This article focusses on the growth in popularity of indoor planter boxes, highlighting the various types, suggestions for best placement and tips on how to choose a planter box ideal for your indoor circumstances.
Indoor plants don’t just make our spaces more beautiful and colorful, but also purify the air we breathe and make us feel good.
But, we need to provide them with the right conditions so that they grow happy and healthy. One of the most important factors is definitely the container we’re going to put them in.
Although you can go with the standard plastic or terracotta pot, an indoor planter box is also worth your consideration. This innovative and good-looking container ensures our plants are safe and our homes clean.
These boxes are sturdy and designed with durability in mind. Here’s some background information for those new to planter boxes.
What are planter boxes?
A planter box, like its name suggests, is a box specifically intended for growing plants and flowers. They can be made in various shapes and from different materials either as a DIY project or store-bought.
Why are indoor planter boxes so popular?
Despite being an evergreen favourite for outdoor gardening, planter boxes for use indoors have grown in popularity over the last couple of years.
There are a lot of reasons for this; including how stylish they make the space look and how much they can simplify plant care and the wide range of choice.
What are the different types of planter boxes?
Movable vs. Permanent
Indoors, movable planters are more common.
This is because they’re easy to transport from one place to another and are a great option when you need to change the temperature or the amount of sunlight the plant gets.
Or, feel free to take it out on the porch in the summer.
On the other hand, permanent planter boxes, although they can be installed indoors as well, are more common choice for outdoor areas. They can be joined to the porch or the walls.
Shape is also important.
Generally, they come in either square or rectangular forms. You can also find models with legs that are similar to pots, rather than boxes. Ultimately, it’s up to your personal taste.
My personal favorite is the multi shelved systems. (see below). It’s a very convenient way of way of creating and displaying an indoor garden, especially if space is at a premium.
When it comes to materials, here are the most common types of planter boxes:
- Wooden-they look rustic and natural and are easier to move around. To ensure they last long, pick ones made of quality wood.
And, remember, soil in wooden containers dries out faster than in other containers, so adjust the watering schedule!
- Concrete/ Fiberstone-although much heavier than the wooden boxes, these ones have some pretty awesome features to offer.
From being eco-friendly and very durable to keeping your plants warm, especially during winter, they can be a pretty good investment.
- Metal-these boxes can look really stunning.
There are numerous styles and looks to experiment with. You can even be creative and decorate them on your own (brushing, painting, etc.)
They’re known to be very long-lasting, despite eventually rusting or corroding. They’re better for shadier locations in your space as metal tends to get hot in the sun, which can burn your greens and dry the soil!
- Ceramic-if you’re looking to bring elegance in your home or office; ceramic planter boxes are perfect.
Whether for the living room or bedroom, they’ll look awesome. They’re also quite sturdy-they don’t lose their shine or form.
And, it doesn’t retain water like other materials do. However, they’re more prone to cracks and breaks than, let’s say, plastic or metal boxes.
- Plastic- you can find plastic planter boxes in multiple colors to fit optimally in your décor.
It’s the best option for those plants that love moisture or if you’re the forgetful-kind-of-gardener because it retains water more than other materials.
These boxes are very lightweight, yet flexible and durable.
Ideas for best placement
The best place for your indoor planter box is similar to where you would place a regular pot. What’s essential is to be a bright, airy, and warm area.
This could be your bedroom, kitchen or living room. Also, consider the plant’s needs. If it doesn’t need a lot of light, a shadier section of the room will be awesome!
How to choose the best planter box
- Material-choose a planter box with a material that will be optimal for your lovely plants and one which is durable and sturdy. For example, if you want a natural and beautiful option, a wooden one will be great. I also love the advantages of the ceramic ones, which will also bring elegance in the space.
- Size-choose a planter that’s not too large or too small. If the plant develops bigger roots, choose a larger one. If it doesn’t, a smaller one will be a better fit.
Don’t forget the depth too; for example, perennials and aromatic herbs will do best in planters with around 10 inches depth.
If you’re growing bigger veggies, you may need to consider bigger depth, around 15 inches or more.
- Aesthetics–although quality is much more important than aesthetics, you don’t want to choose a planter box that offers premium features, without looking good!
Finding a middle ground would be ideal!
- Drainage–there’s rarely a plant that likes being logged in water. So, always check if the planter box you’re considering has proper drainage system.
- Additional features- if you want more from your planter box, you should look for extra features like hooks or mounting systems.
In this way, you can fix them onto windowsills if you want to. Or, you may need removable bottoms or self-watering boxes.
Good-looking, practical, and convenient, planter boxes are popular for good reason!
They’re an awesome choice if you want to bring a modern vibe into your home and beautify your surroundings, but also provide plants with a durable growing medium.
Final Thoughts
Another tip as to why you might consider an indoor planter box is the fact that growing groups of indoor plants together, can increase humidity levels for those plants needing a slightly higher level than your indoor environment might otherwise offer.
Also, by grouping plants with similar needs such as succulents, not only can you create a beautiful feature but you will save yourself some work as well.
I hope this article has added to your knowledge about indoor planter boxes and inspired you to least give them a serious thought.
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