How to install a rock garden indoors

Rock gardens are synonymous with the outdoors. But they can also electrify the indoors. You can install one in one of those dull corners and change the overall look of your interior.

Rati Vishal, a landscaper created one in the space below the staircase.  It helps usher guests into the living room from the front door.

What you need for an indoor rock garden

You need plants, a focal point and decorative pebbles. However, keep everything simple. Use succulents and cacti. However, Rati says these slow growers need sufficient sunlight. Also, snake plant and bonsai varieties work wonderfully. Plant the succulents in small pots, but avoid crowding them lest they compete with none standing out. Choose between ceramic, clay and plastic pots. Mariah Kiwagama, an interior designer says that rock gardens look good with grass.

A rock garden under the staircase

How Rati created the garden

• Rati brought in the artificial carpet grass to mimic natural grass.
• She filled the corner with this carpet and placed the pots in different corners.
• Rati used two big pots for a focal point in facing corners. “Since succulents are outdoor plants that thrive on natural sun, I opted for twin pots such that if one is taken out in the sun, the other remains to maintain the beauty,” she explains.

The plants are taken out every two to three days. However, Rati advises one to choose the plants wisely. The combination should rhyme with the décor theme in terms of size and colour.

Once you decide to group them, there should be continuity and a balanced display. Besides, ensure to decorate the surface of the garden with pebbles or mosaic stones. If space allows, bring in a few larger rocks to help fill in gaps between the plants. This will give your garden a finished look.

Maintenance

Rati advises one to use a potting mixture that drains well. Succulents need good draining soil.

Also, give your plants plenty of light.

“Most succulents need at least half a day of sunlight,” Kiwagama says.

If possible, install this garden near a sunny window.