Native Mid-South Plants Perfect for Pots & Indoors

At Rich-Way Landscape, we love to see homes that bring the outdoors inside with a variety of plants. We understand that choosing native plants is crucial for creating a beautiful and resilient garden, especially if you plan to nurture them indoors during the cold weather. Native plants are well-adapted to the unique climate of the Mid-South, and many can thrive indoors or in containers on patios, allowing you to extend your gardening efforts for several more months. With some care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of these plants year-round. Here are our suggestions for some of the best indoor Mid-South plants for container gardening, along with tips on helping them thrive during winter.

Some Mid-South Plants That We Love:

Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea)

• Why They Work: Coral bells are known for their vibrant foliage and delicate flowers. These perennials are great for containers, and their colorful leaves can add visual interest to your indoor space.
• Indoor Care: Coral bells prefer partial shade but can thrive indoors if placed in bright, indirect light. They also need to be watered often and have soil that is well-draining.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Why They Work: The Eastern redbud is a small tree native to the Mid-South, often recognized by its beautiful pink flowers. It can be grown in large pots when young, adding a striking focal point to entryways or patios.
• Indoor Care: They require bright, indirect light and should be placed away from cold drafts. Water regularly and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

• Why They Work: This popular southern plant is known for its satin-like green leaves and aromatic white flowers, which add elegance and a touch of Southern charm to your indoor space. When this plant is young, it can be grown in a large container.
• Indoor Care: Southern magnolias prefers indirect light. Ideally, they should be placed close to a window that gets a lot of light but without harsh rays. The soil should not be soggy, yet they do need a good amount of watering, so keeping them moist will help them thrive indoors.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• Why They Work: This plant produces striking orange flowers and is highly attractive to pollinators. It is a resilient plant that thrives in containers.
• Indoor Care: Butterfly weed thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. When kept indoors, place it near a sunny window, and reduce watering in the winter to prevent root rot.

Winter Care Tips for Indoor and Container Plants

• Acclimate Them Indoors Early: Bring your potted plants indoors before the first frost. This will help them acclimate to the new environment and reduce the chances of shock from sudden temperature changes.
• Adjust Watering Routines: During the winter, indoor plants typically need a decrease of water because their growing slows. Be sure to reduce watering frequency, but keep an eye on humidity levels, especially for plants like ferns that thrive in humid conditions.
• Monitor Light Exposure: Your plants will receive less sunlight as the days grow shorter. Consider moving them to sunnier spots or using grow lights to supplement their light needs.
• Watch for Pests: Pests might come along for the ride when bringing outdoor plants inside. Inspect your plants carefully and use organic pest control if necessary. Neem oil is an excellent option for keeping pests at bay.
• Maintain Proper Humidity: Many native plants in the Mid-South thrive in humid conditions. During winter, indoor heating can dry out the air. To combat this, regularly mist your plants, use a humidifier, or place a shallow water dish nearby to increase humidity.
• Fertilize Sparingly: Most plants go dormant during winter and require fewer nutrients. It’s best to lightly fertilize or refrain from fertilizing until spring.

Why Choose Rich-Way Landscape?

At Rich-Way Landscape, we understand the unique needs of Mid-South plants. We can help you select the perfect native species for your indoor or container garden. Whether you need advice on plant care or want help designing your ideal outdoor space, our team of experts is here to assist you. We pride ourselves on being the best landscaping service in the Mid-South, helping our clients create beautiful, sustainable gardens year-round.