CREATIVE DISPLAYS

There are tremendous possibilities when it comes to displaying houseplants, however large or small. Plant them solo in a decorative container, or group them with other plants in bottle gardens, terrariums, or planters. Displaying plants in unusual and imaginative ways will give expression to your creativity, help define the character of your home, and bring out the very best in your plants.

Use imagination and creativity in your planting for maximum impact.

BOTTLE GARDENS

A bottle garden is an open-topped glass container that provides a microclimate for plants to grow in. A selection of small plants can be carefully placed in this container, where—if properly cared for—they’ll thrive in the humid atmosphere. Bottle gardens are an ideal way of growing and displaying plants for anyone who is short on space or wants to create an impressive centerpiece.

A bottle or jar with a generous opening at the top is the easiest to plant. To do this, place a layer of fine-grade gravel in the bottom of the jar for drainage. Top up with commercial potting mix combined with a bit of fine charcoal to absorb odors. The potting mix should be deep enough to cover the plants’ root balls and allow for growth. Plant a selection of small, humidity-loving plants such as the polka dot plant and the radiator plant. Choose plants with contrasting colors, shapes, and textures to create a display that’s rich in visual interest. If the opening of the jar is too small to reach inside, you may need to use chopsticks or specific bottle-garden tools.

Position out of direct sunlight to prevent the leaves from being scorched. Water with caution, as the bottle will trap moisture and overwatering can be fatal. If one plant overshadows the others, prune it back to size.

Break up any lumps in the potting mix before adding it to the jar in preparation for your miniature garden.

Remove the plants from their pots, then carefully tease out the roots before gently placing them in the bottle.

Choose plants that have interesting as well as contrasting textures and colors to achieve the most striking results.

TERRARIUMS

A terrarium is based on much the same principle as a bottle garden and allows small plants to be grouped together for decorative effect. However, terrariums are more elaborate in design and have a generous opening at the front. This means they don’t become as humid inside as bottle gardens and therefore can be used for succulents (as well as for the plants used in bottle gardens).

To display succulents in this way, place a layer of gravel in the bottom of the terrarium to assist with drainage. Add a layer of cactus potting mix with a little fine charcoal mixed in to absorb odors. Plant a selection of small succulents with contrasting leaf shapes, textures, and colors; position with the tallest at the back of the terrarium.

Water cautiously, allowing the potting mix to dry out between watering. Place so that the terrarium receives filtered sun. Most succulents enjoy bright sunlight, but the glass of the terrarium can cause the plants to overheat.

Some terrariums are designed both to hang and to sit on a tabletop.

MOUNTING ONTO WOOD

Some epiphytic plants (those that grow on other plants) are well-suited to mounting onto pieces of decorative wood. This form of presentation mimics the plants’ natural habitat and creates an impressive and unusual display.

If creating a display for a table, choose an attractive log or small tree stump; if mounting it on a wall, select a flatter piece of wood. Staghorn ferns are excellent candidates for this type of display. Pack around the edges of the plant’s root ball with damp moss and then secure the moss and the root ball to the wood with a piece of clear fishing wire.

Air plants don’t need potting mix to grow and will thrive on a piece of wood.

KOKEDAMA

There’s no more dramatic way to display a houseplant than without a pot. The kokedama technique—whereby the roots of a plant are coated in moss and suspended in the air—is a great way to totally transform the look of small houseplants, such as maidenhair ferns, that prefer light shade.

To make your own kokedama, simply mix equal parts of bonsai potting mix and regular potting mix in a bucket and moisten. Remove your chosen plant from its container and take off any loose soil.

Pack the moist potting mix firmly around the plant roots to form a ball and then cover this with a sheet of carpet moss. Wrap string around the neck of the plant to hold the moss in place and trim off any excess moss. Finally, hang your moss ball on a piece of string to display. Water the plant by submerging the root ball in water, then squeeze or drain off any excess water.

Display kokedama plants in a north-facing room to protect them from direct sun and stop them from drying out.