5 Easy Flowers to Grow in Small Spaces
Living in an apartment or a small space can make it interesting for those who want to do some gardening with indoor flowering plants. Chances are you don’t have a lot of space to work with, so larger plants are out, and a limited amount of natural light isn’t the most favorable of environments for growing plants.
Fortunately, you can still reap the benefits of gardening by choosing flowers that are perfect for small spaces. When looking for flowers to grow in your apartment, it’s important to keep in mind plants that are somewhat hardy, don’t require much sunlight and are relatively easy to take care of. Here's our list of the easiest flowers to grow in your apartment.
1. Peace lily
The peace lily is one of the best flowers to grow in an apartment because it survives surprisingly well with low levels of light, giving it the nickname “Closet Plant.” In fact, direct sunlight damages the peace lily’s foliage, so keep this plant within five to eight feet of a window for best results. The peace lily does require heavy watering, but the good thing is that you’ll know the plant is thirsty when the leaves begin to droop.
2. African violet
A common house plant that is gorgeous to look out, the African violet doesn’t require a lot of attention to keep it healthy. This plant is specifically grown indoors and only needs a bit of sunlight a day, so put this plant in a window that looks out to the east, if possible, so the flower can get its necessary sunlight during the morning. Keep the soil moist, but do not overwater, as this will cause the flower to rot. Make sure to avoid getting the leaves wet, as water drops can cause dead spots on African violets. The plant thrives in climate-controlled areas, so keep your apartment at a reasonable temperature for best results.
3. Marigold
Known for their orange and yellow colors, marigolds can really brighten up a space and be a great addition as an indoor flower, as they grow quickly and easily. And as they’re traditionally an outdoor flower, marigolds are relatively hardy, meaning that they require minimal care. Place marigolds in a window that will receive a lot of sunlight. And for a touch of summer in the cold of winter, marigolds will bloom year-round with the proper care.
4. Begonia
Another plant traditionally considered to be an outdoor flower, the begonia also has what it takes to be a great indoor flower, including being tough, low maintenance and free flowering. Indoor begonias tend to prefer cooler temperatures, so make sure your apartment doesn’t get too hot. And place the begonias near a sunny window to boost growing. Allow the surface of the soil to dry out between watering, so you can go a few days in between watering.
5. Cactus
You may not think of a cactus as a flower, but most varieties of cacti are flowering, producing blooms that are extraordinarily beautiful. Pot the cactus in an unglazed clay pot that can be drained easily through a hole on the bottom. Water the cactus about once a week, and place in a well-lit area, such as a bay window or a bright entryway.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/glenysmorgan
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