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

An indoor garden is a great way to bring some greenery into your home or office. But with so many different terms used to describe indoor plant spaces, it can get confusing trying to figure out what to actually call your own indoor oasis. In this article, we’ll look at the various names and terminology around indoor gardens so you can better understand the lexicon of indoor gardening.

Popular Types of Indoor Gardens

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

• Conservatory – A glazed, greenhouse-like 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 maximize sunlight exposure.

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

• Solarium – An fully enclosed garden room with glass roof and windows to capture sunlight for plant growth.

• Atrium – An indoor garden set in the open, central area enclosed by a building, often featuring a glass ceiling

• Terrarium – A small, enclosed glass container housing miniature houseplants or scenes.

• Wardian case – An early form 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 for keeping and observing animals that usually includes plants.

• Indoor nursery – A dedicated indoor space used for propagating, nurturing seedlings and caring for young plants.

What Factors Determine Indoor Garden Names?

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

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

• Attachment to house – Attached spaces like sunrooms contrast with detached 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 optimized for miniature varieties.

• Use of climate controls – Greenhouses allow control over humidity, temperature, etc.

• Integrating wildlife – Vivariums incorporate small animals among plants.

Coming Up With a Unique Name

When deciding what to officially name your indoor garden space, choose a descriptive term that fits its design and purpose. 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. Ex: “Grandma’s Indoor Oasis”.

• Pick a name relating to the types of plants inside. Ex: “The Butterfly House” for flowering plants that attract butterflies.

• Choose something inspired by the garden’s location or direction it faces. Ex: “The Sunrise Solarium” for an East-facing space.

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

• Incorporate the garden type into the name: “Indoor Arboretum”, “Garden Atrium”, “Bountiful Greenhouse”, etc.

• Add alliteration: “The Sunny Sunroom”.

Get everyone’s input to brainstorm a creative, meaningful name. Then design a nice plaque or sign displaying the official title.

Matching Plants and Decor to the Garden’s Theme

Once you settle on the perfect name, choose plants and containers that align with that theme or purpose:

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

• Tropical paradise – Large leafy plants, bromeliads, orchids, 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 accessories that complement the style conveyed by the garden’s name and your vision. This creates a cohesive, intentional space.

Enjoying the Benefits

Whether you opt for “sunroom” or “plant paradise”, an indoor garden offers many benefits:

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

• Protection for delicate plants intolerant of outdoor exposure.

• Design flexibility to tailor the space to your preferences.

• Precise control over sunlight, humidity, temperature, etc.

• A serene place to enjoy nature’s beauty from home.

• Convenient access to nurture plants right inside your living area.

Let your creativity run wild in crafting the perfect indoor plant sanctuary. Choose a descriptive name and accessorize the space to match. Then relax and reap the rewards as you cultivate an indoor oasis tailored to your unique vision and green thumb!