Growing Green: Bringing Nature Inside
April 3rd, 2023
The San Francisco Bay Area is a unique area with a mild Mediterranean climate perfect for indoor gardening. Whether you live in a small apartment without much natural light or a penthouse with windows galore, indoor gardening can be a great way to bring the outdoors inside and add some greenery to your space.
If you’re lacking in the green thumb department, we have a few tips and tricks to help you get started.
Choose the right plants
The first step in indoor gardening is choosing the right plants for your space. In San Francisco, the mild climate means that you have a wide range of plants to choose from. Some of the most popular indoor plants in San Francisco include:
Snake plants
These hardy plants are easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of light and temperature conditions. Keep these in your bedroom to help filter air and convert carbon dioxide into oxygen as you sleep. Careful not to overwater these cuties, they can handle being watered only once a month..
Pothos
Pothos are another easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in low light conditions. Whether you have wraparound windows with sunshine all day or your home gets most of its light from decorative lamps, these beauties will flourish in your home as they remove toxins from the air. No need to water too frequently. Wait until the top layers of soil feels fully dry before watering again.
Spider plants
Spider plants are great for purifying the air and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. When you water the spider plant, aim for moist dirt but never soggy.
Peace lilies
Peace lilies are an easy to care for plant that are great for adding a pop of color to your bedroom and can help remove toxins from the air. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and mist the leaves to keep them fresh.
Succulents
If you want to stay California-drought-friendly, choose a succulent or cactus to decorate your home. Dirt should be fully dry before needing water again, likely every few weeks.
Using the right containers
Once you’ve chosen your plants, the next step is to choose the right containers. When it comes to indoor gardening in San Francisco and the East Bay, you have a wide range of container options to choose from. Some popular choices include:
- Terracotta pots: Terracotta pots are a classic choice for indoor gardening and can help regulate soil moisture levels.
- Ceramic pots: Ceramic pots come in a wide range of colors and patterns and can show off your personality and style.
- Hanging planters: Hanging planters are a great way to add greenery to your space without taking up valuable floor or counter space.
Caring for your plants
Once you’ve chosen your plants and containers, the next step is to care for them properly. In the Bay Area, the mild climate means that indoor plants can thrive year-round, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Light: Make sure your plants are getting enough light. Most indoor plants prefer bright, indirect light, but some can tolerate low light conditions. Be sure to research your specific plant’s light requirements before placing it in a darker corner of your apartment.
- Water: Make sure you’re not over- or under-watering your plants. Most indoor plants prefer to be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Find out your plant’s water preference before watering too much or too little.
- Temperature: Most indoor plants prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and will be happy in San Francisco or the East Bay. Be sure to keep your plants away from drafty windows or doors.
- Humidity: California is usually quite dry, especially during the summer months. Consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near your plants to help increase humidity levels.
- Extra Help: No shame in getting a little extra help! Our friends at Plant Therapy have foolproof tips on what kind of light and water your greenery needs.
Indoor gardening can be a great way to bring some greenery into your space and enjoy the benefits of plants all year round for those of us without the luxury of a backyard. With a wide range of plant and container options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that suits your space and your style. Just be sure to do your research and care for your plants properly to watch them thrive.
