Decorative, watertight hanging containers are similarly safer if the plants set inside remain in their pots. But standard types of wire or redwood hanging baskets are designed for good culture. They are lined with moss – sheet moss from the florist or peeled off tree trunks in the woods, or long-fibered sphagnum moss – and filled with soil. Some plants, like achimenes, can be planted in the side as well as the top, for a more full and round display.
To prevent drip on rugs and furniture, you can place a shallow dish or saucer in the bottom of the basket; or line the bottom third with foil or plastic; or even attach a drip pan beneath the basket, to catch excess water. Some growers line the entire basket with polyethylene, instead of moss.
For basket plants that like constant moisture in the soil, sink a small clay pot – the drainage hole plugged up with cork or florists’ clay – into the top of the soil. Kept filled with water, it will gently seep out moisture into the soil. Fitting the basket rim with a collar of foil or plastic will help keep water from running off the soil and down the side.
Some beautiful baskets contain a combination of plants – upright in the center, low trailing varieties to dangle over the edge. For these, select varieties that like or will accept the same amount of
Achimenes and other hanging plants can be set into the side of a basket, as well as the top.
sun, moisture, humidity, and type of soil. Don’t combine dry-growing succulent plants, for example, with moisture-loving ferns.
Select vines and hanging plants or indoor plants that clean air for baskets according to their habit. Those with long, lax stems will hang gracefully – and so will some climbers. Others insist on growing upward, and will climb back up on their own stems if necessary.
When hanging baskets are completely dry, they should be soaked thoroughly in the sink or in a bucket. Set them aside to drain before you hang them up again. Add soluble fertilizer to the water at regulated intervals.
Planters and Mixed Plantings
Plants for large indoor gardens can be planted directly in the soil, or their pots can be sunk to the rim in moist peat, vermiculite, or similar material. This, of course, gives you more flexibility in arranging plants, replacing faded specimens, even redecorating the garden completely. It also helps to humidify the air. With special attention to proper watering, you can combine potted plants with varied moisture requirements. But it is safer to select varieties that are culturally compatible.
Thomas Fryd shares his knowledge at http://www.plant-care.com. Knowledge is power – get more power and find out more about indoor plants that clean air. Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory