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While growing plants indoors can be rewarding, it requires commitment and time in addition to knowledge about the necessary lighting, soil and temperature for the plant you want to grow. Additionally, you can grow pot plants in several ways.

Before you do anything else, inspect the area where you plan to grow your plants. The potted plant must be placed in an area where it will receive natural light several hours a day. Artificial lighting is also an option if you have the budget for it. There are special indoor lights and lamps that can be used to replace natural sunlight. Ensure that your home’s temperature is ideal for the plant, since this is the easiest factor to control.

Choose a container that is the appropriate size for your potted plant. The bigger the plant, the bigger the pot should be. Stunted growth of the roots and the inability to “breathe” properly can result from putting a big plant in a small pot. A small plant in a large pot will usually not look good, but it might grow to fit its pot. Instead, you should start your plant in a small pot, transplanting it to a larger one when it outgrows the smaller size. You can also choose from various styles and sizes. As a general rule, the container’s diameter should half the plant’s height. Further, make sure the pot has drainage holes in its bottom to prevent the roots from drowning.

Look for the appropriate growing medium or soil type next. Because it is unable to drain properly, garden soil is typically unsuitable. It might also contain insects or fungi that can be harmful to your plant. Choose a packaged potting soil that can hold moisture while aerating the plant’s roots.

When the plant should be watered can be affected by several factors. These are sun, rain, wind, heat, and the type of plant you are growing.

You should water most plant regularly, although not to the drowning point. But some desert plants, such as aloe vera, may do better when their soil is allowed to dry out, and is then flooded with large amounts of water. This makes some desert varieties ideal for people who have a hard time remembering to water their plants regularly. The amount of water any plant needs can vary each day.

Compared to plants that grow in the ground, potted plants dry up more quickly. You can determine if the plant needs to be watered by sticking your finger into the soil. If it is dry, then it needs to be watered.

In general, you should fertilize potted plants every two weeks. When you water a plant, it flushes the nutrients from the growing medium. Organic fertilizer is preferrable, particularly if kids or pets are in the home, you grow edible plants, or you’ll use the plants for medicinal or personal purposes.

As a note, some plants are poisonous to animals or humans. Before you bring a plant into your home, thoroughly research it if you have children or pets in your home. (See Pets and Plant Poisoning for more information on this.)

Protect plants from harmful pests when you grown themin or around your home. Even if it’s inside the house, insects can get in and destroy your plant. Use one of the organic pesticides on the market to combat this problem.

Regardless of the environment (in a garden, inside the home, on a balcony or patio), growing potted plants can be worthwhile and rewarding. Whether for decoration or fragrance, as edible fruits and vegetables, or for teas and natural remedies, potted plants have endless uses.

Although study and application of standard practices and proper growing techniques are necessary when growing plants indoors, the process will become easier and is worth the trouble.

About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn how to live greener and more eco-friendly lives. Learn more about sustainable living at her blog on Living Sustainably.

This article was first posted at Growing Potted Plants.