The Best Indoor Plants for Container Garden Arrangements-Care

In the summer, many flower growers take out pots with indoor plants to the balcony or take them with them to their dacha. Some of them can be a worthy garden decoration, forming harmonious compositions with popular annuals. Today, it is in vogue to use indoor plants as a highlight of container compositions. In this article, we will look at how to do it correctly and as effectively as possible, as well as determine the best indoor plants for decorating a garden in summer.

The best indoor plants for container garden arrangements. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Beverly Johnson
Contents:

1. Lantana

Lantana, a close relative of verbena, is an evergreen shrub that is popular in indoor and tub culture, and can be grown outdoors on the Black Sea coast. Small, nail-like flowers of lantana are collected in corymbose inflorescences, the main highlight of which is the ability to change color as it blooms. For example, yellows turn orange, or lemons turn pink, which makes the flowers look multi-colored.

In flower arrangements, lantana is used as an original understudy for verbena.In flower arrangements, lantana is used as an original understudy for verbena. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com josekusunoki

In flower arrangements, lantana is used as an original understudy for verbena. Lantana does not look too pretentious and exotic, its iridescent inflorescences will look great both in mono-plantings, and will create a harmonious ensemble with petunia or calibrachoa in purple, pink and white tones.

Erect tall varieties of lantana are planted in the center of the pots, and specimens with slightly falling shoots can be used as an ampel. In such a case, a massive decorative leafy plant, for example, a coleus, can serve as the center of the composition.

The only drawback of lantana is the abundant fall of faded flowers, which does not cause any particular problems in the garden, but when planting on the balcony, you should be prepared for the fact that lantana will slightly “litter”.

Features of caring for lantana in the garden

Lantana is very hardy and quickly adapts to outdoor conditions. The flower develops best in sunny places or in light partial shade with moderate watering.

For better branching, the tops of the stems need to be pinched periodically. On the balconies, this plant is often affected by the whitefly, so it is important to timely detect the pest and carry out the insecticide treatment.

Lantana is responsive to fertilization and will respond to this with rapid flowering, so you can safely fertilize its neighboring annuals in the recommended dose.

From November to February, it is better for the plant to provide a dormant period. During this period, the bushes are very moderately watered and kept at a temperature of + 12 … + 16 degrees.

Read more about growing lantana indoors in the article Indoor lantana camara is a colorful shrub.

2. Tradescantia

Tradescantia species have firmly occupied the niche of the most popular ampels grown in room culture. The endurance and unpretentiousness of these charming plants allows you to grow indoor tradescantia and as garden plants in hanging pots.

Tradescantia gibasis in composition with petuniaTradescantia gibasis in composition with petunia. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Lyudmila Svetlitskaya

The growing popularity of container floriculture has contributed to the fact that Tradescantia can often be found on sale along with seedlings of annuals (petunia, snapdragon, balsam, etc.), since it successfully sets off the brightness of variegated inflorescences and decorates the edges of the pots with a flowing waterfall of flexible stems.

Especially popular in container gardening tradescantia small-leaved и tradescantia gibazis (gibasis geniculata). Both species have very small leaves, in comparison with classic Tradescantia, thanks to which these crumbs will decorate flower arrangements even in the smallest pots and will not cover neighboring plants with foliage.

Tradescantia gibasis is decorated with small snow-white flowers on long peduncles, reminiscent of snowfields fluttering in the air. Small-leaved Tradescantia and gibasis will add originality to any flower arrangement. But it is better not to plant miniature forms of this plant near annuals, which also have an ampelous growth character, as they can hide tiny leaves of such tradescantia under them.

The best neighbors for these plants are bush forms of petunias, calibrachoa, alissum, dwarf snapdragon and balsam.

Features of caring for tradescantia in the garden

Tradescantia thrives best on well-drained, moderately fertile soils. In varieties with variegated leaves (rheo, zebrina), excessive feeding can lead to color fading, so it is better not to plant such species with summer plants that require regular use of fertilizers.

In the fall, it is important to bring the tradescantia into the premises in a timely manner, since a drop in temperature below +10 degrees negatively affects the plants.

