A Beginners Guide To Indoor And Outdoor Plants

Tending to plants is considered one of the best natural forms of stress relief there is. The ability to grow something from nothing – whether that be flowers, fruits, or houseplants. 

Houseplants are great as you don’t need a garden to rear them and they can bring life into any living space. You won’t have to worry about weeds, but pests are still an issue when it comes to keeping houseplants.

Still, there’s something special about tending to your own garden. Maintaining a lawn, shrubs and outdoor plants can be time-consuming, but the results are so worth it. 

Today we’re going to be looking at everything you need to know about growing your own plants, both indoors and outdoors, to achieve any nature lover’s dream. Whether you crave an indoor forest or a peaceful backyard sanctuary, we’ll explain how to succeed. 

Before we get started, we would like to extend a warm welcome to readers joining us from Designedvisions.com. We have recently acquired the website and are excited to expand our circle of plant lovers. 

An Introduction To Indoor Plants

Indoor houseplants come in all shapes and sizes, some flowering while others only boasting foliage. Indoor plants might seem like the easier option to a beginner gardener, but some houseplants can be just as fickle as outdoor plants. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular categories of indoor plants. 

Flowering Houseplants 

Flowering houseplants are gorgeous and sure to put any visitor in a good mood. Flowering houseplants are less common than foliage houseplants, so it is always a delight to see one thriving indoors. 

Some flowering houseplants are smaller versions of plants you can find outdoors but are planted in pots instead. 

Here are some of our favorites. 

African Violets

The African Violet is a simple yet divine houseplant. Its rich purple petals shine against the cooler-toned leaves, creating an instant centerpiece in your home. 

Anthuriums

The Anthurium, otherwise known as Laceleaf, is a houseplant that grows lovely heart-shaped leaves. This is a fickle plant, but when you keep it happy for an extended period, you’ll see vibrant red and yellow flowers blooming from it. 

Azaleas

You’ll often find these plants growing outside in a yard, but Azaleas also come in houseplant variations. The flowers are delicate and pretty, with pink or purple hues and a thin white border around each petal. 

Azalea flowers will only last around 6 weeks outside during the growing season, so keeping them as houseplants is a much more fulfilling venture. 

Jasmine

The most desirable thing about jasmine flowers is the glorious scent they exude. Keeping one jasmine plant in your house will have every single room naturally scented with a sweet and musky scent. 

Jasmine plants grow long white flowers, offering the room a sophisticated and elegant touch. Thanks to its drooping demeanor, Jasmine is the ideal houseplant to grow in a hanging basket

Peace Lilies

The Peace Lily is one of the most popular houseplants, and it’s not difficult to understand why. These plants are easy to maintain, look and smell lovely, and can withstand even the toughest of conditions. 

Peace Lilies grow lots of long, deep green leaves surrounding the single-petal flowers. They are often mistaken for Anthuriums, but the key distinct detail is that Peace Lilies are always white. 

Foliage Houseplants 

When you think of houseplants, you’ll most likely think of foliage houseplants. These are the most common houseplant types and they do not flower. Instead, they are evergreen and continue growing leaves throughout the year. 

Foliage houseplants can also be potted versions of outdoor foliage. You’ll most likely have heard of the fan favorites like Monstera, Spider Plant, and Pothos. 

Let’s take a look at some of our favorites. 

Aglaonema

Otherwise known as a Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema house plants produce lots of tall, broad leaves. The pattern on each leaf is what makes them so special, though. Instead of being completely green, the leaves are variegated with white coloring reaching out from the center spine. 

Alocasia

The Alocasia is an incredibly popular foliage houseplant with dozens of varieties to marvel at. The Alocasia Bambino is perhaps the most popular, with almost black leaves that feature thick white spines running along them. 

There are plenty of types of Alocasia to choose from. Here are some of the most desirable variations: 

Tradescantia

Otherwise known as the Spiderwort, Tradescantia houseplants are another very popular one. These plants boast black, purple, dark green, and white lines down the length of the leaves. They also feel like velvet to touch! 

Perhaps the most popular type of Tradescantia is the Nanouk variation thanks to its vibrant purple coloring. This plant is sure to make a statement in your home! 

Begonia

Begonia houseplants are known for their large teardrop-shaped leaves dotted with white spots. Many people even refer to it as the Polka Dot Plant instead. 

However, there are more variations of Begonia than just the polka dot kind. These plants tend to be very fickle, so read up on proper care practices before welcoming a Begonia into your home. 

Calathea

Calathea plants are darker in color than most houseplants, with long pointed leaves boasting lighter stripes from the spine to the external edge. Calathea leaves are also plenty textured, making them a true centerpiece in your home. 

