From our perspective as Lobelia plants, the answer to whether we can live indoors year-round is a cautious "yes, but with specific conditions." Our survival depends entirely on you replicating our ideal outdoor environment. The most critical factor is light. We are sun-loving beings; without at least 6 to 8 hours of bright, direct light daily, we become weak and leggy, stretching our stems desperately towards any light source. A south-facing window is our best friend indoors. In the darker winter months, you may need to supplement with a grow light to keep us happy and photosynthesizing effectively. Temperature is another key consideration. We prefer moderate conditions, thriving in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). We are sensitive to drafts from windows or heat from vents, so a stable spot away from these extremes is ideal. While we appreciate moisture, average indoor humidity is usually sufficient.
This is where things get complicated from our point of view. Many of the most popular Lobelias, like the trailing *Lobelia erinus* used in hanging baskets, are technically tender perennials but are almost always grown as annuals. This means our natural inclination, especially after a massive flowering period, is to decline. Even with perfect care indoors, we may simply complete our life cycle and want to go to seed. However, some species, like the cardinal flower (*Lobelia cardinalis*) or *Lobelia tupa*, are true hardy perennials. If you bring one of us indoors, you can encourage a longer life by deadheading spent flowers religiously. This tells our system to produce more blooms instead of setting seed. A gentle pruning after a flowering flush can also help us bush out and regain vigor for another round.
To support a year-round indoor life, our root systems need the right foundation. We require a well-draining, peat-based potting mix that retains some moisture but never becomes waterlogged. Soggy soil is a death sentence for us, leading to root rot. The watering rhythm is crucial; water us thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to your touch, but always allow excess water to drain away completely. Do not let us sit in a saucer of water. As for food, we are moderate feeders. During our active growing and flowering season (typically spring and summer), a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two weeks will keep us blooming profusely. In the lower-light winter months, you should reduce feeding significantly, perhaps to once a month or even less, as our growth naturally slows.
Life indoors is not without its dangers for us. The dry, indoor air can make us susceptible to pests like spider mites and aphids. You must inspect our leaves regularly, especially the undersides. A fine misting of water can help deter mites, and insecticidal soap can address infestations. Furthermore, if you find that keeping a mature Lobelia plant thriving indoors year-round is challenging, consider an alternative approach: propagation. You can take softwood cuttings from healthy stems in late summer. Place them in water or a moist potting mix, and they will readily root, giving you new, young plants that are often more adaptable to indoor conditions than an older, weary plant. This is a very natural way for us to continue our lineage inside your home.
