Best Houseplants for Your Orangery or Glazed Extension in the UK
Best Houseplants for Your Orangery or Glazed Extension in the UK
An orangery or glazed extension is the perfect spot for growing plants, combining natural light with a cozy indoor atmosphere. The high light levels and temperature stability provided by glass extensions offer a unique opportunity to cultivate a variety of houseplants that thrive in this environment. Whether you’re looking to bring a touch of greenery to your home or create a mini indoor jungle, here’s a guide to the best houseplants for your orangery or glazed extension in the UK.
Why Choose Plants for Your Orangery?
Orangeries and glazed extensions are designed to let in plenty of natural light, which creates an ideal environment for many houseplants. The temperature is often slightly warmer than other parts of the house, which helps plants grow faster and more vibrantly. Additionally, the increased humidity and sunlight provide a nurturing atmosphere for plants that prefer bright, sunny conditions.
Benefits of Houseplants in an Orangery:
• Improved Air Quality: Plants naturally purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Adding greenery brings life to the space, creating a fresh and relaxing atmosphere.
• Increased Humidity: Plants help maintain moisture levels, which is especially helpful in winter when indoor air can get dry.
1. Ficus (Ficus elastica) – The Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica, or the Rubber Plant, is an ideal choice for a glass extension, thanks to its striking glossy leaves and large size. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate some periods of direct sunlight, making it a great fit for an orangery. The Rubber Plant can grow tall, adding an impressive element to your space, and it’s relatively low-maintenance.
• Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light (can tolerate some direct sunlight)
• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
• Care Tips: Keep in a well-draining pot and occasionally wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
2. Citrus Trees – Lemons, Oranges, and Limes
Citrus trees are a fantastic choice for an orangery because they love bright, sunny conditions and can tolerate the fluctuating temperatures that come with a glazed extension. The fresh scent of citrus blossoms can fill your space in the spring, and you might even harvest your own lemons, oranges, or limes!
• Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
• Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist, but don’t let it sit in water.
• Care Tips: Provide a well-draining pot and consider rotating the tree occasionally to ensure even growth.
3. Palms – Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) and Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
Palms are elegant, tropical plants that thrive in bright, indirect light—perfect for your orangery. The Areca Palm, in particular, is known for its feather-like fronds and can grow quite large, creating a stunning focal point in any space. Similarly, the Kentia Palm is a slow-growing plant that can live for years, adding a sophisticated, tropical vibe to your extension.
• Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light (avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves)
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, especially in the warmer months.
• Care Tips: Dust the leaves regularly and avoid over-watering to prevent root rot.
4. Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Orchids add an exotic touch to your orangery with their elegant flowers. Phalaenopsis orchids are particularly well-suited for growing in the UK as they prefer warm, humid conditions, which makes a glazed extension the perfect environment. These stunning plants produce long-lasting flowers in vibrant colours like pink, purple, and white, adding a luxurious element to your space.
• Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Water when the bark is dry, but avoid letting the roots sit in water.
• Care Tips: Ensure good humidity levels (using a humidity tray or misting) and avoid drafts.
5. Succulents – Aloe Vera, Echeveria, and Sedum
Succulents are an excellent choice for a sunny orangery, as they thrive in dry conditions and can tolerate high levels of sunlight. Aloe Vera, with its medicinal properties, and Echeveria, with its rosette formation, are particularly popular. They don’t require much water, making them a perfect low-maintenance option for busy plant owners.
• Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight)
• Watering: Water thoroughly but infrequently—allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
• Care Tips: Use a pot with good drainage and avoid over-watering.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is an adaptable, hardy climber that can thrive in the UK’s varying climates. In your orangery, Ivy will do well in the bright light but can also tolerate lower light conditions, making it a versatile option. Ivy is perfect for hanging baskets or trailing down from shelves and can even be trained to grow along trellises for a vertical garden effect.
• Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light (can tolerate lower light)
• Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist, but allow it to dry out between waterings.
• Care Tips: Prune regularly to control growth and prevent it from becoming too invasive.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is not only beneficial for its soothing properties but also makes an attractive addition to an orangery. Known for its fleshy, spiky leaves, Aloe Vera thrives in warm, sunny spaces and is ideal for a glazed extension where light levels are high.
• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Watering: Water thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.
• Care Tips: Aloe Vera prefers to be left alone, so minimal care is required.
8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is a resilient and easy-to-care-for plant that does well in bright or indirect light. Its long, arching leaves and small white flowers add texture and visual interest to your orangery. This plant is also known for being a natural air purifier, helping to keep the indoor environment fresh.
• Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
• Care Tips: Keep in a well-draining pot and occasionally trim off the “spiderettes” to maintain its shape.
9. Fern – Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Ferns, such as the Boston Fern, thrive in humid, bright environments and are ideal for an orangery, where the temperature and moisture levels are often ideal. The soft, feathery foliage of ferns adds texture and volume to your plant collection and works well in both hanging baskets and potted arrangements.
• Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Care Tips: Increase humidity by misting or placing a humidity tray underneath the pot.
Conclusion
Your orangery or glazed extension offers a unique opportunity to cultivate a diverse range of houseplants that thrive in bright, natural light and stable temperatures. Whether you prefer lush tropical plants, fragrant citrus trees, or simple succulents, there is something for every type of plant lover. Choose the plants that best fit your space, lifestyle, and personal preferences, and enjoy the beauty and benefits they bring to your home.
Share Your Orangery Greenery!
What are your favourite plants for your orangery or glazed extension? Share your thoughts and photos with us in the comments below! Happy gardening!
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!