Again, many types of Calathea are ready to take your breath away. Some of our favorites have to be the Calathea Ornata, Calathea White Star, and the Calathea Rufibarba. 

Hoya

Hoya plants are incredibly easy to keep alive as they thrive off of neglect. They don’t need much water at all, just a dry and warm space to thrive. A Hoya is an ideal gift for any houseplant newbie as it can withstand almost any common error. 

There are plenty of variations of Hoya, each as beautiful as the last. The Krimson Queen is likely the most popular, however, with its light pink variegated leaves. 

Chinese Money Plant

This unique plant is amazing to look at, with its circular leaves hanging down from a single stem. The Chinese Money Plant is said to bring wealth to anyone who nears it, and who doesn’t want a bit more of that in their life? 

The Chinese Money Plant is also very easy to propagate, so you can gift some of your good fortunes to others. The Money Plant is a little tricky to look after, though, so be careful with how you care for it. 

Monstera

If you think of a houseplant, the first image is likely to be a Monstera (Cheese Plant). Monstera plants are easy enough to look after and grow very quickly, making them ideal for beginners. 

These plants come in many variations, although the Monstera Deliciosa is the most common. The Monstera Alba is one of the rarer plants, but its white and green variegated leaves are simply divine. 

Monstera Adansonii is another variation of this beloved plant, but the leaves are much smaller and feature oval holes running through them. This variation tends to be fickle and therefore not for the faint of heart. 

If you want to expand your Monstera collection, here are some of the lesser-known variations you can find:

Monstera plants are very easy to propagate and grow quickly, so don’t be surprised if you find lots of little Monstera babies taking over your home! 

They’re also easy to take care of, although these plants are predisposed to a few houseplant ailments like pests and diseases. 

Peperomia

Peperomia plants are best known for their waxy leaves and vibrant green hues. These plants are often known as radiator plants as they love warm drafts. 

There are plenty of varieties of Peperomia, including larger kinds like the Peperomia Argyreia (Watermelon Plant) to miniature kinds like Peperomia Prostrata (String of Turtles).

Philodendron

The Philodendron is another popular type of houseplant thanks to the sheer number of variations. There are many rare forms of Philodendron plants, too, so this is the ideal plant for collectors and rare plant lovers. 

Here are some of our favorite Philodendron variations: 

Depending on the variety, Philodendron plants can often be difficult to look after correctly. This is why only experienced plant owners often have luck with keeping these plants alive. 

Pothos

Pothos are known for being super hardy plants that can withstand almost any neglectful conditions. They’re often mistaken for Philodendrons, but Pothos tend to have brighter leaves with a more matte finish. 

Pothos plants are also much easier to look after compared to Philodendrons, which is why they’re considered beginner-friendly. There are plenty of varieties of Pothos plants, such as Golden, Neon Pothos, and Cebu Blue. 

Sansevieria

Sansevieria plants, otherwise known as Snake Plants, are unique in appearance and requirements. Sansevieria plants grow leaves from bulbs beneath the soil, so that they look like a bunch of tall, thick leaves protruding from the surface. 

Sansevieria plants are one of the strongest types out there – they’re almost impossible to kill!

String Plants

String plants are some of the daintiest and cutest plants out there. They are small succulents with beaded leaves trailing down the sides of their pots. 

The String of Dolphins has tiny thick leaves in curved shapes, similar to that of a banana. They look like little dolphins swimming down the vine! 

A String of Hearts is perhaps the most popular, with small heart-shaped leaves growing down the vine with intricate white patterns within them. 

Another popular plant is the String of Pearls, which has perfectly spherical leaves trailing the vine. The String of Pearls is a great plant for beginners as its leaves will deflate to tell you when it’s time to water it again! 

Syngonium 

Syngonium plants are gorgeous, with arrow-shaped leaves of all different colors. You can even get pink Syngoniums! 

ZZ Plants

The ZZ Plant is another great plant for beginners, with waxy dark green leaves. The ZZ Plant is made up of shoots grown from bulbs underneath the soil. These plants are slow growing, but their look is worth the wait. 

Cacti and Succulents

Many people regard cacti and succulents as being the best plants for beginners as they don’t need much attention at all. Just be careful of succulent fungus

Here are some of the best cactus plants and succulents to buy when you’re just starting your collection. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera plants are amazing in more ways than one – not only do they look cool, but they’re also helpful for healing ailments! There are plenty of benefits to using aloe vera, and you can harvest it straight from your plant. 

Christmas Cactus

While the name certainly suggests it should be in the Cacti section, the Christmas Cactus is actually a foliage houseplant instead. These plants are amazing, with sectioned leaves growing long until they’re finally ready to flower. 

