown in a cooler part of the room, usually near the window. There is a possibility of damage to the plant due to excessive cold. Less damaged plants can be grown again by cutting them from the top of a healthy bud.

(3) Humidity - Although plants like Kalanchoe and Euphorbia splendens grow well in the dry climate inside the house, but humid climate is very important for other plants like Achimenes and Kalanchoe. Space humidifiers can be used to provide such conditions. If humidifiers are not available, then for growing tropical plants, it is very important to spray water in the room at least once a day. To some extent, such an environment can be provided by keeping water in a saucer inside the pot. A moisture meter can be used to measure humidity.

(4) Ventilation - Apart from light, temperature and humidity, there should also be proper ventilation in the room for the growth and development of plants. There should be a provision for the entry of pure and fresh air in the rooms, but at the same time the plants should be protected from direct gusts of air, so that they can get established well and can enhance the beauty of the room.

Indoor Gardening

For the proper development and growth of plants, it is very important to have sufficient amount of nutrients in the soil of the pot. Plants like Strelitzia grow well when there is organic manure in the soil. Some plants require bone meal fertilizer. Cactus and succulents with thick leaves and stems prefer a soil mixture containing more sand, while begonias require a soil with ample humus. Orchids and bromeliads are mostly epiphytic and can be grown on the dry, decayed bark of trees.

Horticulturists have found that soil fertility as well as soil texture are important for plant growth. Plant nutrition can be controlled more accurately by the use of fertilizers. This task cannot be achieved as efficiently by mixing more nutritious soils because untreated natural materials may contain insects and their eggs, algae, bacteria, fungi, etc., some of which are harmful to plants.

Soil sterilization can solve this problem. This result can be achieved by mixing one spoon of tea "formaldehyde" in wet soil in a pot of two and a half liters volume and keeping it covered for 24 hours.

Soil acidity and alkalinity also affect plants. Most plants require a soil mixture with a pH value of 4.5 to 8.0. Alum can be added to it to reduce alkalinity and increase acidity. If water collects in a pot for a long time, its soil becomes acidic. Therefore, for plants that like alkaline conditions, small quantities of limestone powder or egg shells etc. should be added to the soil of the pot from time to time.

Irrigation has a special and important place in the growth and development of plants. The size of the pot should be kept in mind because small pots dry up quickly. Therefore, water should be given to them as per requirement. Water dries up faster in pots kept on a sunny southern window than in the northern window. Due to lack of water, the growth of plants stops. The leaves start falling. The foliage becomes unattractive, due to which the plant becomes ugly. Due to excess water, there is a lack of oxygen in the soil, due to which the roots rot.

Generally, the water used for human use is not harmful for plants, although rain water or distilled water is better for them. Plants require less water when the atmospheric humidity is high. Plants should be given more water during the stage of active growth. Excess water during low temperatures and dormancy is as harmful as water shortage during high temperatures and active growth.

If the plants require more water during the growth period, then it can be given. But water should not stagnate in the pot, otherwise the roots of the plant will rot and the plant will turn yellow and die. An effective method of watering is that a glass wool wick is inserted in the hole at the bottom of the pot and hung in a saucer filled with water and the pot is kept above the water level by using a support. In plants that grow in constantly wet conditions, when the water in the saucer is finished, it is filled with water again. It is better to give nutrition and water to the plants from the bottom rather than from above. But on using this method, a granular substance gets deposited on the upper surface of the soil, which can be toxic for the plants. To avoid this situation, water should be given to the top of the pot every week.

Indoor Garden Homes

Plants should be given water in the morning, when the weather is cool. It is improper to water pots heated by the sun. Too cold or too hot water should not be used for irrigation. Some plants especially need to be watered twice in summer. In cities, it is necessary to wash the foliage with water at least once a month to keep the stomata open. By washing the plants along with the pot once a week by putting them in a trough or basin, the plants look more healthy and fresh.

How much, less and how should fertilizers be used in indoor garden plants? Its criteria is different from the use of fertilizers in flowers and vegetables grown in beds outside the house. The reason for this is that the spread and length of the plants planted inside the house is kept under control. For plants requiring more acidity, a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash fertilizers in the ratio of 20:20:20 should be used. For plants growing in neutral soil, a mixture rich in potassium (10:30:10) is better.

While using fertilizers, the season should be kept in mind. Its quantity should be less during growth and in hot weather and at the time of actual flowering. Its quantity should be increased in the initial period of new growth and should be reduced in cold and semi-dormant phase. Fertilizers should also be used while preparing the soil mixture for planting plants in pots. Later, they should be given fertilizers only when they are well established. Fertilizers should be given when there is moisture in the soil of the pot. Water should be given immediately after giving fertilizer. There is a fear of drying or burning of plants if fertilizers are put in dry soil and left. If readymade fertilizers are not available, then a solution of fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can be used at the rate of 3 grams in one liter of water.

