Houseplants are an excellent way to bring a bit of color indoors throughout the winter months. While many people keep tropical plants indoors year round, there are also several annual plants that can be grown indoors. Learning more about these types of plants can help you get a better understanding of how to maintain a thriving indoor garden.
Can Annuals Survive Indoors?
The first step in determining whether or not an annual can survive indoors is to understand the plant type. Annuals refer to plants which grow, flower, and set seed in one season. Perennials are those which return season after season.
In climates which are not ideal, many perennials can be grown as annuals. Bringing in these flowers to grow indoors can help you keep your favorite perennials throughout the winter until the next warm season arrives. This is also helpful to those who wish to take cuttings and multiply their plant stock each season.
Annuals That Can Grow Indoors
There are several true annual plants that can be grown indoors. Among the most popular annual plants are certain types of herbs. Basil, cilantro, and dill are all such examples. Many smaller flowers, like annual begonias or impatiens, can also be grown inside in containers. Other outdoor plants commonly grown as annuals, like nasturtium, can also be grown indoors throughout the winter.
While a full list of annual indoor flowers may be difficult to find, gardeners are often surprised by the versatility of these plants. Key considerations for growing annuals indoors include both temperature, day length, and the need for supplemental lighting.
Bringing in the Delicates
Among the most common annual flowers to grow indoors are those that need overwintering. While some plants can be brought indoors in a dormant state, many of these plants will remain green throughout the duration of winter. Popular and colorful indoor overwintering plants include geraniums, bougainvillea, coleus, and lantana.
Before moving any plant indoors, gardeners should take care to make certain that all specimens are healthy and disease free. Careful inspection for insects is essential, as this will help to prevent more serious pest issues which may occur indoors.