10 Wild Plants to Plant Indoors

Indoor gardening offers a unique opportunity to cultivate the beauty of the wild within the comfort of your own home. While many gardeners focus on traditional houseplants, exploring the world of wild plants can bring a sense of adventure and connection to the natural world. From ferns and mosses to flowering herbs and foliage, these 10 wild plants can thrive indoors and infuse your living spaces with a touch of untamed charm.

1. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)

Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair ferns are renowned for their delicate, lacy foliage and their preference for filtered light. With their fronds resembling fine hairs, these ferns create an elegant and airy presence in indoor spaces. Provide them with consistent moisture and indirect light for optimal growth.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.)

Also known as the "mother-in-law's tongue," snake plants are tough and adaptable. Their upright, sword-like leaves come in various patterns and colors. Snake plants thrive in low light conditions and require minimal watering, making them ideal for busy indoor gardeners.

3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are beloved for their arching, variegated leaves that resemble spider legs. These adaptable plants are excellent air purifiers and can thrive in a range of lighting conditions. Spiderettes, or small plantlets, can be propagated to create new plants.

4. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)

Creeping fig is a versatile vine that can be grown as a trailing plant or trained to climb along walls and trellises. Its small, heart-shaped leaves create a lush and verdant appearance. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth.

5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is a classic choice for indoor gardening, known for its trailing vines and distinct, lobed leaves. It can be grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb. English ivy prefers bright, indirect light and slightly moist soil.

6. Mosses (Various Genera)

Mosses bring the enchantment of forests and woodlands indoors. They thrive in moist, shaded conditions, making them excellent choices for terrariums or decorative displays. Mosses add a touch of magic and tranquility to indoor spaces.

7. Oregano (Origanum spp.)

Herbs like oregano can be grown indoors to provide fresh flavor to your culinary creations. Oregano's aromatic leaves are ideal for cooking, and they thrive in a sunny windowsill. Regular pruning will encourage bushy growth and a steady supply of leaves.

8. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)

African violets are beloved for their charming, fuzzy leaves and delicate, colorful flowers. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. With proper care and regular feeding, African violets can bloom throughout the year.

9. Scented Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)

Scented geraniums are prized for their fragrant leaves that release delightful aromas when touched or brushed against. Varieties include rose, lemon, mint, and more. These versatile plants thrive in sunny spots and can be grown indoors year-round.

10. Pilea (Pilea spp.)

Pilea, also known as the "Chinese money plant" or "pancake plant," features round, coin-like leaves on slender stems. Its unique appearance and ease of care have made it a popular choice among indoor gardeners. Pilea prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.

 

Caring for Your Indoor Wild Plants

While each wild plant has its specific needs, there are general care guidelines that apply to many indoor species:

  • 1. Light: Assess the lighting conditions in your home and choose plants that match those conditions. Most indoor wild plants thrive in bright, indirect light.
  • 2. Watering: Pay attention to the moisture requirements of your plants. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
  • 3. Humidity: Some wild plants, such as ferns and mosses, appreciate higher humidity levels. You can enhance humidity by placing plants on trays filled with water or using a room humidifier.
  • 4. Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for indoor plants. Ensure that your containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogged roots.
  • 5. Pruning: Regularly prune dead or yellowing leaves to encourage healthy growth. Trimming also helps maintain the desired shape of your plants.
  • 6. Fertilization: Indoor plants benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • 7. Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites. Isolate new plants for a few weeks to prevent introducing pests to your existing collection.

 

The Joys of Indoor Wild Gardening

Cultivating wild plants indoors offers a range of benefits and joys:

  • 1. Connection to Nature: Bringing the beauty of the wild indoors allows you to connect with nature regardless of your living environment.
  • 2. Creativity: Designing unique arrangements and displays with wild plants lets you express your creativity and create personalized indoor landscapes.
  • 3. Stress Relief: Caring for indoor plants has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall well-being.
  • 4. Learning Opportunity: Growing a variety of indoor wild plants exposes you to different care requirements, helping you develop your gardening skills.
  • 5. Aesthetic Appeal: The diverse textures, shapes, and colors of indoor wild plants add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to your home.

Conclusion

Introducing wild plants into your indoor spaces invites the untamed spirit of nature to thrive alongside you. From trailing vines to delicate ferns, each plant offers its unique charm and personality. As you care for these indoor companions, you'll not only create a tranquil and vibrant environment but also deepen your connection to the wild world beyond your windows. Indoor wild gardening is a journey of discovery, nurturing, and sharing in the wonders of nature, all within the cozy confines of your home.

