Dish Gardens: Beautiful Indoor Plant Arrangements for Any Occasion

A dish garden is a smaller-scale, curated landscape of multiple different plants and flowers grown together in a single, open container that is perfect to house indoors. These arrangements usually feature different plants ranging from large flowers, succulents, cacti, or other foliage plants designed to mimic natural landscapes and work amazingly as decorations and gifts. They're also well-known for needing less maintenance than a traditional floral arrangement, as they are longer-lasting and often don't require as much water. They do require some care, however, and the type of plants featured in the pot will change the care instructions. They’re often planted in ceramic pots, baskets, or shallow dishes. You can also find tropical varieties featuring peace lilies and orchids.

Why Choose a Dish Garden?

Dish gardens are great because not only are they beautiful and reliable plants, but they’re perfect additions for the home or office. They’re also the perfect gift for a variety of occasions where the individual or family receiving them won’t have to carry the concern of the flowers wilting and dying. While any bouquet and arrangement can last a while with proper care, dish gardens have a little more “oomph.”

Alternative to Cut Flowers: While plenty of people love fresh cut flowers, a long-lasting, more natural look that combines plants, sturdy flowers, and other foliage.
Easy to Care For: Requires far less maintenance than a traditional set of flowers.
Perfect for Gifting: They’re neutral gifts that can easily be personalized with a card or gift to change the meaning based on the occasion, such as a birthday, corporate event, or even as a sympathy gift.
Stylish Home & Office Decor: Bring the greenery inside without needing to have multiple potted plants that you have to care for.

Dish gardens are popular because they’re compact, attractive, and thrive indoors! They’re almost like a pet... but they’re a plant.

Dish Garden Care Tips

While each dish garden can be a little unique, the majority follow a similar formula. However, when purchasing, don't be afraid to ask your local florist what care instructions they would recommend. The general care tips include keeping your dish garden in moderate to indirect sunlight (i.e., near a west-facing window with curtains) and testing the topsoil to see if the first 1-2 inches feel dry. In that case, they require some light watering. Most dish gardens don't have drainage, so you need to avoid overwatering; use small amounts of water. You also need to trim dead leaves and foliage and consider repotting individual plants if they become too crowded. This likely isn't going to occur in the first 6-12 months, but this can vary depending on the plant. If your dish garden features tropical plants, keep in mind they enjoy humidity and aren’t likely to thrive in colder environments.