Growing Plants in Containers
Gardening dreams gone to pot? Green fingered urges, but no ground to grow in? Try to contain your excitement, but we’ve compiled some top tips for growing healthy, vibrant potted plants, indoors or outside.
2 minute read
Picking Plants
Grasses, Shrubs and Herbs
These do well in window boxes or outdoor containers. If planting outside, pick varieties that can withstand the elements. Herbs not only smell great, but are perfect for adding fresh flavours to your cooking.
Succulents and Cacti
These have an exotic aesthetic and are easy to care for, as they need minimal water. Placed in funky pots, these plants are perfect for brightening up a lounge or bedroom. They’re happiest indoors in containers with plenty of drainage – put several types together to create an alien array of colourful, prickly plants.
Wild Flowers and Ivy
If you have a balcony or patio, consider hanging baskets or window boxes full of flowers, strawberries or ivy. Secure them safely to an awning, porch or railings using hooks or zip ties. You could also try hanging ivy indoors from a shower rail, as it’ll thrive in moist environments and add a splash of colour.
Other Interesting Indoor Options
- Snake plants – perfect for tall, narrow spaces and can survive in low light with little watering (great for windowless rooms)
- Calatheas – feature beautiful, dynamic leaves that open and close each day/night. Thrive with indirect light and humidity (mist leaves every few days)
Choosing Containers
Pick a pot that can hold roots with room to spare. Small pots dry out quicker – plant groups in containers to reduce watering chores. Keep an eye on growing plants, as you may need to upgrade the pot size.
It’s vital your container has adequate drainage (place a tray underneath). If plants sit in water, their roots can rot, which will kill them off quickly! Widen or drill extra holes, if needed – ideally, make holes more than 2cm in diameter.
Lightweight containers are a good way to avoid damage to window sills or furniture and make it easier to move plants and change the display.
Horticultural Hints
Keep the Tag
The care tag that comes with new plants from the garden centre often has vital information about the ideal temperature, nutrients required, watering cycle and light conditions for your plant.
Choose Good Compost
Grab some multi-purpose compost, as garden soil can be heavy and could contain weed seeds that will compete with your potted plants. Succulents and cacti do better when planted in a mixture of compost and perlite/gravel to help with drainage.
Find the Perfect Location
Figure out how much direct light your container will get throughout the day. Many plants, such as snake plants and calatheas, prefer indirect light to protect their delicate leaves. Try to place outdoor containers in a sheltered spot (behind a wall or in an alcove), to reduce harm from cold, drying winds. Ensure hanging baskets, window boxes or outdoor pots are fixed securely. Be aware that some plants are toxic to pets if ingested, e.g., snake plants and and ivy, so place these out reach of any curious mouths of your furry friends.
Let Plants Acclimatise
Plants don’t like abrupt changes to light exposure, temperature or moisture levels. This is particularly important with young plants that are used to the cushy confines of a greenhouse and need time to acclimatise to your home.
Water Carefully
Read the plant care tag for watering advice. Succulents and cacti like drier conditions, but most plants need soil that’s slightly moist. Push a finger into the soil to check for dampness – if it’s dry, add some water. Take care not to overwater, as waterlogging can lead to root rot and eventually kill the plant. Spritz the leaves of tropical plants every few days.
Rescuing a Plant in Peril
If leaves are wilting or yellow, the plant may need a drink (check soil is moist), some nutrients (add liquid feed to your watering can every fortnight) or more light (move the container somewhere brighter). If mould appears on the soil surface, scrape this off and let the soil dry out a bit.