Tradescantia is a partial shade plant, and sunshine is not the best place to place this flower. But species with brightly colored leaves will benefit from a few hours of direct sunlight. Too thick shade is also not desirable, as it causes the stems to stretch out.

3. Ivy

Some ivy species can successfully hibernate in open ground if they are provided with a dry, airy shelter. But most indoor varieties with different colors and shapes of leaf blades are more thermophilic and move to the garden only during the summer months.

In container compositions, ivy can be used as a spectacular ampelous plant.In container compositions, ivy can be used as a spectacular ampelous plant. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Lyudmila Svetlitskaya

In container compositions, ivy can be used in two forms. First of all, it is a very spectacular ampelous plant, whose flexible shoots will form a beautiful cascade. Although theoretically the length of the ivy trunk can reach several meters, this vine does not grow quickly, so it will look neat and not cause much trouble. In addition, ivy is not aggressive and will never interfere with neighboring flowers and block them from light.

The best partners for ivy are begonias, balsam (Waller and New Guinea), pelargoniums, and catharanthus. Ivy is not a very delicate plant; in flowerpots it can be combined with other ampels, such as dichondra or loosestrife.

Another option for using ivy is as a vertical accent in tub compositions, where vines can be shaped into any shape using wire structures (a ring, obelisk, or even a sphere or animal figurines). At the foot of such living sculptures, low bushy flowering plants (nemesia, alissum, calibrachoa, undersized bells, etc.) are planted.

Features of caring for indoor ivy in the garden

It is better not to plant compositions with ivy in open, sunny places without the slightest shading. It has been noticed that varieties with large leaves with a golden pattern are more susceptible to sunburn, therefore they require a longer adaptation period and a partial shade location. Small-leaved varieties without a pattern or with a white pattern are more hardy and will tolerate direct sun for several hours a day.

Ivy does not need special feeding, but the nutrients that it will receive when fertilizing its neighbors in the container will not have a negative effect on the vine.

Ivy does not tolerate drought and excessive dryness of the air. In the summer heat, it is advisable to spray the plant regularly, and in the pots to prevent the earthen coma from completely drying out.

4. Dracaena

Adult dracaena are multi-stemmed trees of an exotic species and, from the point of view of landscape design, it is very difficult to fit them into the usual garden of the middle lane.

Compositions with dracaena should be placed in partial shadeCompositions with dracaena should be placed in partial shade. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Retete Usoare

But young specimens of many types of dracaena are rosettes of linear leaves of variegated color and they are often used as vertical accents in container compositions as an alternative to perennial cereals.

Dracaena easily propagates by rooting cut tops, so you can rejuvenate a plant that has grown too long bald stems from age, and at the same time decorate the garden.

Considering the tropical appearance of this houseplant, it is better to choose the same sultry southerners with an eccentric appearance as companions for the dracene, for example, begonia, catharanthus, dwarf double zinnia or New Guinea balsam, etc. Such flower mixes will bring a little subtropical flavor to the garden and will make you feel like you are on vacation in exotic countries.

Features of caring for dracaena in the garden

Compositions with the participation of dracaena should be placed in partial shade. Despite its southern origin, dracaena will suffer greatly in a too sunny place, and sunburn will appear on the leaves.

At low air humidity, dracaena may experience drying out of the tips of the leaves, which will negatively affect the general appearance of the composition. Therefore, during the dry season, it is necessary to periodically arrange a shower of warm water for the dragon. In the summer heat, watering should be regular and abundant, however, stagnant water is unacceptable, and containers with dracaena must have drainage holes.

In autumn, dracaena is returned to the windowsill, without waiting for the night temperature to drop below + 10 … + 12 degrees.

5. Coleus

For a long time, Coleus was considered exclusively as a houseplant. But over time, breeders received whole groups of variety series, which are easily reproduced using seeds in a seedling way.

The real splendor of the multicolored color of Coleus is revealed when growing them in the garden.The real splendor of the multicolored coloration of Coleus is revealed when grown in the garden. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Lyudmila Svetlitskaya

At the same time, the richest variety can be found precisely among the so-called “vegetative” coleus, which reproduce exclusively by cuttings and do not set seeds.

