Goebbert’s Garden Center
The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Gardening
Breathe Life into Your Home with Greenery
There’s something truly special about bringing a bit of the outdoors inside. Indoor gardening isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a way of life that adds warmth, beauty, and a little peace to your space. Whether you’re brightening up your desk, freshening the air, or just wanting a splash of greenery at home, indoor plants have a way of making everything feel a little more alive.
At Goebbert’s Flower and Garden Center, we’ve helped families grow for over 75 years. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: why indoor gardening matters, how to start, and what plants to choose.
3 Great Reasons to Have Indoor Plants
Indoor plants offer a powerful mix of beauty and benefits—especially now that more people are working remotely or spending time at home. Whether it’s a cozy apartment or a bustling home office, plants can brighten your mood and your space.
Stress Reduction
Plants like lavender and snake plants are known to improve mental health by reducing anxiety and boosting mood.
Air Quality
Studies show that indoor plants like pothos and peace lilies remove harmful toxins, increase oxygen levels, and reduce dust.
Aesthetic Appeal
Want a space that feels lively and inviting? Indoor plants are the ultimate décor upgrade, enhancing minimalist, modern, or eclectic interiors alike.
And with so many plant options and resources available, anyone can cultivate their little paradise indoors—even first-time gardeners!
Visit Goebbert’s Indoor Plant Department
Our indoor plant collection is curated to suit all skill levels, décor styles, and lighting conditions. Whether you’re decorating your first apartment or upgrading your home office, we have plants that match your vibe and lifestyle.
Stop in and browse our beautiful Indoor Plant Department—our team is happy to help you pick the perfect greenery for your space.
We also offer handy resources to make growing easier-
Download Our Handouts:
Indoor Plant Care Guide
Low Light Indoor Plants
Growing Aloe Vera
Step One: Choosing the Right Indoor Plants
Goebbert’s takes pride in offering shrubs that thrive in Illinois’ climate. Here are a few favorites to inspire your garden design.
Beginner-Friendly Options
New to gardening? Start with these forgiving plants:
Succulents
Snake Plants
Spider Plants
Aloe Vera
These plants are nearly impossible to kill, making them perfect for beginners.
Dumb Cane
The dumb cane plant, known for its striking variegated leaves, gets its name from its sap, which can temporarily impair speech if ingested.
Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are elegant, low-maintenance plants known for their lush green leaves and white blooms.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are versatile, known for their large leavy foliage.
Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen plant, ironically not an evergreen, is known for its resilience and adaptability. With its striking variegated leaves, it purifies indoor air and adds a touch of flair.
Mother-In-Law Plant
Known for its resilience and striking pointed vertical leaves, the Mother-in-Law plant, also called the Snake Plant, is an air-purifying powerhouse that thrives with minimal care.
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is a low-maintenance beauty, known for its elegant character and cascading “spiderettes” that hang delicately from the parent plant.
Cordyline
Often known for its vibrant, sword-like foliage, the Cordyline is a symbol of good luck in many cultures around the world.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, renowned for its soothing gel, is not only a staple in skincare but also a hardy plant that can thrive in arid conditions, making it a popular choice.
Prayer Plant
The prayer plant doesn’t just sit pretty—it folds its leaves at night like it’s saying a little botanical bedtime prayer.
Match the Lighting to Your New Plant
Here’s how common plants align with light levels:
| Light Level | Suggested Plants |
|---|---|
| Low Light | ZZ Plant, Peace Lily, Prayer Plant, Chinese Evergreen, Dumb Cane |
| Medium Light | Philodendron, Spider Plant |
| Bright Light | Aloe Vera, Cordyline, Mother-in-Law Plant, Cacti |
🌤 Observe your rooms throughout the day to spot sunny windows vs. shadier nooks.
Match the Indoor Plant to Your Lifestyle
| Plant | Maintenance |
|---|---|
| Snake Plant, Pothos, Aloe Vera | Low—great for beginners or busy schedules |
| Orchids, Ferns, Cordyline | Moderate to high—need more care but offer standout beauty |
Step Two: Gather Your Tools
Set your indoor garden up for success with a few must-haves.
🛒 We carry all of these at Goebbert’s—ask us for a demo when you visit!
Pots & Containers
- Terracotta: Breathable and rustic
- Plastic: Lightweight and affordable
- Ceramic: Stylish and sturdy
✔ Always pick pots with drainage holes.
