5 Indoor Gardening Supplies to Keep Your Plants Thriving

Whether you’re a novice or fancy yourself something of an indoor gardening expert, you need to make sure you’re equipped with the right supplies. They can make all the difference to the health and wellbeing of your plants. Some are downright essential, while others fall more into the keep-it-handy-just-in-case category.

What’s the big deal about tools? If you’ve ever wondered how others manage to keep their plants alive — and help them thrive — the answer usually boils down to using the right equipment. Sure, a little gardening know-how helps, but even newbies can work indoor gardening magic with these supplies in their kit. Here are five you should have.

Grow Light

A big reason many indoor plants ultimately fail is that they aren’t exposed to adequate sunlight. That’s not always down to user error, either — sometimes there just isn’t a great spot in the home to drench your plant in the light it desperately needs to look its best and stay healthy. For issues like these, a grow light is incredibly helpful. They’re available in a variety of sizes and silhouettes, making it simple to nurture all varieties of vegetation inside your home.

Ideally, select one that offers a full light spectrum. That triggers photosynthesis, which is vital for helping plants grow. Keep in mind, however, that not all plants need grow lighting, even if they don’t receive tons of sunlight in your home. Some, like snake plants, perform just as well in low-light conditions.

Watering Can

Some tropical plants benefit from a light spritz on their foliage, for which you can use a spray bottle. But most indoor plants require regular watering sessions, which means you’ll need a watering can so you can aim the moisture supply directly at the soil. Opt for a relatively small can, since larger cans may make it difficult to direct water as precisely as your plants would like.

Look for one that features a gooseneck, since that leaner silhouette will help you guide water to minuscule spots, like compact areas underneath leaves. Avoid anything that feels heavy when it’s filled up. Plastic is generally best because it’s lighter weight.

Pruning Shears

Also known as hand pruners, compact shears are essential for maintaining your indoor plants. While you should dedicate a space to your plant life, especially if you’re curating an indoor jungle, make sure that they’re tamed by pruning them down occasionally. This ensures that plants receive adequate light and moisture and that they don’t begin to lose their shape or grow wild in your home. You don’t need anything too complex for home use, either. An ergonomic pair with a non-slip grip, cushion-covered handles, and the smooth cutting action is the most helpful since they prioritize comfort without sacrificing efficiency.

Drainage Pots

Just any old container won’t do when searching for the right home for your house plants. Make sure your pots have drainage holes. They prevent the soil from growing too moist, which could otherwise lead to premature failure due to root rot. Focus on plant size, too. If you buy a snake plant housed in a five-inch pot, for example, select a pot that’s an inch to two inches bigger to grow it at home.

The key is to accommodate its growth but at a slow rate. Anything too large will simply make it difficult for the plant to thrive. The ratio of soil to plant size will be off, impacting your plant’s growth and vitality in the process. Aim to replace the pot as needed, bearing in mind that plants tend to grow slowly indoors.

Plant Stand

File this one under “maybe someday.” While it might not be essential, per se, there’s something awfully nice about showing off your handiwork. A plant stand is designed to put the spotlight on your greenery. Some have tiers, so you can create a lovely configuration and place it strategically in a spot where the plants receive sunlight and also add some decorative value to your living space. The more plants you grow, the more likely you’ll want, and possibly even need a plant stand. They can be invaluable if you’re nurturing a jungle, for example, and want to put the fruits of your labor on display.

If you’re delving into indoor gardening, there’s plenty to anticipate. You’ll witness the magic of Mother Nature at work, especially when you have a little help from these handy tools. Keep them on hand and you’ll be prepared to tackle all of your plant projects with ease.