The flowers can be in many different colors, including red, yellow, pink, and white. Christmas Cacti are easy to propagate too, so this is the gift that keeps on giving! 

Cactus

Cactus plants are highly sought after thanks to their spiky appearance and easy-to-look-after demeanor. Luckily, you can find cactus plants anywhere. 

Here are some of our favorite cactus plants: 

Cactus plants are also easy to propagate, so you can gift part of your plants to all of your friends! 

Some cacti even flower if you keep them happy, so make sure you read up on how to look after your particular type of cactus. 

Are Succulents Easy To Look After?

There is often a misconception that succulent plants are easier to look after than other plants. However, many succulent types require more care than others – especially when it comes to succulent bugs.

Succulent bugs often infiltrate your home due to the excess water that hangs around succulents. They often store water in their leaves, which can attract bugs such as flies, spiders, and other pests

Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about your succulent water requirements. However, you should also make sure that you’re not overwatering them. Learn more about how to properly care for your succulent plants here.

There are so many succulent types to choose from, and most have different succulent care needs. 

You need to properly prepare your succulent plants, such as choosing the right pot and finding the best spot with the correct light requirements

Succulents can be fickle, but the good news is that you can often propagate succulents easily or save them from impending doom in the first place. 

Morning outdoor activity to watering cactus pot plant, copy space

An Introduction To Outdoor Plants 

When it comes to gardening outside, the opportunities are endless. Are you going to plant a lawn, grow some outdoor plants, or perhaps start a vegetable garden? There is so much to choose from that it can be difficult to know where to start. 

We hope that this introduction to outdoor gardening is helpful. 

Vegetable Gardening

One of the most popular things to do when gardening outside is to plant a vegetable patch. We could all stand to be a little more self-sufficient, and there’s not much better than the pride of cooking your first home-grown vegetable

Vegetables From Around The World

There are plenty of vegetables you can grow in your garden, some originating far away from your state. While American vegetables are great to grow and cook, you can also expand your horizons with vegetables from other countries. 

Asian vegetables are a great place to start, expanding your palate to the likes of Chinese cabbage, Bok Choy, Daikon, and more. 

You can also try Cambodian vegetables, like water spinach, yardlong beans, winter melon, and more. 

Capri is a good place to start if you’re looking to try some veggies from the Mediterranean region. 

Beginner-Friendly Vegetables To Grow

It’s tempting to pick up seeds of your favorite vegetables and try to grow them straight away. However, this isn’t always the best course of action since some are more difficult to grow than others. 

Artichokes are a beginner-friendly vegetable. As long as you keep an eye on their growth rate, you shouldn’t have any issues with them as a beginner. Asparagus is another easy-to-grow vegetable, so feel free to pick up some seeds as soon as possible. 

Basil and black beans are other vegetables classed as beginner-friendly. Just bear in mind that basil needs to grow outdoors in summer for you to get a good yield from it!

Broccoli is simple to grow provided that you have enough room to grow it. The same can be said for corn – it is extremely simple to grow, but you need a lot of space to maximize your yield. 

One of the easiest vegetables to grow, and therefore what most beginners start with, is the carrot. Not only are carrots quick to grow and simple, but you’ll also get a great yield the first time. 

Many beginners like to start by growing cucumbers, but these tend to turn out much smaller and less delicious than the ones experienced gardeners can yield.

Herbs are some of the easiest crops to grow, and none are easier than dill. You don’t have to tend dill much at all – just plant it and watch time work its magic. 

best vegetable fertilizers

Vegetables To Grow As An Experienced Gardener

Once you have tried and tested a few different growing techniques, you can move on to more difficult vegetables to master. 

The eggplant is a good example, as this is tricky to grow even in the best climates. Eggplants fare better in the South, although you might be able to manipulate their growing conditions in cooler climates. Still, they’re fun to grow when you can get the conditions right. 

Trees And Shrubs

Trees and shrubs are commonly used in yards to keep them alive all year round. They’re easy to prune, great for beginners, and often hardy to all weather conditions. 

Just make sure that you opt for evergreen shrubs if you want them to look their best all year round. 

If you’re thinking of placing trees within your garden, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice before you! Trees come in all shapes and sizes, and colors (who’s ever heard of a gold tree before?)

The first thing to do is measure the maximum amount of size you have for a tree to grow. Some trees can grow to overtake your entire garden, while others remain at a respectable size. 

The last thing you need is to constantly trim a much-too-big tree back from your roof, so don’t overlook the measuring step.

Also, check the growing requirements of your chosen tree. Some variations are much more fickle than others, so if your yard is too shaded or windy, the tree might not survive long. Look for trees that only match the light level, temperature, and climate of your yard. 

An Introduction To Flower Types

Flowers look amazing both indoors and outdoors, and you can buy them anywhere (even on Amazon!).