Soil & Watering Supplies
Use the right soil for the right plant (e.g., cactus soil for succulents, rich potting mix for tropicals).
Add a watering can, spray mister, and moisture meter to your toolkit.
Smart Add-Ons
- LED Grow Lights for dark corners or winter
- Self-Watering Planters for convenience
- Hydroponic Kits for soil-free growing
Step Three: Care Tips from the Experts
Even low-maintenance plants appreciate a little TLC. Here’s how to help them thrive:
Watering
Check the soil before watering. Most houseplants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Use distilled water for sensitive species like the peace lily.
Fertilizing
Feed monthly in spring and summer using organic or balanced indoor plant fertilizer. Some plants (like aloe) don’t need much feeding at all.
Pruning & Grooming
- Trim dead or yellow leaves
- Mist tropical plants weekly
- Rotate pots so plants grow evenly
Styling Tips: Create an Indoor Oasis
- Group plants by type or height for natural cohesion
- Layer with shelves, stands, and macramé hangers
- Decorate with statement pots or fairy lights
- Soften spaces with rugs and natural textures
Try Hydroponics for a Clean, Modern Option
Hydroponics—growing plants in water with nutrients instead of soil—is perfect for small spaces and herb gardens.
Why Try It?
- Clean and compact
- No mess, no soil
- Speeds up plant growth
- Ideal for basil, lettuce, spinach, and more
Starter kits are available at Goebbert’s, and our team is happy to walk you through setup.
Quick Reference: Common Indoor Plants & Care Tips
| Plant | Light | Watering | Fertilizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prayer Plant | Low | Keep moist, mist weekly | Monthly (spring/summer) |
| Chinese Evergreen | Med-Low | Well-draining soil | Monthly (spring/summer) |
| Dumb Cane | Low | Keep moist, mist weekly | Weekly (spring/summer) |
| Mother-in-Law Plant | Bright | Keep dry | Monthly (spring/summer) |
| Spider Plant | Bright | Let dry between waterings | Weekly (spring/summer) |
| Peace Lily | Low | Distilled water 2–3x/week | Occasionally |
| Cordyline | Bright | Keep soil moist | Monthly (spring/summer) |
| Aloe Vera | Bright | Water deeply, rarely | Do not fertilize |
| Philodendron | Bright | Let top 1″ dry | Monthly (spring/summer) |
Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Problems
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | May be overwatering or low nutrients—adjust care routine |
| Brown tips | Often low humidity—mist more or add a humidifier |
| Pests like fungus gnats | Use neem oil or sticky traps |
| Root rot | Repot in fresh soil and improve drainage |
Stay Informed On Upcoming Events & News
Join the Goebbert's Farm & Garden Center Newsletter
Seasonal Indoor Plant Care Tips
Winter
- Add grow lights
- Use a humidifier
- Water less frequently
Summer
- Increase watering
- Move plants away from direct, scorching sunlight
Boost Your Gardening Confidence with Our Classes
Each spring we offer a plethora of helpful classes for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Here are a few that we offer, check our events calendar for available class times and dates.
Successful Container Gardening
Learn about container selection, soil, drainage, plant food, watering, and seasonal maintenance from our Custom Planting team. Leave with the confidence to care for your potted garden!
Succulent Design
Succulents add elegance and texture to your garden with minimal effort. Our staff will guide you in creating a unique succulent display, ideal for full sun in your backyard or on a patio table.
Indoor Plants
Join our indoor plant care class to learn about general care, watering, and choosing the right plants for your space.
Why Goebbert’s Should Be Your Planting Partner
For over 50 years, we’ve been South Barrington’s trusted go-to for gardening in the Northwest suburbs. Here’s what makes us stand out:
Seasoned Expertise
With decades of experience, we understand what thrives in our Midwest climate.
Top-notch Selection
From philodendrons to spider plants, we have all the plants you need for an indoor garden.
Custom Planting Services
Don’t want to plant yourself? Our team will handle the heavy lifting with delivery and expert installation.
Loyal Gardening Club
Earn points on every purchase and access seasonal promotions.
Ready to Grow Your Indoor Paradise?
Indoor gardening brings beauty, calm, and life into your home. And with Goebbert’s by your side, it’s easier than ever.
Stop in today to explore our wide variety of indoor plants, tools, and expert guidance. From low-maintenance to bold and blooming—we’ll help you create a home that thrives, one plant at a time.