The History Of Indoor Growing

For centuries, people have grown plants indoors, whether for aesthetic pleasure or practical necessity. The practice has evolved dramatically as growers experimented with different techniques and technologies to build the perfect artificial environment for plants to thrive. This article traces that history, from ancient potted gardens to the LED-lit, climate-controlled grow tents used by South African home growers today.

Early History

The ancient Egyptians are credited as some of the first people to bring plants indoors for decorative purposes, placing potted plants in homes and courtyards to create a pleasant atmosphere. In ancient Rome, wealthy citizens built elaborate indoor gardens complete with fountains, statues, and exotic plants, seen as symbols of wealth and status.

During the Middle Ages, monasteries became centres of horticulture. Monks grew medicinal plants indoors to treat a variety of ailments, alongside vegetables, fruits, and herbs used in cooking and brewing.

The 19th Century: Glasshouses and the Wardian Case

The 19th century saw a resurgence of interest in indoor gardening, particularly in Europe. Wealthy families constructed large conservatories to house plant collections that often included exotic species from around the world. Advances in glass-making technology made it easier to build these large glass structures.

The Victorian era was especially fascinated with indoor gardening. Gas lamps provided light, while stoves and furnaces provided heat. The invention of the Wardian case in the mid-19th century allowed plants to be transported over long distances without succumbing to the harsh conditions of travel, fuelling growing interest in exotic species that could now be grown indoors.

The 20th Century: Electricity and Hydroponics

In the early 20th century, indoor gardening became far more accessible. Electric lighting and central heating made it easier to create a stable indoor environment for plants. The development of hydroponic systems in the 1930s allowed plants to be grown without soil, making cultivation possible in much smaller spaces.

During World War II, the Victory Garden movement saw people growing fruits and vegetables indoors to supplement food supplies, further popularising home growing as people recognised the benefits of producing their own food.

Today: LED Lighting and Smart Grow Tents

Indoor gardening has never been more accessible or precise. Modern LED grow lights, automated watering systems, and sophisticated climate controllers make it possible to create the ideal indoor environment for plants regardless of the climate outside. A well-equipped grow tent combined with modern lighting and ventilation now replicates conditions that once required an entire Victorian conservatory.

Small-space growing techniques such as vertical gardening and container gardening mean plants can thrive in even the smallest apartment, and in South Africa, home cultivation for personal use is protected: the 2018 Constitutional Court ruling in Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince confirmed that adults may legally grow cannabis in a private place for their own personal consumption, a right now further codified in the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act 7 of 2024. If you are just getting started, our guide to indoor vs outdoor growing is a good next stop, and our Grow Room Setup & Equipment blog covers the practical side of building your own space.

From ancient Egyptian courtyards to today's automated grow tents, the practice of growing plants indoors has a rich history spanning centuries, and it continues to evolve as technology makes indoor growing more accessible than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did people start growing plants indoors?

Indoor plant growing dates back to at least ancient Egypt and Rome, where potted and courtyard gardens were common. The practice became more scientific during the Middle Ages, when monasteries cultivated medicinal and food plants indoors.

What was the Wardian case and why did it matter?

The Wardian case was a sealed glass container invented in the mid-19th century that let plants survive long sea voyages. It made it practical to transport exotic species across the world, sparking a huge rise in indoor and greenhouse gardening.

When did hydroponics become popular?

Hydroponic systems, which grow plants without soil, were developed in the 1930s. They made it possible to cultivate plants in much smaller spaces and laid the groundwork for the compact indoor and hydroponic setups used today.

What changed indoor growing the most in modern times?

Electric lighting and, more recently, LED grow lights have had the biggest impact. LEDs let growers replicate the light spectrum plants need at every growth stage while using far less energy and generating far less heat than older bulbs.

Is it legal to grow plants indoors at home in South Africa?

Yes, growing ornamental, edible, and medicinal plants indoors at home is unrestricted. For cannabis specifically, the 2018 Constitutional Court ruling confirmed that adults may cultivate it in a private place for personal use.

Ready to start your own indoor growing journey? Visit the Skyline Grow Shop in-store or shop online today for grow tents, LED lighting, and everything else you need to get growing.