Flowers come from all over the world – have you ever explored the amazing world of Australian or British flowers? – and come in all kinds of beautiful colors. 

Let’s explore the amazing world of flowers now. 

Flowers From All Over The World

It makes sense that flowers from across the globe don’t all look the same. Cambodian flowers will look different from Canadian flowers, and Brazilian flowers will look different from them both. 

Chinese flowers are some of the most sought-after thanks to their beauty and vibrant colors. You can often see them used in cooking! 

We were amazed at the Columbian flowers that we found there when we visited – fields stretching for miles of amazingly fragrant flowers.

Want to learn more about worldwide flowers? Here are some in-depth guides we have written about them: 

Wherever you visit next, we encourage you to look for the flowers – you’ll be amazed at how different they all look from local ones! 

Floral Colors Of The Rainbow

We’re sure you know that flowers can come in many different hues and patterns, but even we were surprised by just how many colors flowers grow in. Let’s take a look. 

Yellow Flowers

Yellow flowers remind us of warmth and sunshine, and they’re bright enough to make people instantly happy. 

Examples of yellow flowers are daffodils, sunflowers, and roses. These flowers bloom all year round but are most commonly seen in spring and summertime. 

Don’t forget gold flowers, as these are sure to wow everyone that sees them. Mustard flowers look lovely too, especially against lighter yellow flower beds. 

Red Flowers 

Red flowers are some of the most common to find, and it is often used to symbolize love. There’s a reason why red flowers are so popular around Valentine’s day! 

From strawberry red to copper, this color of flowers is timeless and elegant.

Red is the color of summer – just think of raspberries and watermelons! If you want to enjoy the summer vibes for as long as possible, we always recommend planting red flowers in your yard. 

The great thing about red flowers is that they make a statement. Put them in any area of your garden to draw attention around them. You can also find red flowers in all shades of color, so you’ll never get bored! 

Blue Flowers

Blue flowers are regal and elegant, no matter what type they are. From turquoise to baby blue, true blue to sky blue, these flowers are always show-stopping. 

If you want to plant a unique garden, choose blue flowers. Everyone has red and pink perennials in their yard, but blue flowers are much less common! 

Our personal favorite has to be these cornflower flowers. 

Pink Flowers

Pink flowers are some of the most beloved because the pink coloring highlights everything people love about flowers. Pink flowers are warm and vibrant, and often smell lovely. 

You can also find some gorgeous coral flowers to compliment your pink flowers! Peach is an orange-pink color, and can be wonderful if you’d prefer a more muted garden rather than one full of hot pink hues

The great thing about pink flowers is that they come in all sorts of shapes and hues. Champagne flowers are much lighter than magenta flowers, and these are both different in appearance from pastel pink flowers.

No matter what shade of pink you go for, your garden is sure to look lovely and rosy with pink flowers.  

Cream Flowers

Cream-colored flowers are simple and understated. They’re sure to add a touch of purity to anywhere you plant them. Our favorite cream flower is the daisy, but we also have a soft spot for the Mojave Aster and Desert Lily (both of which can be found in the desert!).

Ivory plants are similar to cream flowers, and they’re just as sophisticated. Mix these two colors together to make a divine, bright flower patch! 

You can’t forget about silver flowers, too. Imagine a bed of white and cream flowers with a few silver flowers dotted throughout them. Your warm garden would look like it was veiled under a thin sheet of white snow. 

Green Flowers

We’re all used to green foliage, but what about green flowers? 

Green flowers are amazing. The petals blend in with the leaves, giving you a monotone look in your yard. Green flowers are rarer to find, too, so many guests won’t believe their eyes when they marvel at your plants. 

Green flowers can come in all shades of green, including lime, dark green, mint, and many more. 

Purple Flowers

Purple flowers come in all different shades, from indigo to violet, lilac to mauve

Mix and match darker flowers with lilac ones to make them pop, giving your garden a muted yet bright coloring. 

Dark purple flowers make a statement, and they look gorgeous against brighter flowers like orange or pink. 

Orange Flowers

If your yard needs brightening up, orange flowers are a perfect choice. They’re busy and loud, and insects love to be drawn in by the orange coloring. 

Popular orange flowers include poppies, marigolds, and straw flowers. Pair your orange flowers with yellow hues to have a literal ray of sunshine in your yard throughout the growing season. 

Summary

Thanks for reading! Hopefully, you now have enough information to start your very own gardening journey. Whether that be for indoor or outdoor plants, you’re in for a helluva ride. 

Plants can be therapeutic, bring life to your home, and provide you with food to cook. We hope that you enjoy learning more about plants by tending to them. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and welcome your new plants home!