Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
Here at A Garden for the House, there’s snow in the forecast. Yes, snow! And this can only mean one thing: The season of indoor gardening has arrived.
Perhaps you find, as I do, that gardening indoors is a pleasant activity with equally pleasant side effects. Houseplants connect us to nature, improve our winter-weary moods, and provide us with beautiful, living decoration for our homes. And unlike the garden outdoors, where enthusiasm often exceeds both sense and strength, a collection of houseplants is manageable. There are no hoses to drag, nor any weeds to pull. Indeed, we receive a bounty of joy for only a modicum of toil!
Let’s celebrate this season of indoor gardening with a friendly survey: Your favorite houseplants. Which ones bring you springtime cheer in the dead of winter? African violets? Riotous vines? Tropical things we’ve never heard of? Tell us your favorites in the comments section below.
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Gregory says
My favorite houseplants? Just about any that will grow in a NYC apartment with west-facing windows. Right now I'm experimenting with ferns, including Boston, Rabbit's Foot, and something called the Asparagus Fern. Actually, the Asparagus Fern is not a fern at all, but it does have beautiful, whispy foliage. I also have a lot of paperwhite narcissi just beginning to sprout.
Judy says
I've always loved ivy! But remember that spidery plant I have that I was suspecting was a weed? Well, all of a sudden after years and years another one is sprouting up in the pot! It's leafy, growing like mad and looks like it's going to be fabulous. How did that happen when I thought the plant was practically dead? Do tell!
Justin says
Does a Chia Pet count? (Just kidding.) At the moment, my favorite houseplants are my African violets, because they are all in bloom right now. Why is it that they bloom faithfully in October, but not so much for the rest of the year? I also have some really large foliage plants, including a Norfolk Island Pine and a Philodendron, I think it's 'Monstera.'
Carol says
I'd have to say the plant that gives me the most cheer in the dead of winter is amaryllis. I have three, and I hope they all bloom again this year: pink appleblossom, pure white and a dark red number. I'd like to get an evergreen one, but the stores never seem to have them. I've only seen them for mail order.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Gregory – I love ferns, too. One day I'd like to try my hand at the challenging “Staghorn.”
Judy – I'm curious about your plant. Can you take a picture of it, and send to me? ([email protected])
Justin – As you can tell from the photo up top, I, too, am nuts about African Violets. They do seem to bloom in October, but they should bloom all year long. I'll have a post on AV culture up soon…stay tuned!
Carol – We can't beat amaryllis for winter color! Are your bulbs dormant now? If not, quit watering and let the foliage wither. When a new green tip appears in January or February, begin watering again. (But you probably know all of this!)
Carol says
Kevin, yes, I forced the bulbs into dormancy during the first part of September. They are resting soundly in my basement!
Emily says
Here's something you forgot to mention about the joys of houseplants: No Japanese beetles!!!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Carol – sounds like you are thoroughly aware of amaryllis' cultural needs!
Emily – how could I have forgotten the JBs!?