Whether you have lots of light or very little light, one can grow an indoor plant in the home or office. However, there are elements to need think about before selecting a house plant, such as light exposure, space, temperature and humidity in the room.

A huge selection of indoor plants is readily available. Do you want something to grow tall or short? Utilize whatever you want, as long as the surrounding elements are suitable. Plants are available in a wide range of sizes. In small spaces, a three-inch pot can work. The root system won't be happy for too long in this size, but repotting is easy. A four-inch potted plant works beautifully on a desk or a kitchen window sill. How about a floor plant? They come in many sizes, depending on variety and availability.

Safety of indoor pets or children must be considered; check your plant choice for toxicity at your local nursery, on the web, or in gardening books. Remember that both pets and children could decide to take a taste. Caladiums, Dieffenbachia, English Ivy and Poinsettias are toxic, just to name a few. A hanging plant would be a good choice here. For a more complete listing of toxic plants, just Google on the web to see that many common houseplants can be toxic if ingested. Avoid those that might tempt little ones.

If you are a beginner, start small with a plant recommended by your local nurseryman for its ease of care. Even on a low budget, there's a plant for you. Try mixing several different plants together in single pot. The sky's the limit with regard to creative plantings. It is important to select plants which require not only the same lighting levels but also the same watering schedule when mixing more than one plant in the same pot.

There are other factors to consider, too. Plants get bugs. The best prevention is early detection. Once a plant is infested it may be too late. Consult your local nurseryman or a Master Gardener when a disease or bug infestation is apparent. Act quickly.

Plant books are wonderful to have; you can never have too many. With the wide variety of gardening books on the market today, it is possible to educate yourself in the basics of any aspect of gardening or plant choices. If you don't want to go the book route, just call the Adams County Extension office and talk with a Master Gardener there.

With the right care, one can get a plant to bloom. For instance, did you know the corn cane gets this wonderfully smelling bloom? Gardenia and Jasmine smell like heaven while the Ardisia, Croton, Maranta, as well as many others have an insignificant bloom. The Lipstick plant gets a flower that really does resemble a red lipstick tube. The Christmas cactus' blooms are gorgeous, too, and come in an array of colors.

Fertilizing indoor plants on a regular basis during the growing season is advisable for the most successful result. Giving your plants a regular boost according to package directions will most definitely boost foliage growth and flower proliferation. Happy gardening inside until the weather breaks, then garden happy both in and out!

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