Such coleus feel great in indoor culture, but the real splendor of their multicolor color is revealed when grown in the garden. During the winter, these plants grow strong bushes, which will serve as a reliable basis for any composition of annual flowers.

Among annuals, there is no such plant that could not form a harmonious duet with coleus, it is only important to take into account the principles of combining colors that are well known to designers.

For example, in the company of a yellow coleus, it is recommended to plant plants that bloom with red, purple or orange flowers. Coleus varieties of raspberry colors go well with inflorescences of yellow, pale pink colors, and the original orange coleus is set off by pastel lavender, lemon and blue colors.

The popular duet “koleus + petunia” is a win-win option that will be a stable decoration for your garden from mid-May until the first frost.

Read more about growing indoor coleus in the article Return of indoor coleus, or New life of decorative nettles.

Features of caring for coleus in the garden

The illumination requirement of Coleus depends largely on the specific variety. Most cultivars with variegated foliage tolerate bright sunlight, which makes the color of the leaf blades more expressive. But in shady places, the color of the foliage most often fades. However, prolonged sun exposure from morning to evening is not the best conditions for Coleus, and often it leads to burns.

Compositions with coleus are recommended to be positioned so that the plants receive several hours of direct sun, but are protected from it in the midday heat. Coleus needs regular watering in the heat, otherwise the plant will quickly drop its leaves, but when watering, the turgor will surely be restored.

The nutrients that the plant will receive when feeding neighboring summer plants will have a beneficial effect on the color of the foliage and the general tone of the plant. To maintain a compact shape at the Coleus, it is important to pinch the tops of the shoots and peduncles.

Other indoor plants that are suitable for use in container garden compositions: fuchsia, pelargonium, Fittonia, sansevieria, alokaziya, mandible, oleander, date palm, hibiscus, Cyperus, citrus, Adenium, Ficus and others.

Rules for planting indoor flowers in garden compositions

The most important rule is to gradually accustom the plants to outdoor conditions. To do this, pots with plants should be taken outside for several hours a day, gradually increasing the level of illumination. Only after the indoor flowers get used to the new conditions can they be planted in flowerpots and combined with annuals.

In the same way, the plants are gradually being prepared for returning to the apartment, gradually reducing the level of illumination, for example, by rearranging the flowerpots under a canopy.

It is best to plant compositions with indoor plants in early June, when the threat of return frosts has completely passed.

Equally important is the selection of neighbors in a pot for indoor plants. In this regard, it is worth considering both the general style, which will determine the appearance of the plant, and the requirements for the conditions of detention.

Most indoor plants are from tropical countries, and flowers associated with temperate flora can cause a feeling of disharmony if their partners turn out to be flowers associated with the flora of a temperate climate. It will be best if other “southerners” settle next to indoor flowers.

Plants with special requirements for keeping conditions, watering regime and soil type are best planted in a container along with a pot. For example, cyperus, which is often used in the West as an original accent in a composition, needs constant hydration, which may not be pleasant to its flowering neighbors.

It is important to water indoor plants only with warm, settled water. Using icy water from a well or borehole will be a huge stress on your home flowers.

Before you return indoor flowers to your home, it is important to inspect them for pest infestation. Whitefly, thrips and spider mites at home will multiply at a double rate, so it is important to carry out treatments in a timely manner and prevent them from entering the premises.

It is best to plant compositions with indoor plants in early June, when the threat of return frosts has completely passed.It is best to plant compositions with indoor plants in early June, when the threat of return frosts has completely passed. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com houzz

What indoor plants are not recommended to be taken out into the garden

The most delicate indoor plants that require special conditions of maintenance, as a rule, are the owners of pubescent leaves (veto, Gloxinia, streptocarpus etc.)

Too bright sunlight and moisture on the foliage will not only ruin the appearance of such green pets, but can also lead to the rapid death of plants. Therefore, when sending these indoor dwellers on vacation, it is important to take responsibility for the choice of their location.

For such plants, it is imperative to organize places under a canopy to protect from precipitation and sheltered from direct sunlight. Such indoor flowers are unsuitable for creating container mixes.

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Anna Evans

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