By Staff Writer: Jerri Clewis
It’s finally April, and with luck, the last frost for cities in New Mexico will be fast approaching with warmer weather on its heels.
That means it’s the perfect time to start getting ready to grow some of your favorite plants. Although the season often means filling up an outdoor garden with all manner of plants, there is no reason why you can’t use the coming weeks to bring some greenery into your indoor spaces!
Gardening can be expensive, time-consuming and require a lot of space, but there are plenty of ways to tackle those hurdles. It’s all about choosing the best plants for your needs and capabilities. Just remember, it’s all up to you!
When it comes to small spaces, hanging or container plants can be a great way to liven up a room. Some traditional houseplant options are Pothos, Philodendrons, and Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum), which can all add much-loved greenery to your décor. If colors are more your thing, then Bromeliads can be fun and bright options, although it isn’t always easy to get them to flower indoors. Anthuriums, Widow’s-thrill (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) and orchids are great choices for vibrant blooms!
For pet owners, always research any desired indoor plants since many (like Philodendrons) can cause irritation. Some can even be toxic for pets if ingested.
If maintenance is an issue, some low-effort plants include succulents, snake plants (Sansevieria), ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), and even Aloe Vera. Each type requires minimal attention, which means more time you can spend admiring the plant rather than taking care of it!
There are also sturdy plant options like lucky bamboo, which is surprisingly stubborn and thrives in just water or a few decorative rocks. Lucky bamboo is commonly considered a hardy plant that requires minimal upkeep, and it can even survive in low-light conditions, making it a great choice for those looking for something for an office or other workspace where light and care may not be as frequent.
Already growing Lucky bamboo is often available in various shapes and styles at nurseries or other places where you can purchase potted plants.
If you prefer functionality over decoration, some vegetables can be grown indoors with effort, space and a little light. Carrots, beets, herbs, salad greens, garlic, radishes and some peppers are all good choices for those interested in cultivating food indoors. You can even grow pineapples indoors with some soil and a container pot!
A fun and easy option for those who love to cook is green onion (scallions). You can grab a bundle from the vegetable section of your local grocery store, place the root ends in a cup with a bit of water, and then sit back and watch them grow. A glass of green onions can be a unique and fun windowsill decoration.
Even if you live in a dorm, many of these options are doable because of how little space they take up, so if gardening is something you’d like to try, give it a shot.
You never know how much you might end up liking it!