Edible indoor plants are a great way to add visual interest, texture, and flavor to your home. With the vast array of edible plants available for indoor cultivation, there is something to suit almost any taste.
We’ll explore some of the most popular types of edible indoor plants.
Types Of Indoor Plants That Are Edible
These plants are not only beautiful additions to any interior design, but they also provide a delicious source of nutrients.
Here are some of the most popular edible indoor plants around:
1. Herbs
Herbs make excellent indoor plants as they require very little maintenance. Many have a high tolerance for dry conditions and provide a bounty of edible leaves in exchange.
Basil, chives, oregano, mint, and parsley are common herbs that are easy to grow indoors. Choose pots with good drainage for best results and ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy.
Place the herb pot in an area with indirect sunlight near a south-facing window. Herbs grown indoors may not be as potent or flavorful as those grown outdoors due to the reduced sunlight they receive; however, most still provide plenty of culinary goodness.
Use scissors to snip off individual leaves when cooking or to garnish dishes. Regular harvesting will also promote the healthy growth of the plant.
With a little TLC, herbs will provide you with delicious flavorings and fragrant aromas for many years.
2. Microgreens
Another popular edible indoor plant is microgreens. These baby greens are harvested shortly after sprouting and used as garnishes for salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
Microgreens can be grown indoors in pots or trays filled with soil. Choose a sunny windowsill or use artificial lights to create the conditions for growing microgreens.
Water lightly, but do not let the soil become soggy, it should be damp but not wet. After a few weeks, when the sprouts have grown their first pair of true leaves, they can be harvested with scissors. Microgreens are an easy and delicious way to add a pop of flavor to your meals.
3. Chili Peppers
Chili Peppers are a great option for an edible indoor plant. This type of pepper is considered part of the ‘Capsicum family, which also includes bell peppers, jalapenos, habaneros, and more.
Chili Peppers are highly nutritious and provide vitamins A and C and several other minerals. They also contain capsaicinoids, which give these peppers their spicy flavor.
These plants thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunlight, making them ideal for growing indoors in pots or hanging baskets.
When planting, it’s important to use well-draining soil and water regularly while allowing the top two inches to dry out between waterings.
These plants can be harvested when they reach maturity once they are red or yellow. The peppers can then add a kick of flavor to various dishes or be eaten fresh as a snack.
While Chili Peppers are relatively easy to care for, some pests may become an issue. Aphids and spider mites can cause damage to the leaves, while caterpillars can feed on the fruits.
To prevent this, it is important to inspect plants regularly and take action to remove any pests when they’re spotted.
Chili Peppers bring beautiful color and texture indoors with their unique shape and vibrant colors. Additionally, they provide plenty of nutrition and spice up your favorite dishes.
If you’re looking for an edible indoor plant, consider adding chili peppers to your garden!
4. Ginger
Ginger is an edible, underground stem or rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant. The root is used as a spice and is often used in cooking to add flavor.
Ginger can also be enjoyed raw, with its slightly sweet and spicy taste, making it a delicious addition to salads or smoothies.
Growing ginger indoors does best in rich soil that drains well and is kept moist but not soggy. Keep the potting mix uniformly wet by frequently misting it with room-temperature water.
For optimal growth, a place near a bright window that gets indirect sunlight for at least three hours per day. Generally, temperatures between 65°F and 75°F are ideal for indoor ginger plants, but they can survive colder temperatures as long as they don’t freeze.
Harvesting ginger root is quite simple and can be done at any time. The best time to harvest is when the leaves start to yellow and die back, usually after six to eight months in a warm environment.
Remove the rhizome from the soil and cut off what you need for consumption or cooking. To replant it, break off a piece of the rhizome with several buds, plant it in a new spot with fresh soil, and keep it moist until sprouts appear.
Ginger offers many health benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and boosting immunity. It can also help alleviate nausea and reduce muscle pain from exercise.
For those looking to spice up their diet, ginger is a great option that can be easily grown indoors and harvested fresh.
Overall, ginger is an easy-to-grow plant with many health benefits. With the right potting mix, location and maintenance, it can add flavor and nutrition to your home cooking in no time!
5. Malabar Spinach
(Basella alba) An annual or perennial, depending on climate, is a popular vegetable in India. Its scientific name comes from the Latin basell and the Greek alb, which translate to ‘little vine’ and ‘white’.
It has long, heart-shaped leaves with thick stems that can grow up to ten feet tall in tropical climates. It produces greenish-white flowers in late summer before producing edible purple berries.
Malabar Spinach is great for container gardening since it doesn’t require a lot of space. It will do best in full sun but can tolerate some shade if needed.
The plant prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly while actively growing during its peak season in warm weather.
Due to its fast growth, it will require more frequent fertilizing than other plants. It’s an excellent source of beta-carotene, iron, and vitamin C.
The leaves of Malabar Spinach can be eaten raw or cooked in soups, stir-fries, and salads. They have a mild spinach-like flavor that is slightly sweet and tart simultaneously.
The berries are also edible when ripe, they taste like tart grapes but with a crisp texture. When harvesting the plant, ensure to leave some growing shoots intact so the plant can continue producing new foliage.
