Which plants should go in a conservatory?
The days when the conservatory was mainly a winter garden have given way to a living space that can be used on a daily basis. But bringing in a few green plants is still a very trendy idea. Here are the plants that will do best behind the glass of your conservatory.
What types of plants thrive in a conservatory?
In a conservatory, your priority will be to plant light-loving plants. Also known as ‘full sun plants’ by garden centres, they won't mind the many hours of sunshine you'll be exposing them to.
This room will also be perfect for plants that fear frost and damp in winter. Even unheated, a conservatory benefits from the warmth of the house. The microclimate created is ideal for tropical plants, as well as hibiscus, ferns, bush laurel and oleander.
Climbing or drooping plants will also put on a show in your conservatory, and will add greenery to vertical spaces.
Which plants for an unheated conservatory?
When the conservatory is not heated, it will be perfect for overwintering the most fragile plants... which nevertheless need a cooler climate during the period from November to March.
You can use it to house citrus fruit or Mediterranean plants. Bougainvillea, mimosa, clematis and jasmine will give you a lovely winter in bloom.
Perennials will also do well in this environment. Opt for agave for an atmosphere that invites you to travel and daydream.
If you're careful not to put them in direct sunlight, you can also put your orchids there: they'll appreciate the difference in temperature between day and night.
And don't forgetpotted olive trees, dwarf lemon trees and even cool water plants like water lilies and lotuses.
Which plants for a heated conservatory?
A conservatory that can be used all year round should above all be home to plants that do not appreciate temperature variations. Among exotic plants, you might like the anthurium, with its beautiful red colours, which appreciates an average annual temperature of between 18 and 21°C. Mind you, it doesn't like draughts!
Don't hesitate to create a jungle atmosphere with dwarf palms, such as Kentia or Howea, with their beautiful green leaves. While cacti are welcome, don't forget monsteras or marantas.
To keep these plants adequately moist, remember to mist them regularly and place them on beds of clay balls.
Which depolluting plants to put in the conservatory?
Now that they've been popular for a few years, depolluting plants also have their place in the conservatory. Aloe vera is a great classic that you're sure to appreciate. It can be accompanied by ivy or spathiphyllum. Anthurium or azalea will absorb any ammonia.
Chrysanthemums and ferns will also help to purify the air in your sunny room. Ficus will naturally humidify the air.
You can also grow a small herb garden in a conservatory. Basil, chives, parsley, rosemary, thyme, mint... Regular watering and repotting once a year should be enough to provide you with a constant supply of herbs. In all cases, remember to air the room regularly, water the plants sufficiently and keep an eye out for pests. And you'll have an indoor garden that's beautiful in every season, all year round.
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