 

 

maidenhair fern - TN Nursery

Maidenhair Fern

The Maidenhair Fern is a delicate, deciduous plant with finely divided, fan-shaped fronds and distinctive black stems, adding an elegant touch to shaded gardens and moist woodlands. It is an aesthetically pleasing plant that offers a range of benefits when used in landscaping. Its unique characteristics and visual appeal make it famous for outdoor and indoor spaces.  The Maidenhair is prized for its delicate leaves and long lifespan. The scientific name is Adiantum SPP, and it's part of 250 species of these plants, including the Northern, Delta, and Southern Maidenhair ferns. The Greek part of the plant's official name means unwetted, and it gets that name from its ability to shed water without getting damp. These plants are native to the Himalayas, East Asia, and the eastern part of North America. Maidenhair Fern's (Adiantum) Leaves  Adiantum spp are prized for their fan-shaped leaves. They are known to make excellent houseplants and usually grow between one and two feet tall and the same width. Their stems are wiry black, while the leaves are bright green. Gardeners can expect them to reach their full height in three years, and with proper care, they can live up to 15 years. Maidenhair Fern Grows Well In Pots  Adiantum SPP grows well in pots, containers, and terrariums and can be replanted as it outgrows its container. It also makes great container plants and can be planted in shade gardens and hosta gardens. The Adiantum SPP is known for its air purification qualities. The leaves draw in airborne toxins and are used as nutrients, helping them clean the air wherever they are planted. They also release moisture, which can help combat dry indoor air. When the Adiantum SPP is grown outdoors, it can help stabilize loose soil and cover wildlife, including frogs, lizards, and birds. Birds will sometimes use the dried frons to line their nests. Companion Plants For Maidenhair Fern  The Adiantum SPP can be grown with other flowers and ferns, including the strawberry begonia, coral bells, ginger, woodland geraniums, bloodroot, hostas, hellebores, and pulmonarias. Gardeners can enjoy the calmness of Maidenhair Ferns indoors and outdoors. They make excellent potted plants and look wonderful around water features and along hillsides. They can also be combined with other ferns and flowers to create eye-catching garden beds. Maidenhair Ferns Are An Excellent Choice For Potted Ferns

English Ivy - TN Nursery

English Ivy

English Ivy is a low-growing ground cover plant; it has glossy, heart-shaped leaves and produces small, inconspicuous brownish-purple flowers nestled among its dense, carpet-like foliage. It is a fantastic and versatile plant with several landscaping benefits. This evergreen vine is native to Europe and Western Asia and is widely embraced for its aesthetic appeal, adaptability, and practical applications. English Ivy is a woody evergreen perennial vine and foliage plant proliferating on vertical surfaces like trees, walls, fences, and trellises. The ancient Greeks believed the plant was sacred to the god Dionysus, and pagan druids revered it as a symbol of the divine feminine. In classical Latin, “hedera” refers to the ability to grasp, which is in keeping with the vine’s nature. English Ivy (Hedera helix) Loves Shade Native to Europe, Scandinavia, and parts of Russia, the Hedera helix is nearly ubiquitous in Britain and is naturalized and prolific in many regions of the United States. In the wild, the plant grows under, on trees, and up the sides of rocky cliffs, favoring moist, shady areas out of the sun. English Ivy Is A Natural Air Purifier  Mature Hedera helix vines typically grow up to 80 feet tall and span a three- to five-foot width. Their climbing stems bear young, five-lobed leaves, while their fertile stems bear adult, spade-shaped leaves. These deep-green leaves can vary in size between two and four inches long. The top of the plant will often develop clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom from late summer until late autumn. These nectar-rich blossoms will eventually yield a crop of small purple-black to orange-yellow berries that persist into winter. English Ivy Kills Weeds Its bright green foliage can add all-season color to any landscape and beautify forlorn spaces. Its vines can be trained to climb many stable vertical surfaces or grown as a ground cover to suppress weeds. Since Hedera helix proliferates, it can make a good screen on a fence or trellis. When carefully grown on exterior building walls, it can protect their surfaces from exposure to bad weather and help regulate the temperature. Within the United States, Hedera helix can provide food and habitat for wildlife. Butterflies and moths eat their leaves, bees feed on their flowers’ nectar, and birds eat their berries in winter. The foliage often shelters insects and small animals and sometimes attracts nearby deer. English Ivy Is An Evergreen Hedera helix is a beautiful evergreen vine with a rich history. When you plant it in your garden, you can enjoy its charming English ivy character all year. What is the best fertilizer for English ivy? English ivy is best fertilized by a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, which should be used every four to six weeks when growth is most active during early spring and summer. The standard vegetation growth formula that can be used is the 20-20-20 formula as a means of encouraging the growth of foliage.  Is the English ivy easy to maintain English ivy is an easy-growing plant that can be grown under different environmental conditions. It has to grow groomed and Pruning can help in its regulation besides making it look neat. It's also very hardy and will survive short periods of neglect.  Can I grow an English ivy plant indoors?  If placed in bright, indirect light, English ivy is an ideal indoor plant. Give the plant good drainage when planting, and occasionally spray the leaves with a mist to promote humidity.  Companion plants for the English ivy Suitable companions of English ivy are the ferns, hostas, and begonias, blending well in shaded gardens. These plants have similar growth requirements, and their growth characteristic, such as trailing nature, complement ivy.  Where to grow English ivy  English ivy thrives in partial to fully shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. It's very adaptable and can grow as a low-growing trailing plant, a climbing vine, or in pots. However, it is also important not to plant it in a position where it may spread and become invasive.

