I've never been big on house plants but I envisioned some type of topiary in this area. So, I bought this small flowering plant, already trimmed to a topiary, called "duranta" at a local nursery. I also added a small fern.
I decided to spray paint the pots, both of which I already had, the same color to give it a more uniform look.
So far, so good. I added some moss and snapped this picture the day after I bought them.
Fast forward a month later and my plants aren't quite so perky. (And, yes, I did water them on a regular basis.)
The fern is still hanging on. . . .
And, I now have this dang water mark on the dresser where they were sitting.
I still haven't given up on the idea of some type of topiary. So, for those of you with thumbs a little greener than my own, I'm asking for your suggestions. Any ideas of a good indoor plant that I could trim into a topiary?
That's a bummer about the watermark. Have you ever heard of wire vine? It makes a pretty topiary and I think it does well indoors. There is always ivy or rosemary.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
I agree with Rene - rosemary or ivy would be good. Try putting your fern on larger tray with pebbles and water. It just needs a little more moisture in the air. I have heard that you can get a watermark out with an iron and a cloth.....or with (gulp) cigarette ashes and water made into a paste. Never tried either, though. Thanks for the inspiring garden posts!
ReplyDeleteI say get an orchid to add a pretty pop of color! Aren't they suppose to last without that much attention? Okay, I know you asked for people with green thumbs and mine is more turquoise, but I just had to give my suggestion!
ReplyDeleteAnd that water mark can be removed with mayo right? I thought I read that on centsational girls blog...
Alright I'm done. Feel free to ignore my comment;-)
Ditto to the vine wire, but the water stain can be removed as L. Duncan said with mayo... you can see more tips
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ehow.com/how_5886959_rid-water-mark-wood-table.html
I wish I had some advice. But I'll be anxious to hear what people recommend as a good -indoor plant for that look.
ReplyDeleteI'd go with a dried topiary, look at my "house tour" post from Wednesday, Kim did a fabulous job adding greenery in this fashion. And if you want live, I had found most plants need less water than you may think. But then again, I really know nothing about plants...
ReplyDeleteJanell
I am the WORST at keeping plants alive. I'm convinced there is an art to it that I haven't quite mastered. They looked pretty though!
ReplyDeletei agree - go with an orchid...they have beautiful faux orchids at home goods...or an indoor topiary like boxwood( home decorators)
ReplyDeletealso, i wanted to tell you about vitnageprintables.com - i know you want to make an at home gallery and this site has awesome botanicals to print, for free!
check it out ( i have printed the lobsters and a few other animals) very cool
Yeah, I would have to say my thumb is no where near any shade of green! That is why I say go for the silk plants, baby! They actually have some that are beautiful and look just the the real thing...only I can't kill them. (c:
ReplyDeleteThe iron & dry press cloth definitely works for water marks - especially fresh ones. Google the directions - I started out conservative - it was my new dining table the kids had left something on! and just did it longer and longer until it finally worked.
ReplyDeleteI really wish that had worked out for you because the look was fantastic. Let us know what you find out. Sorry, no green thumb here.
ReplyDeleteI love the rosemary topiaries because they are so fragrant (an added bonus) Best of luck with you planting project!
ReplyDeleteEmily, I have tons of variegated ivy that works well indoors in decent light. You could train it into a topiary with a form, and I'll give you some if you want it. I have p-l-e-n-t-y!
ReplyDeleteI'm stumped about the plant for a topiary, but you need cork for under the pots. All of mine are from the sadly out of business Smith and Hawken, but I know you can find them anywhere. They are usually circular, cork on top (soaks up moisture) and laminated on the bottom (should prevent it getting on the wood). Also, filling the bottom with pebbles under the dirt can help with drainage, since those pots have no holes. It's possible the roots were sitting in water, and the that's why the plants became unhappy. I sit my inddor plants in the sink to water. Let them sit for 15-20 min. after and then tip them to see if any water drains out od the top. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea about the plants- but if you still have the watermark on the dresser- some mayo should take care of it!
ReplyDeletePothos! They are impossible to kill and come in very beautiful light green to darker green shades. Fern's are great as well, but you must remember to water them often and a good spray can't hurt. Both of these like dim light, so they are good choices for rooms that don't get too much sun. I could go on and on...good luck!!!
ReplyDeletei got nothing.
ReplyDeletethey looked really pretty to start with.
I'm sorry about your dresser - hope it comes out!
Ferns & Rosemary like HIGH humidity, so usually not the best houseplant unless you mist it regularly and most of us forget...Ivy and wire vine will do exceptionally well as do orchids, it's best to water them in the sink and then replace them in their decorative pots when they've drip dried, hope that helps, happy planting and feel free to stop by if you have other questions! *Amy
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