Updated: April 28, 2022

Dish gardens are a popular way to bring the beauty of plants indoors. They are a collection of small plants planted together in a container, creating a miniature garden that is easy to care for and adds a touch of nature to any room. However, choosing the right size of plants for your dish garden is crucial to ensure that your display looks balanced and healthy. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right size of plants for your dish garden.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Plant Size

When choosing plants for your dish garden, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:

Container Size

The size of your container will determine how many plants you can fit in your dish garden, as well as how large the plants can be. If you have a small container, you will need to choose small plants that won’t outgrow the container quickly. If you have a larger container, you can choose larger plants or a mix of small and large plants.

Plant Growth Rate

Different plants grow at different rates, so it’s essential to choose plants that have similar growth rates. If you choose a fast-growing plant and pair it with a slow-growing plant, the fast-growing plant may outgrow the other and take over the dish garden.

Lighting Conditions

The amount of light your dish garden receives will affect how quickly your plants grow. If you have a brightly lit room, you’ll need to choose plants that can handle direct sunlight without burning. If you have a dimly lit room, you’ll need to choose shade-loving plants.

Watering Needs

Different plants have different watering needs, so it’s essential to choose plants that have similar requirements. If you choose a plant that needs frequent watering and pair it with a plant that doesn’t like too much water, one of the plants will suffer.

Choosing the Right Size of Plants

Once you’ve considered the above factors, it’s time to choose the right size of plants for your dish garden. Here are some tips to help you:

Small Dish Garden

If you have a small dish garden, choose small plants that won’t outgrow the container quickly. You can choose plants that are no more than six inches tall, such as succulents or small ferns. Alternatively, you can use baby versions of larger plants, such as baby tears or miniature roses.

Medium Dish Garden

For a medium-sized dish garden, you can choose plants that are up to 12 inches tall. This opens up more options, such as dwarf citrus trees or small herbs like thyme and oregano. You can also mix and match small and medium-sized plants for a varied look.

Large Dish Garden

If you have a large dish garden or planter, you can choose plants that are up to 24 inches tall. This gives you even more options, such as bamboo or mini palm trees. You can also add trailing plants like ivy or pothos to create a cascading effect.

FAQ

What is the best soil for a dish garden?

The best soil for a dish garden is one that is well-draining and rich in nutrients. You can use a cactus soil mix for succulents or a potting soil mix for other plants.

How often should I water my dish garden?

The frequency of watering your dish garden will depend on the plants you have chosen and the lighting conditions in your home. Generally, you should water your dish garden when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Can I put my dish garden outside?

Most dish gardens are designed for indoor use, but if you have chosen plants that can handle direct sunlight and outdoor conditions, you can put your dish garden outside. Just be sure to bring it back inside if the weather turns bad.

In conclusion, choosing the right size of plants for your dish garden is crucial to ensure that your display looks balanced and healthy. Consider the size of your container, the growth rate of the plants, the lighting conditions, and the watering needs before making your selection. With these tips, you can create a beautiful and thriving dish garden that brings a touch of nature to your home.