Overall, Malabar Spinach is a great choice for those looking for an edible indoor plant that is low maintenance and highly nutritious.
It’s packed with vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy diet so that you can enjoy its flavorful leaves in recipes.
Give this tropical plant plenty of sunlight and water, and it will reward you by growing quickly and producing an abundance of edible foliage.
6. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a popular indoor plant highly valued for its medicinal properties.
It is an evergreen perennial succulent with thick, fleshy leaves and has been used to treat various skin conditions, including sunburns, insect bites, and rashes.
The gel-like sap inside the plant’s leaves contains compounds such as polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for human health.
Aloe vera can also be consumed raw or incorporated into smoothies and juices to reap its nutritional benefits. Additionally, the gel-like sap from aloe vera can be applied directly onto the skin for its healing properties.
This plant can thrive in bright indirect sunlight but should not be exposed to too much direct sunlight as it may dry out the soil and damage the leaves.
It requires minimal watering and prefers dry soil, making it an ideal choice for those who don’t have much time to devote to plant care.
Aloe vera is easy to propagate and can be grown from cuttings or offsets. Aloe vera is a great addition to any home, with low maintenance requirements and versatile healing properties.
The medicinal benefits of aloe vera include relieving indigestion, helping with weight loss, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and lowering cholesterol levels.
When ingested as a juice or smoothie, the substances found in aloe vera can help boost energy levels and improve digestion by aiding in nutrient absorption. Additionally, the antioxidants found in aloe vera have been studied for their potential anti-cancer effects.
Aloe vera also has anti-microbial properties, making it an effective treatment for various skin conditions. The gel-like sap inside the leaves can be applied directly onto the skin to help soothe sunburns and rashes and reduce inflammation from insect bites and stings.
Additionally, aloe vera’s antibacterial properties make it an effective way to treat acne breakouts and other minor skin irritations.
Overall, aloe vera is a great indoor plant for growing, offering medicinal and nutritional benefits. Aloe vera is an ideal addition to any home, with low maintenance requirements and versatile healing properties.
Make sure to place the plant in an area with plenty of indirect sunlight and water it sparingly, as too much water can damage the leaves.
Additionally, its gel-like sap can be applied directly onto the skin or consumed as a juice or smoothie for its medicinal benefits. With proper care, you will have a healthy aloe vera plant growing in your home in no time!
7. Carrots
Carrots are an incredibly versatile indoor plant that can be grown in a planter, raised bed, or even a window box.
Carrots are an easy-to-grow cool-season crop and are highly nutritious, containing high amounts of Vitamin A, beta carotene, dietary fiber, and potassium.
When growing carrots indoors, you should use light-textured soil with plenty of organic matter like compost or peat moss mixed in.
Plant the seeds thinly and lightly cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist by misting it regularly. The carrot tops will start to emerge in 14-21 days, depending on your home’s temperature, cooler temperatures can take longer for growth.
Harvest when the root is at least 1 inch in diameter; however, allowing the roots to grow larger will provide a sweeter taste. Carrots can be eaten raw or cooked and stored for up to several weeks in the refrigerator if harvested properly.
Carrots are an excellent choice for those looking for an edible plant to add to their indoor gardening repertoire. With minimal effort, you can grow fresh carrots right inside your home.
8. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an incredibly versatile indoor plant. Not only are they a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but edible varieties can add flavor to everything from salads and sandwiches to sauces and soups.
For the home gardener looking for something different, tomatoes are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance.
Tomatoes need plenty of sunlight to produce lush fruit. Place your tomato plants near sunny windows or use artificial lightings such as fluorescents or LED bulbs. When growing indoors, you’ll want to ensure that your plants get at least 6–8 hours of direct sun each day.
Additionally, ensure the soil remains moist throughout the growth cycle by watering regularly, checking daily if necessary, and keeping an eye out for pests. If you notice any problems, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to keep them at bay.
Although tomatoes can be grown in just about any potting mix, it’s best to use a commercial variety to help ensure healthy growth and good yields.
The soil should also be slightly acidic (pH 5–7), so you may need to add some lime or sulfur pellets if needed. Make sure your pot is well-draining; adding perlite or vermiculite will also help with this.
Tomatoes are easy to propagate from seed and can even be propagated from cuttings taken from an existing plant. For the best results, sow seeds indoors around 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
When the seedlings emerge, thin them out to 4-6 inches apart and feed them with a balanced fertilizer every couple of weeks.
Once the plants are established, you can harvest the fruit when it is ripe. Tomatoes should be picked when fully colored red tomatoes, this usually means bright red and firm.
If left on the vine for too long, they will become soft and may split open before you have a chance to pick them.
Conclusion
Indoor edible plants are a great way to bring fresh, nutritious ingredients into your home. They can also be a fun and rewarding hobby as you watch your plants grow from seed to harvestable product.
Aloe vera, carrots, and tomatoes are all excellent choices for indoor gardening enthusiasts looking to add some edible plants to their growing repertoire.
With the right care and attention, you’ll soon have fresh produce at your fingertips.
