We usually associate edible plants with outdoor gardens that are replanted each year. However, edible plants can serve two purposes when used as houseplants. There are a number of creative ways to integrate the functional vegetation into your home. The functional houseplants are a wonderful way to make use of your decorations.

Many vegetables can be grown indoors. The best vegetables to use as houseplant include radishes. Radishes are especially nice because they add color as well as function. Bushy vegetables fair better in the home than vine vegetables like beans. The vine plants are difficult to grow indoors. They require a lot of light and a lot of room to grow to their fullest potential.

Another thing to consider when growing houseplants is using the proper containers. It is essential that the containers have the proper drain holes for the specific houseplants. The containers should also be decorative, of course, while giving the plants room to grow. You may fall in love with a planter that strangles your houseplant.

All plants require maintenance. Part of that maintenance is making sure that the plants receive enough water to grow properly. Drowning is always a concern in houseplants if more than one person is responsible for watering them so make sure that you have a regular schedule for watering. Too much of a good thing can be detrimental. Some houseplants are small compact plants that lend themselves naturally to a pot on the windowsill or a tub on the patio.

Herbs are great houseplants for small spaces and they add color, texture and fragrance in any room. Mint is useful in that it not only provides decoration but it is a natural ant deterrent. Ants hate mint so keeping the herb in your kitchen is a great way to keep the ants at bay.

Fruit trees and plans thrive indoors.  You can opt to have small berries and currants to add texture and color in a functional way. Many people like to hang baskets of strawberries in entry ways and in kitchens to appeal to the eye and to the appetite. There are functional houseplants for all tastes, whether you like fruits, vegetables, herbs or whether you simply like greenery.