Carpet Moss - TN Nursery

Carpet Moss

Carpet Moss is a thick, dense, low-growing, and lush green moss species commonly found in shaded, damp environments, forming a dense carpet-like ground cover. It grows densely, creating a low-lying, velvety mat that adds a touch of tranquility to any garden or landscape. It is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing species offering numerous landscaping benefits. It primarily serves as a natural ground cover and an attractive addition to various outdoor spaces in landscaping. Live Carpet Moss (Hypnum cupressiforme) Thrives in Areas of Shade and Moisture  Carpet moss gets its name from its ability to create thick, soft stretches. As it grows across the soil, it makes a charming look reminiscent of high-quality mats. It only grows to one inch in height, so it always has a low, uniform look. It clusters together into such tightly packed mats that you often cannot see the soil underneath, making it an ideal ground cover option. Its rich, emerald green shades help a property look as lively and appealing as possible. It tends to look like a lush, green rug from far away. However, if you look closely at this plant, you'll notice that it consists of dense clusters of small plants. Tiny, feathery fronds peek out of the plant, creating a subtle texture that adds visual appeal to your landscape. Mature can include a blend of bright green, newer stalks, and golden brown, older stalks. All these gentle variations in hue allow it to look even more vibrant and attractive in your yard. How to Landscape With Carpet Moss It is one of the most exciting and versatile plants for a landscape. Some property owners find it can entirely replace grass and create a lush lawn. It is also a charming addition to garden features. Consider setting it between checkerboard pavers to create a life-size chessboard or adding it to a rock garden to create a magical forest appearance. The unique structure of it even allows it to grow over boulders and tree stumps, so landscapers aren't just limited to patches of earth. Adding a whimsical, organic look to your rocks or trees can create a charming pop of green on your property. Enjoy Carpet Moss Throughout the Year As an evergreen perennial, Carpet Moss looks stunning at any time of year. Even in winter, it continues to appear soft and carpet-like. It always maintains its bright, emerald green, and golden brown shades, so your property looks lush and colorful even when other plants are dormant. Moss Helps Improve Air Quality Moss produces oxygen through photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, moss absorbs carbon dioxide and water, using sunlight to convert them into glucose and oxygen. This process helps to improve air quality and contributes to the oxygen levels in the atmosphere, playing a role in maintaining the balance of gases in the environment, especially in shaded and damp areas where it thrives. How Fast Does Carpet Moss Grow  Carpet moss has average growth characteristics and will develop an extra inch on a monthly basis under favorable conditions. Planting it in a good environment, of course, can help promote fast development.  Does Carpet Moss spread  Yes. It reproduces asexually through the formation of rhizoids, which make it crawl on the surfaces. It establishes deep green coverage over time, especially in the areas likely to be exposed to moisture and shade.  How do you make carpet moss grow faster  To speed up the increase in size, ensure humidity, light, and nutritious base materials are well supplied. It will grow even faster with regular misting.  Does carpet moss absorb sunlight  Carpet moss captures light indirectly and uses the light for photosynthesis to produce the energy it needs. It prefers low to medium-light climates and can be grown well in shaded areas or indoors.  How Do You Care For Carpet Moss  It requires constant moisture, indirect light, and a good ventilation system. Refrain from exposing it to direct sunlight.

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