What to Call Your Indoor Garden: Names and Terms Explained

Having an indoor garden can be a rewarding hobby and a great way to add some nature to your living space But if you’re new to indoor gardening, all the different terms for indoor plant spaces can get confusing In this article, we’ll look at the various names and terminology around indoor gardens so you can better understand what to call your own indoor oasis.

Common Types of Indoor Gardens

Here are some of the most popular types of indoor gardens and plant spaces

• Conservatory – A glazed space attached to a house where plants are cultivated alongside furnishings for relaxation.

• Sunroom – An enclosed space built onto the side of a house with transparent roof and windows to let in sunlight.

• Greenhouse – A building made of glass or plastic where plants are grown, often using automated climate controls.

• Solarium – A glazed room or space where sunlight is captured for heat and plant growth.

• Atrium – An indoor garden set in the open, central area enclosed by a building. Often features a glass ceiling.

• Terrarium – A small, enclosed glass container housing miniature plants.

• Wardian case – An early type of terrarium made popular in the 19th century, sometimes with ventilation.

• Botanarium – A terrarium specifically made for growing small aquatic plants.

• Vivarium – An enclosed space usually made for keeping and observing animals, sometimes with plants.

• Indoor nursery – A dedicated indoor space for caring for young seedlings and plant propagation.

Factors That Determine Indoor Garden Names

The terminology used for indoor plant spaces typically depends on a few key factors:

• Purpose – If meant for relaxation, it’s a conservatory or sunroom. If just for plants, it’s a greenhouse.

• Attachment to house – Attached spaces like sunrooms contrast with standalone greenhouses.

• Size – Small tabletop planters versus room-sized conservatories.

• Level of enclosure – A solarium is fully enclosed while an atrium may be open.

• Type of plants – Terrariums are for miniature varieties.

• Use of climate controls – Greenhouses control humidity and temperature.

• Integrating wildlife – Vivariums may incorporate small animals among plants.

So in naming your indoor garden, consider its main purpose, design, size and contents.

Coming Up With the Perfect Name

When deciding what to officially call your indoor garden, choose a descriptive term that fits the space. But you can also get creative and give it a fun, personal name. Here are some ideas:

• Name it after someone, like a family member who also loved gardening – “Grandma Ruth’s Indoor Oasis”.

• Pick a name relating to the types of plants inside – “The Butterfly House” if you have flowering plants that attract butterflies.

• Choose something inspired by your garden’s location – “The Sunrise Solarium” for an East-facing space.

• Go with a cute description like “The Secret Garden” or “The Plant Paradise”.

• Incorporate “Indoor Arboretum”, “Garden Atrium”, “Bountiful Greenhouse” or other terminology.

• Add alliteration: “The Sunny Sunroom”.

Get the whole family involved in brainstorming a meaningful, descriptive name. Then create a nice plaque or sign with the garden’s official title to mount on the wall.

Choosing Plants and Containers to Match Your Garden’s Style

Once you settle on the perfect name, choose plants and containers to match that theme or purpose. Here are some suggestions:

• Zen garden – Serene green foliage, succulents, bamboo, moss, stone or pebble containers.

• Tropical paradise – Large leafy plants, bromeliads, orchids, parrots, colorful pots.

• Fairy garden – Miniature plants, pathways, fairy decorations, small terra cotta pots.

• Kitchen garden – Herbs, vegetables, wire hanging planters.

• Desert room – Cacti, arid plants, sand, rocks, clay pots.

Carefully select plants and materials that complement the garden’s name and your own personal vision. This creates a cohesive, intentional space you’ll be excited to relax and nurture plants in.

Enjoying the Benefits of Your Indoor Garden

Whether you call it a sunroom, conservatory or just “the plant nook,” an indoor garden offers many benefits for plant lovers:

• Year-round ability to garden regardless of outdoor weather.

• Protection for delicate plants that won’t survive being exposed to the elements.

• Design flexibility to create an indoor paradise perfectly tailored to your space and preferences.

• Ability to intricately control factors like sunlight, humidity and temperature.

• A serene place to enjoy the beauty of nature from the comfort of home.

• Ease of care for plants right inside your living space.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting the perfect indoor plant sanctuary. Choose descriptive terminology and give your space a meaningful name. Then accessorize it with containers and furnishings to match the garden’s theme. Follow your creativity to bring a little nature indoors!