what is an indoor garden called

What Is An Indoor Garden Called? A Guide To Indoor Garden Terminology

As urban living becomes more popular, people are finding creative ways to incorporate nature into their homes and offices One great solution is creating an indoor garden. But if you’re new to indoor gardening, all the terminology can get confusing What do you call an indoor garden anyway?

In this article, we’ll explore the various names and terms used for indoor plant spaces so you can better understand indoor garden vocabulary.

Common Types of Indoor Gardens

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

• Conservatory – A glazed, sunlit space attached to a home where plants are grown amidst seating and décor.

• Sunroom – An enclosed room built off the side of a house with transparent roof and windows for sunlight.

• Greenhouse – A freestanding building made of glass or plastic to grow plants, often using climate controls.

• Solarium – A fully enclosed glazed room designed to maximize sunlight exposure for plant growth and warmth.

• Atrium – An indoor garden situated in the open, central courtyard of a building, usually with a glass ceiling.

• Terrarium – A small, closed glass container housing miniaturized houseplants.

• Wardian case – An early form of terrarium popular in the 1800s, sometimes with ventilation.

• Botanarium – A specialized terrarium for aquatic plants and mosses.

• Vivarium – An enclosure combining plants and animals, often tropical varieties.

• Indoor nursery – A dedicated space for starting seeds and caring for young plants.

What Factors Determine Indoor Garden Names?

The terminology used for indoor garden spaces depends on:

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

• Attachment – Attached conservatories vs. standalone greenhouses.

• Size – Small tabletop planters or room-sized atriums.

• Enclosure – Fully enclosed solariums contrast open atriums.

• Plants – Terrariums house mini varieties, nurseries start seedlings.

• Climate control – Humidity, temperature regulation points to a greenhouse.

• Wildlife – Vivariums incorporate animals among plants.

In naming your garden, consider its design, contents and functionality.

Creative Naming Ideas for Indoor Gardens

When deciding what to officially call your indoor garden, get descriptive or creative. Here are some fun ideas:

• Name it after the type of plants inside – The Butterfly Garden for flowers that attract butterflies.

• Pick a name based on garden location – The Sunrise Solarium for an east-facing space.

• Honor someone who loved gardening – Grandma’s Indoor Oasis.

• Evocative descriptions like The Secret Garden or Plant Paradise.

• Incorporate gardening terms – The Bountiful Greenhouse.

• Alliterations like The Sunny Sunroom.

• Let your family help brainstorm meaningful names and make a plaque.

Match Plants and Materials to Your Garden’s Theme

Choose plants and accessories to complement your indoor garden’s name and purpose:

• Zen garden – peaceful greens, stone planters, raked gravel.

• Tropical paradise – bold leafy plants, colorful pots, parrot figurines.

• Fairy garden – mini plants, pathways, fairy decorations.

• Kitchen garden – wire planters of herbs and veggies.

• Desert room – cacti, arid plants, sand, clay pots.

Follow your creativity to craft an indoor oasis perfectly tailored to your vision.

Terminology Cheat Sheet

Here’s a quick recap of indoor garden terminology:

• Conservatory – Sunlit plant room attached to a home.

• Greenhouse – Freestanding, climate-controlled building for plants.

• Sunroom – Enclosed glass room built onto a house.

• Solarium – Fully enclosed glassed-in plant room.

• Atrium – Open courtyard garden inside a building.

• Terrarium – Small, closed container garden.

• Vivarium – Enclosure combining plants and animals.

• Nursery – Dedicated propagation space.

Take Inspiration from Beautiful Indoor Gardens

For inspiration on bringing the outdoors in, explore these stunning real-world indoor gardens across the country:

• New England Bonsai Gardens – One of the oldest and largest bonsai collections in the Northeast spanning eight greenhouses.

• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Palm House with exotic varieties from rainforests to deserts.

• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Nineteen themed rooms including a tropical forest and sunken garden.

• Missouri Botanical Garden Climatron – A huge geodesic dome housing tropical plants and exotic birds.

• Desert Botanical Garden – Cacti, succulents and desert flora from around the world.

Immerse yourself in an indoor plant paradise perfect for rejuvenating the spirit any time of year.

The Takeaway

Indoor gardens go by many names like conservatories, atriums, greenhouses and terrariums. Consider your garden’s design, contents and purpose when choosing descriptive terminology. And feel free to get creative with a meaningful, personalized name for your indoor oasis. Surround yourself with plants and accessories that complement your theme. Then relax and enjoy your own slice of nature at home.