In small pots, drainage can be arranged by placing a little peat or moss at the bottom of the pot. Holes are made in the bottom of the pot according to its size. With the hole facing downwards, place the pieces of broken pots over the holes in such a way that they are covered. Brick chips, stone pieces or half-rotten leaf manure are placed up to 5 cm above the pieces of the pot. A little sand or fine brick pieces are placed over them. Now the remaining portion is filled with soil.

Different types of soil mixtures may be required for different types of plants. For younger plants, the soil should be finer. Place the plant in the pot at the desired depth, put soil in it, place it on the bench, pat the bottom of the pot and press the soil gently with fingers. After planting the plant, sufficient space should be left at the top of the pot for watering. Repotting becomes necessary in the following circumstances-

(i) When the plant grows too big in its current container and the pot starts appearing too full.

(ii) When the amount of nutrients in the fertilizer and soil mixture put in the pot is completely exhausted.

(iii) When the roots of plants like Alpinia, Tradescandia etc. need to be pruned, the following are the important points to be kept in mind while planting or replanting the plants in pots:

1. Use only clean pots. New pots are soaked in water. Old pots should be cleaned by rubbing them with coconut fibre or sackcloth before soaking them.

2. Proper soil should be used for filling the pot.

3. The soil used in the pot should not be completely dry.

4. The soil should be filled in the pot after tamping it.

5. A little portion should be kept empty on the top of the pot for watering.

6. The pot should be sloping towards the soil surface.

7. Pots that are larger than the normal size should not be used.

8. Plants should not be planted in pots at a greater or lesser depth. 

9. After planting the plant in the pot, it should be kept in shade.

10. The pots kept in the sun should be immersed in water.

11. Manure should be given by scattering or in the form of liquid manure.

12. Care should be taken while watering.

13. While planting it again in the pot, the plant should be pruned and given a proper shape.

14. From time to time, the pests like caterpillars, termites, fungi etc. should be checked. In case of their attack, immediate treatment should be done.

15. From time to time, the soil of the pot should be lightly weeded.

Control of harmful pests and diseases

Plants affected by pests and diseases should be separated from other healthy plants. Plants with smooth leaves; For example, to kill black and brown "mealy bugs" on Aphidrastra, palms, plants are washed with a solution prepared by adding one tablespoon of nicotine sulphate in one and a quarter liter of water containing soapnut. To control mealy bugs on ferns, separate the infested fern containers (pots) and keep the plants in a more humid place. For controlling Champa (aphid), plants are dipped in a solution prepared by adding two tablespoons of nicotine sulphate in 15 liters of water containing soap foam. To destroy mealy bugs, water color bush is dipped in 50 percent denatured alcohol and the insect is touched with it.

The diseased plants are removed and destroyed by burning. Only healthy and disease-free plants are planted. For the prevention of fungal diseases, fungicidal medicines like Dithane M-45, Dithane - 78, Blotox etc. should be sprayed. 

Care of plants in summer

Small Indoor Greenhouse

It is usually difficult to take care of indoor garden plants in summer. Most leafy plants can be kept in the north side of the house. "Geranium" grows well in full sunlight. Pots of 'Saintpolia' can be kept inside the house. All these plants should be brought inside the house in September, before the onset of frost. At this time most of the plants can be replanted in pots and fertilizers can be added to them. It is very important to water the plants as per requirement in summer, so that they can remain fresh and healthy.

Plants suitable for indoor garden

1. For dark corners

Aurocaria

Money plant (Scindapsus)

Aspidistra

Selaginella

Maranta

Zebrina

Philodendron

2. For shady locations

Aglaonema

Sansevieria

Aurocaria

Monstera

Aspidistra

Maranta

Dieffenbachia

Dracaena

Ficus lyrata

Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

3. For north windows

Aglaonema

Impatiens sultanii

Aurocaria

Monstera deliciosa

Aspidistra

Peperomia

Begonia rex

Money plant

Scindapsis

Chlorophytum

Tradescantia

Ferns

Dicffenbachia

4. For south facing windows

Acalypha

Colecus

Amaryllis

Narcissus

Bromelias

Geranium

Cacti

Poinsettia

Lantana (Lantana sellowiana )

Rose

Chrysanthemum

5. For east and west windows

Anthurium

Aurocaria

Begonia

Caladium

Dieffenbachia

Ferns

Hedera helix

Palms

Azalea

Tradescantia

Zebrina

Ficus spp. 

Gloxinia

6. Climbers and Hanging Plants

Asparagus sprengeri

Begonia pendula

Zebrina pendula

Tradescantia

Pothos (Scindapsus)

Hedera helix

Portulaca

Nastursium

Ficus pumila