If you’ve spent a winter in Spokane, you know the drill. One day you’re hiking the Bowl and Pitcher, soaking in the rugged basalt cliffs and the roar of the Spokane River, and the next, you’re hunkered down indoors while a "Winds of the Palouse" dust storm or a classic Inland Northwest blizzard howls outside.
Living in Spokane means we have a deep appreciation for the great outdoors: the towering ponderosa pines, the crisp mountain air, and the sprawling basalt landscapes. But when the mercury drops and the sun decides to take a four-month sabbatical, we have to find ways to bring that rugged, natural beauty inside.
At Grounded Gardens, we believe your home should feel like an extension of the Lilac City’s natural charm, even when it’s ten degrees outside. Whether you’re styling a historic apartment in Browne’s Addition or a modern new build in Kendall Yards, creating an indoor jungle is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about survival (both yours and the plants').
In this guide, we’re diving into the best easy care houseplants for our unique climate, plant styling ideas for small spaces, and how to pick modern indoor planters that make your greenery pop.
The Spokane Struggle: Why Our Air is "Crispy"
Let’s be real: Spokane’s indoor climate in the winter is basically the Sahara Desert, but without the heat. Between the forced-air heating systems and our naturally dry climate, our homes become humidity-free zones. Add in the fact that our "sunny days" in January are often just a polite suggestion of light, and you’ve got a recipe for some very grumpy plants.
The key to successful houseplant care tips in the 509 is choosing plants that can handle the "crisp" and the "dim."
The Invincibles: Snake Plants and ZZ Plants
If you’re a first-time plant parent or just someone who occasionally forgets that plants need water to live (no judgment here), meet your new best friends: the Snake Plant and the ZZ Plant.
Snake plants are the undisputed champions of best houseplants for low light. They don't just tolerate a dark corner; they practically thrive in it. Plus, they are incredibly drought-tolerant, meaning they won't hold a grudge if you skip a watering cycle while you’re off skiing at Mt. Spokane for the weekend.
Then there’s the ZZ Plant. With its waxy, deep green leaves, it looks like it belongs in a high-end design magazine, but it’s tough enough to survive a Spokane winter with ease. It stores water in its rhizomes (those potato-like things under the soil), making it one of the most resilient easy care houseplants you can find.
Low Light Legends: Pothos and Philodendrons
While we love our big windows, many Spokane apartments: especially those charming older buildings on the South Hill: can be a bit light-challenged. This is where the legends come in.
Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendrons are the ultimate best plants for apartments. They are trailing beauties that can transform a boring bookshelf into a cascading waterfall of green.
- Pothos: Known as the "Devil's Ivy" (because it's nearly impossible to kill), Pothos comes in various colors, from the neon green of the 'Neon' variety to the marbled white of the 'N'Joy'.
- Philodendrons: Similar in look to Pothos, these guys are slightly more delicate-looking but just as hardy. They love to climb or trail, making them perfect for vertical styling.
Pro-Tip for Spokane Winters: During our darkest months, move these guys a little closer to the window than you normally would. Even a "low light" plant needs a little snack of sun every now and then.
Styling Your "Indoor Spokane": Small Space, Big Vibe
Spokane living often means making the most of unique, sometimes compact, floor plans. If you're working with a smaller footprint, you have to get creative with your plant styling ideas.
1. Go Vertical
Don’t let a lack of floor space stop you. Use the walls! Floating shelves, hanging macrame planters, or even a dedicated plant ladder can give you a lot of green real estate without tripping over pots. A Boston Compacta Fern looks stunning hanging in a window, catching what little light we get in December.
2. The Power of the "Plant Nook"
Instead of scattering one plant here and one plant there, try grouping them. Not only does this create a high-impact visual "jungle corner," but it also helps with humidity. Plants naturally release moisture through their leaves (a process called transpiration), so huddling them together creates a mini-microclimate that keeps them happier in our dry air.
3. Pop of Color
While green is the theme, don't be afraid to add some Spokane-inspired color. The Tradescantia Lollipop offers gorgeous purple hues that remind us of the lilac bushes our city is famous for.
Elevating the Look: Modern Indoor Planters
A plant is only half the story; the other half is the pot. In a modern Spokane home, you want modern indoor planters that feel grounded and organic.
Think materials like:
- Matte Ceramics: For a clean, minimalist look that lets the plant’s texture shine.
- Terracotta: A classic for a reason. It breathes well, which is great for plants like the Peperomia Piccolo Banda.
- Natural Wood Accents: To bring in that Inland Northwest cabin-chic vibe.
At Grounded Gardens, we curate our planters to match the modern, approachable aesthetic of the Inland Northwest. We love a pot that feels like it was pulled right from the basalt cliffs of the Palisades: sturdy, textured, and timeless.
The Grounded Gardens Experience
Bringing the outdoors in isn't just about buying a plant; it's about the ritual of care and the community that comes with it. When you walk into our shop on Francis Ave, we want you to feel that same sense of peace you get when walking through Manito Park.
Our space is a blend of a curated plant shop and a light café: because what goes better with plant shopping than a great cup of coffee? It’s a place to talk shop, get houseplant care tips from our team, and find that perfect new addition to your collection.
If you’re looking to carry the vibe even further, we’ve got you covered with our Stay Grounded Soy Candle (perfect for those cozy winter nights) or our Grounded Gardens Organic Cotton Tote Bag for your next trip to the Perry Street Thursday Market.
Final Thoughts: Stay Grounded, Spokane
Whether you’re a lifelong Spokanite or a recent transplant, there’s something special about the way we embrace our environment. We’re a city that loves its trees, its trails, and its community. By bringing a bit of that Inland Northwest greenery indoors, you’re not just decorating: you’re creating a sanctuary.
So, the next time the Spokane sky turns that familiar shade of "winter gray," don't let it get you down. Head over to Grounded Gardens, grab a coffee, and pick out a new leafy roommate. We’ll help you find the perfect match for your space, your light, and your lifestyle.
And if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a fellow plant lover (or a subtle hint for yourself), our Grounded Gardens Gift Card is always a winning move.
Stay grounded, Spokane. Your indoor jungle is waiting.
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