How green is your home

Vaishali Singh Chadha

Besides adding grace to the interiors, plants in these pots help clean the environment and improve air quality by filtering pollutants. It has been scientifically proved that indoor plants can filter the air of emissions, including ammonia and carbon monoxide. 

With all pleasure

Some of the main benefits of pots and planters are that you can keep these indoors as well as outdoors. Just the concept of growing plants in pots is a great idea for it brings you closer to nature. 

There are several other possibilities that you can try with pots and planters. If you live in a city where the climate is perpetually warm, you can put these indoors where it is relatively cool and place these outside only for display. Similarly, if you stay in a city, which has plenty of rainfall and less of sun, you can keep pots inside. In cold weather, these can be nurtured in a kitchen where it is usually warm.

Visually, these lend an air of sophistication to the house and have are real health benefits as well. Studies have shown that indoor pots, planters and containers help in ridding the house of pollutants and boost mental and physical health.

On a different note

You can give your creativity a lot of freedom while developing a container garden. Shop colourful planters, terracotta statues from a nursery and place these around pots. Utmost care must be taken while selecting the pots to grow plants. The material and shape of the container makes all the difference. You must ensure that the pot is conducive to your plant’s health and goes with the colour scheme of your walls and other furniture.  

Terracotta pots are porous and these help the plant to breathe freely. However, these may not be suitable in colder regions, where the soil expands. Glazed-ceramic containers make for great decor elements, as these are available in a range of colours and shapes to match the décor. 

Those who reside in apartments that have plenty of windows can experiment with pots in ample ways. Wooden or plastic pots are high on utility as these can be moved and cleaned easily. As compared to terracotta, these are easy to maintain. Wooden planters can also add class to your décor, but make sure these are tough and termite-resistant. Stone containers too can lend a natural touch to the garden, though, these are heavier and not easy to shift from one spot to another. 

Planters with narrow openings should be avoided as they would restrict the growth of the plant. For long-rooted plants, deep pots are the best choice. Colour too can play a significant role. In hot climates, for example, light coloured containers and planters serve the purpose better, as these lessen the heat absorption. 

Hang on

It is important to figure out what kind of planters would suit your house. You can use wood or clay or even glass containers as hanging baskets. While using a basket, it should be lined with a plastic tray or the water will drip on the floor.

Some plants live longer in pots than when directly planted in soil. Annual flowers like geraniums, begonias, zinnias, periwinkles and snapdragons look graceful in half-barrels or other large containers. Pansies, marigolds and nasturtiums add colour to the house. It is important to ensure that the base of the container has sufficient holes to enable draining the surplus water. Ideally, fill the planter with about two inches of pebbles; add a four-inch layer of compost and mud mixed with a handful of plant food. Now plant the flowers and give these sufficient sunlight and water. 

Care must be taken while watering indoor planters. You must decide whether to water from the top or bottom. If watering from the top, make sure that water that remains beneath the pot should be discarded one hour after watering. However, watering from the bottom ensures thorough wetting of the soil mass. 

Match the colours

You can add another dimension to gardening by matching the colours of flower pots. Yellow has a magical effect with blue, purple and red colours. If pink pots are used with blue, the effect is dramatic. Similarly, white with green can also have a soothing effect. Purple and orange make for a great contrast. A lot of interesting variations are available these days at online decor stores. Or you can get creative with do-it-yourself pots, by using discarded bottles and utensils. 

Flowering plants in pots and containers not just enhance the indoor beauty, but also usher in positive vibes in the entire household. So, go ahead and sprout a green thumb and spread some cheer with these indoor elements.