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THE window sill is an ideal place for growing a wide range of house plants - shade-loving plants should be grown on north facing window sills (cordyline, ficus, syngonium), while light requiring plants are ideally suited for a south facing window (calathea, achemea).
However, an ideal window site is one receiving some sunshine for at least a few hours each day. If there is too much sunlight and the temperature soars too high, it is best to fit some form of shading to cut off excess light.
There are many ways of using windows for growing plants - from keeping a solitary pot on a sill to building up a comprehensive garden in an elaborate built in structure. The simplest window display is to have the plants lined up in ornamental pots. More plants can be accommodated just below window sills in plant stands of various designs. Small baskets can also be hanged from window ceilings. Plants like asparagus, hedera, nephrolepis are suitable for growing in hanging baskets. For a window receiving a lot of sun, cacti and succulents, flowering annuals, dwarf flowering shrubs grow well.
Plants in window sills require protection from chilling as well as from hot air currents. Select only hardy plants for such a situation. Plants with fine and delicate foliage are particularly at risk; so such plants should not be placed on window sills.
Terrariums and bottle gardens are also becoming increasingly popular in recent years. A wide range of plants can be grown in terrariums and bottles. Terrariums, bottles or glass cases are ideal means of growing house plants in a cool air conditioned room, because inside the container humid conditions are maintained and moisture loving house plants can be easily grown. In terrariums, a large section of house plants may be accommodated because of larger space and easy handling.
A well designed terrarium or bottle garden is always self-supporting. Moisture given off by the leaves condenses on the inside of the glass, runs down to the soil and is absorbed again by the roots. The inside atmosphere also remains in balance and the plants can survive without much attention, if properly exposed to sun, an optimal moisture level is maintained.
Any kind of containers, from jam jar to fish tank, made either from glass or plastic can be used as a terrarium. However, one should be careful about two things: the glass or plastic should be clear so that the plants get sufficient light and can be clearly seen from outside, and there should not be any leakage.
A few tips for growing house plants:
Do not make the arrangements with too many plants. Provide space for growth and display.
Do not plant flowering types in a shady corner unless for a short time.
Select the right type of plants according to the growing environment.
Avoid keeping house plants directly under fan.
Do not use oil or liquid wax to clean and make the leaf shiny. This will clog the leaf pores.
