How to Plant an Indoor Fairy Garden

Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we tell you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today we’re going to talk about creating a fairy garden for the indoors, so an indoor fairy garden. I’ll be planting it, decorating it, and accessorizing it. I am the co-author of this book here, Fairy Gardening: Creating a Magical Miniature Garden, and it has been a best-seller for several years. The book primarily talks about growing outdoors, but there are a lot of techniques you can use for indoors as well. Today, we’re specifically focusing on growing an indoor fairy garden.

The first thing you want to think about when you’re creating an indoor fairy garden is your theme. Your theme will dictate the types of accessories you’ll have, the plants you’ll choose, and the color scheme for your garden. Even small details like what you’ll use for pathways—like these miniature shells—can be influenced by the theme. Themes will help determine the feel of your fairy garden. For instance, if you’re creating a fairy garden for a little girl, it would look different than one for a little boy. Or, if you’re doing it for a baby shower, the theme could be tied to the shower itself.

Today, I’m going to show you some different ideas and then reveal what I’ve decided on. When choosing your accessories, you’ll want to start with a theme and make it cohesive in terms of the color scheme. For example, this setup is very pink. If we add another fairy, like this little flower table, it may not fit as well. However, this fairy, with her pink wings, complements the shape and color of the flower. The parallels between the accessories and the theme really help make the design flow nicely.

If you’re going to be using fencing, it also needs to fit the color scheme. This particular fencing could work with different fairies because it shares brown and white tones with them. The fun part about creating these indoor fairy gardens is that it allows you to go back to your childhood. You can imagine stories and scenarios, which we’ll discuss more in a minute. What’s the story happening in your garden? You can get lost in an indoor fairy garden for hours, letting your troubles melt away as you create your own magical world.

Today, I’m leaning towards using this fairy as my focal point. Every fairy garden needs a focal point, something that draws the eye. It should be decorative and eye-catching. This fairy is perfect for that. When setting up your fairy garden, you’ll want to place the focal point first. I suggest planting your garden first, then arranging your focal point.

One reason I chose this fairy is because she pairs nicely with the pink polka dot plant I’ll be using. This is a great plant for indoor growing. As long as you keep it pinched back, it will stay compact and colorful. It needs medium to bright light, but you don’t need to use extra lighting unless you’re growing in a dim area. This plant complements the pink tones of the fairy and accessories.

When choosing plants, remember that there aren’t as many options for indoor fairy gardens as there are for outdoor ones. For indoors, many plants need full sun, which limits your choices. However, you can use mini African violets, mini kalanchoe (though they’ll need replacing eventually), selaginella moss, and small ivies. You can also incorporate plants used in terrariums.

Now let’s talk about plant placement. It’s important not to overload your garden with too many plants or accessories. Think of it like decorating a room—if you have too much going on, it becomes overwhelming. The same applies to fairy gardens. Be judicious with your choices. Choose a container with drainage holes, like this low-profile pot, which works well because it allows you to see the design without excess moisture causing root rot.

Next, I’ll position the plants. I’ve already moistened the soil and added some houseplant food to help keep the plants healthy. You don’t want to fertilize too much, as it will cause the plants to grow too quickly and potentially dwarf the fairies. Keeping everything in proportion is key.

Now let’s look at the fencing. This fencing will work well around the plants and can be shaped as needed. Remember to keep your accessories cohesive and not to overdo it. I think this setup will look fabulous, with just the right balance of accessories and plants. I’ve also laid down some gravel, which is a great way to bring in different colors and create pathways.

When it comes to telling a story, your accessories can help. Who will your fairy talk to? Perhaps a bird or another fairy? You can experiment with different setups until the story feels right. For example, I’ve positioned a fairy friend to talk to our main fairy, adding a narrative to the scene.

Finally, for maintenance, provide sufficient light and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Pinch back the plants to prevent them from getting leggy, and add extra soil as needed to prevent air pockets. This indoor fairy garden will bring joy for a long time.

Thanks for stopping by! Have fun gardening in the Great Indoors, and please remember to like, share, and subscribe. Happy gardening!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an indoor fairy garden?

An indoor fairy garden is a miniature garden that is planted, decorated, and accessorized indoors. It uses plants and accessories to create a magical miniature world, often based on a specific theme.

How do I choose a theme for my fairy garden?

Choosing a theme is essential as it dictates the types of accessories, plants, and the color scheme for your garden. Themes can be tailored for different occasions, such as for children, baby showers, or other special events.

What kind of plants can I use for an indoor fairy garden?

For indoor fairy gardens, some good plant options include mini African violets, mini kalanchoe, selaginella moss, small ivies, and plants commonly used in terrariums. Remember to choose plants that can thrive indoors.

What should I consider when selecting accessories for my fairy garden?

Accessories should complement the theme and color scheme of your garden. Keep them cohesive with the rest of your setup, including the fencing, and avoid overcrowding the garden with too many accessories.

What is the importance of a focal point in a fairy garden?

Every fairy garden should have a focal point, which draws attention and acts as the centerpiece. It should be decorative and eye-catching, such as a fairy figurine, which can complement your plants and overall design.

How do I maintain an indoor fairy garden?

To maintain an indoor fairy garden, provide it with medium to bright light, keep the soil moist but not soggy, and pinch back the plants to prevent overgrowth. Adding houseplant food can help keep the plants healthy, but avoid over-fertilizing.

Can I tell a story with my fairy garden setup?

Yes, you can tell a story with your fairy garden by positioning accessories like fairies, birds, or other figurines in ways that suggest interaction. Experiment with different setups to create a narrative that fits your theme.