Greetings all readers,
Although I’m not really good at Biology or Botany, I’ll be able to elaborate on my answer to your question that somehow relates to Botany as I’m very much interested in gardening.
Indoor gardening is more popular than ever – I guess all thanks to the pandemic – and it’s no big surprise to see homeowners jumping at different houseplants. However, when you are a beginner, it’s best to start with flowering plants that are easy to grow indoors.
Geranium
A geranium, also called cranesbill, is a type of flowering plant, a perennial with sweet-scented blossoms that belong to the Geraniaceae family and is a long-time favorite of gardeners. They form part of the most popular bedding and greenhouse plants that can be grown in the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics. But, most of them can be found in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.
Usually, this perennial shrub is well-known for its bright red flowers and pointy leaves, but they can also come in deep, almost magenta-type pink and white. Some are bi-colored and as per the University of Vermont, they can also come in unusual shades of purple and orange.
But, here comes the most important part, geraniums can grow and thrive very well in a domestic environment. They are very easy to care for and when they are provided with the right amount of water and lighting, they will be a welcome addition and a style statement to your home.
Here are some useful tips:
- Select a room in your house that has a South or West facing window.
- Geraniums just love the sun and don’t mind drenching it for long hours, so put them in direct sunlight for at least 7-8 hours per day. And, if you’ll be using artificial lighting, I think a good 14-hours will be enough.
- Geraniums like a light soil that is well-drained. You don’t need to water them continuously. Instead, let the soil dry out between the waterings.
- My last tip for a sturdy and blooming geranium would be to avoid too large pots.
Interesting Fact: Geraniums are also known for their multiple health benefits; for example, their ability to relieve menstrual pain, strengthen the immune system, improve skin condition, lower stress levels and ease digestion.
African Violet
Saintpaulia is the scientific term for African violets. These herbaceous perennial plants belong to the family Gesneriaceae and are native to Tanzania and the eastern tropical Africa. These low, dainty and compact plants with attractive dark green, thick, hairy leaves are known for producing clusters of blue, red, white or purple flowers.
The violet-like flowers are one of the world’s most favorite houseplants and for a good reason.
Many homeowners shy away from growing indoor flowering plants because of the wide range of quirks associated with each plant. And, no one wants to end up with a plain limp or dying plant. However, the good news is that African violets are the most effortless and easiest plants you can grow. These plants can bloom all year round and some of them are known to have lived for decades. Isn’t that great?
And, the bonus point is that African violets can easily fit into the décor or the bright corners of your living spaces.
So, here are some tips:
- Choose a north- or east-facing room for growing African violets.
- These plants perform best when they receive a lot of indirect sunlight.
- They need a very well-drained potting mix.
- The most challenging thing about growing African violets is the watering factor. These plants are very picky about water, so be careful of what you are watering them with. It is best to use lukewarm or tepid water and water them from the bottom. Avoid overwatering.
- Once it fizzles, cut off the flower head.
