How to Find Better-Value Houseplants in the Outdoor Section
When we shop for a plant for that special corner of the living room or a shelf in the office, we usually head straight to the indoor plant section at our local nursery.
But did you know you can also find plants in the outdoor section that you can use indoors?
I picked up both of the plants I’m showing from the outdoor section at Lowe’s.
Here’s why I like looking beyond the houseplant aisle and what to look for when you shop.
1. Check the Outdoor Section for Indoor Options
Plants sold as houseplants can also thrive outdoors in suitable conditions, so the indoor section isn’t the only place to look.
When you visit a nursery or garden center, take a walk through the outdoor section, too.
You may find a plant that works for your home among those being sold for outdoor planting.
2. Compare Plant Sizes and Prices
One thing I like about shopping in the outdoor section is that you can often get a larger plant right from the start.
You’ll probably notice plenty of smaller plants in the indoor section. There are larger ones, too, such as fiddle-leaf figs, but it’s worth comparing your options outside before choosing.
If you want something to fill a corner of your living room, look for a larger version in the outdoor section and compare its price with the indoor options.
3. Look for Better Value Among Bedding Plants
Some of these plants are sold as bedding plants, which typically have a lower price point than plants marketed specifically for indoor use.
That’s why I recommend checking both sections. You may be able to get more plant for your money simply by looking beyond the area labeled for houseplants.
4. Focus on Plants Suited to Lower Light
When you’re choosing a plant to bring indoors, pay attention to its light needs.
Most people don’t have enough light inside their homes to match an outdoor partial-sun or full-sun situation.
Look for plants meant for lower-light conditions, and check their light requirements against the spot where you plan to put them.
5. Find the Shade Cloth Area
In the outdoor section, look up. You may see a canopy of black or gray fabric called shade cloth.
That cloth reduces the sunlight reaching the plants underneath it.
This is the area I recommend exploring for plants that prefer lower-light conditions, like the ones I picked up.
The Takeaway
Don’t stop after browsing the covered indoor plant area. Head outside, find the shade cloth, and compare the plants growing beneath it for size, price, and suitability for your home.
Final Thoughts
My plant shopping tip is simple: check both the indoor and outdoor plant sections.
Looking beneath the shade cloth may help you find a larger plant at a better price.
Compare your options and their light needs so you can choose something that suits that special spot in your home.