Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_10.gif)
Tuesday - November 20, 2007
From: yonkers, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Non-Natives, Container Gardens
Title: Indoor pot plants
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I just moved into a studio apt. where a lot of heat is provided. Do you have a listing of house plants suitable for warm apartments? I have four windows, all with indirect sunlight.ANSWER:
This is just way out of our usual line of business. At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, we focus on the preservation and propagation of plants native to North America. Very few of these would ordinarily be grown as pot plants, and they are all considered to be "outside" plants. Most "pot plants" are tropical or sub-tropical non-native plants, because that is the kind of plant that can survive in a warm, not very brightly lighted indoor atmosphere. We tried Googling "house plants" and got a bunch of sites that give all kinds of advice on selecting and caring for such plants. One of the best is this University of Illinois Extension site. In Texas, most plant nurseries stay open all winter, but in New York (it's cold up there, isn't it?) you may have to go to specialized indoor plant stores. We might suggest that you go to a nursery, look over the indoor plants, maybe write down (from the tag) the scientific name of those you are interested in, and then try Googling on that specific name, see what you can find out.
More Container Gardens Questions
Container Gardening with Native Plants
March 20, 2004 - I live in an apartment and I’d like to grow native plants. Will they grow in containers?
view the full question and answer
Winter plants for windowbox in Piedmont SC
October 26, 2012 - What kind of outdoor window box spruss can grow in upstate South Carolina in the winter months?
view the full question and answer
Loss of blooms in potted plants in Hawaii
November 11, 2007 - My lanai is in strong afternoon sun and no matter what "full sun" plants I try to grow they quickly stop blooming. Plumeria, Hibiscus, Echinacea, even Bougainvillea...they continue to grow but lose...
view the full question and answer
Growing Plumeria in Ohio
July 15, 2008 - Can I grow plumeria in Ohio? We were in Hawaii this past week and I brought two plants home to try to grow. Thanks a bunch.
view the full question and answer
Overwintering a Juncus effusus in Great Neck, NY
October 23, 2008 - Can I over winter a juncus effusus spiralis indoors or must it be kept outdoors? Whether indoors or outdoors, what is the proper way to keep it alive during the winter months?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |