One of the wonderful features of a sunroom is, of course, the bountiful amount of sunlight that flows into the room. This makes a sunroom the ideal environment for numerous flowers and sunroom plants. However, before you rush out to buy a miscellaneous collection of greenery, there are several factors to consider.
Observe the light that flows into your sunroom to determine what time of day the sun shines in the room. Some plants do best with morning sun while others thrive more in a room that receives afternoon sun. Know if the sunlight comes into your sunroom from the north, south,, east, or west. When you begin shopping for plants and flowers, check the plant information card to choose the ones that will thrive best in your sunroom.
In addition to assessing the natural light that flows into the room, you will want to evaluate the amount of space you want to dedicate to plants. You may want to add a collection of large tropical plants to one corner of the room. Or, you might prefer placing small flowers such as orchids or violets in wicker planters and placing them on tables around the room. A mix of large and small plants will create a stunning display for you to enjoy while relaxing in the sunroom. You can add beauty and aroma to your sunroom by choosing plants such as lavender and rosemary.
Another thing to consider when choosing plants for your sunroom is the amount of care and maintenance they require. Succulents, cactus, and bromeliads are low maintenance plants. Some ferns, however, will shed tidbits of brown leaves that you will need to frequently clean off of the floor. Dwarf fruit trees generally grow well in a sunroom. A Meyer lemon tree, dwarf pomegranate, or an olive tree is just a few possible options. Ferns and palm trees are also popular plants for a sunroom. Ferns need humidity to thrive so you may need to frequently mist the ferns in a sunroom.
• When selecting sunroom plants, be sure to think of how much maintenance each will require. Some plants need lots of water and attention; others need very little.
• Lighting is also an important issue to consider. Though a sunroom is typically thought of as being bathed in light, there can be shaded areas from direction of sunlight, outdoor shade trees and seasonal changes. For these areas, it is important to select plants that can do well in shade or sunshine.
• Scent is also an important issue. Sometimes a plant’s scent conflicts with other plants, so be sure to choose those that complement one another.
• The temperature of the sunroom is something to consider. Due to the climate and cost of heating, a sunroom may become quite cool overnight, so it is important to select plants that can handle cooler night time temperatures. However, if the sunroom is able to be at a consistent temperature during day or night, plants that can tolerate warm or even hotter temperatures are a better choice.
Finally, choose flowers and plants that correspond to the decor scheme of your sunroom. Tropical plants, shells, and wicker planters are ideal for a coastal themed sunroom. Palm trees, a dwarf banana tree, a hibiscus, or Bird of Paradise would be an excellent addition to a tropical themed sunroom. If you desire, you can even house flowers that bloom in colors that coordinate with your sunroom furniture. Though there are many things to consider when selecting plants for a sunroom, the beautiful end result is worth the effort.