Dreaming about plants, inside and out

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UPDATED: November 19, 2017 at 10:11 PM PST

Poway is blessed with fantabulous weather, except when the temp hits 103 degrees, the a/c is running on all cylinders and the gas and electric bill delves into advanced mathematics. Nevertheless, the rest of the year gives us outstanding growing conditions for our plants.

A recent dream I had was about which outdoor plants would also make great indoor plants. And vice versa. This strayed away, far away, from my usual dreams which involve being chased by monster gophers, being carried away by mutant grasshoppers and forgetting to bring my crayons to the restaurant.

Anyway, here’s what I dreamt up.

1. Wax begonias, popular as an outdoor plant, will bloom in attractive pink, red or white flowers indoors as long the plant has a humid environment. This can be accomplished by placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Mist your begonia weekly. It can grow to 18 inches tall.

2. Geraniums are also well-suited for the indoors and can bloom year-round with monthly feedings. There’s Martha Washington and her sister, Ivy. These geraniums have large, showy flowers. In addition to needing a sunny spot, they will need extra space because they can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide.

3. Hot pepper plants, with their bright colors, are tropical perennials that can produce for several years. As with growing peppers outdoors, they like their soil to be a little dry. Watch for aphids and fungus gnats. Actually, don’t just watch them. Do something. Spray them with an organic insecticide that is pet and family safe.

4. Herbs. Annuals and biennials like basil and parsley, and perennials, like lemon grass and rosemary, all thrive indoors, especially near a sunny windowsill. Chives are a cinch to grow indoors and out.

5. Caladiums can tolerate full shade outdoors, but prefer indirect light indoors. Keep their soil moist. They like temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees F., so no Arctic Circle for these guys.

6. The easy-to-grow, resilient spider plant thrives indoors in medium light. The spider plant works well as a hanging plant and is believed to have the added benefit of cleaning the air in your home by removing formaldehyde. This harmful chemical can be found in insulation, particle board and wood furniture.

7. There are many varieties of Dracaena that grow well indoors and out. The Janet Craig has bright green leaves, while cousin Massangean has yellow and green leaves that resemble a corn stalk. Needs medium to bright light. Many look like short palm-like trees with strap-like foliage. Most will not survive a freeze. Probably neither would I.

8. The tropical-like peace lily is an easy-care plant that tolerates low light and low humidity. Spikes of creamy white flowers bloom the heaviest in summer. Keep the soil moist. Also likes temps in the 60 to 85 degrees F. range. Me too.

9. The star jasmine, which we all know as Trachelospermum jasminoides, will grow indoors or outdoors. For many people, it will be love at first sniff. It blooms best in full sun, but will do well in partial shade. Occasionally, you may see Japanese beetles, scales and sooty mold. This plant can grow fast.

10. The lipstick plant is an easy-to-grow tropical plant that is ideal for hanging baskets. It produces 2-inch tubular scarlet flowers that hang from its vine tips. The plant blooms heaviest in the fall. If you take it outdoors in summer, the red flowers attract hummingbirds. And an occasional cosmetologist. It can grow 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Mist daily if the air is dry.

Indoor plants freshen the air and improve the look of a room. Growing them outside, meanwhile, can rejuvenate the body and clear the mind.

Just like a good night’s sleep.

Schmidt is a Poway resident who has been gardening for over 40 years.

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