Potting up houseplants

Did you know that the third week in September is National Indoor Plant Week? It’s the perfect time of year to celebrate the plants we live with and care for indoors, and think about how they relate so well to therapeutic horticulture. 

Just like people, every plant is a native of somewhere– so what we call “houseplants” are often tropical plants that have been cultivated for growth habit, color, scent, texture, or other properties that people find attractive. The one thing they have in common is that they would thrive in their preferred outdoor environment, and that indoors is not that place!

So it’s up to us as the guardians of these plants to help them feel a bit more comfortable sharing the great indoors with us. Houseplant tags are often difficult to decipher; some of them don’t even have the plant’s real name, and others only indicate what light level the plant prefers. What about water, nutrients, soil drainage? How big will it get? How will you know if it’s not doing well? N.C. Cooperative Extension’s resources have you covered with lots of great information on how to look after your houseplants. 

Again, like people, it takes a bit of time to get to know a new plant’s preferences. N.C. Cooperative Extension has a fantastic new feature on the Plant Toolbox to help select and care for houseplants: just go to the left-hand menu and click on “houseplants” in Landscape Location to learn about over 500 houseplants! If you’re trying to identify a plant, you can also use a phone app like Google Lens to snap a picture of the plant in order to learn its botanical and common names and maybe even some care tips. 

In Therapeutic Horticulture, houseplants can be one of the most accessible ways to help a not-yet gardener make their way towards a plant connection. Caring for another living thing creates a bond and a connection that can be healing for someone who has been hurt, or who has hurt others. It’s also a way for someone who depends on people for care, such as someone with chronic illness, to step out of that role for a short while and be the caregiver to a plant. These connections may seem small in writing, but TH participants are often overwhelmed with how connected they feel to the plants they are nurturing. With that confidence, they can start to take steps toward healthy connections with people as well. 

Many people don’t have access to garden space, and some don’t even have access to “patio garden” space for outdoor containers. Caring for a houseplant– or a whole indoor garden of houseplants– facilitates that people-plant connection all the same, and improves emotional and social well-being in the process. 

Here are a few ideas for houseplant-based activities for practitioners to try in September and beyond:

1. Sensory Exploration and Mindfulness:
   • Activity: Create a sensory exploration station with a variety of different houseplants.
   • Focus: Engage the senses to promote mindfulness and relaxation. 
   • Process: Encourage participants to touch different leaf textures, smell fragrant plants, and observe the colors and shapes of the foliage. Guide them through deep breathing exercises while focusing on their sensory experiences. 
     • More on Sensory Gardens in North Carolina
2. Plant Propagation and Care:
   • Activity: Propagate houseplants through cuttings or divisions.
   • Focus: Develop a sense of accomplishment and responsibility– adopting new plants
   • Process: Teach participants the basic techniques of plant propagation and provide hands-on experience. Discuss the origin of the plants, their life cycle, and the importance of proper care. Encourage participants to nurture their plants and observe their growth. 
     • More how-to information on Houseplant Propagation
3. Creative Expression with Plants:
   • Activity: Create plant-based art or crafts.
   • Focus: Promote creativity and self-expression
   • Process: Provide materials such as small pots, paints, and natural elements like leaves, twigs, flower petals, etc. Encourage participants to personalize and decorate their containers to hold a houseplant. Discuss the connection between art and nature: have some well-known pictures to show how nature is often an important inspiration for great art. 
     • Many more ideas for plant-based arts and crafts

Note: These activities can be adapted to suit many different age groups and abilities. It’s essential to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore their feelings and emotions through interaction with plants. 

How will you celebrate National Indoor Plant Week in September?