When we moved to this house about four years ago, I only brought one hoya plant with me. It was easy to care for, so easy in fact that it really didn’t mind if I ignored it. Now that is my kind of plant!
However, over the past year, we have been gifted with several baskets of greenery, and last month I found another one that I couldn’t resist. Groupings of little plants are beautiful, but if they do what they are supposed to do - GROW! They quickly outgrow the container in which they came.
I do not have a green thumb, but I knew that I did not want to toss them. One reason is that having plants in a home is healthy and good for the environment in general. So, what was I to do? I ran to the store and purchased a few pots, but found the average plastic pot kind of boring. I needed about a dozen so buying the fancy decorative ones was going to be costly.
The planter I purchased last month was a wooden box with a plastic liner. That got me thinking . . . what kind of unused containers did I have around the house that could be used as pots. I found a coffee server, a vase, and a tin bucket. (Click on the photo above to enlarge it and see them all.)
Now I am on the lookout for more containers, as I have several plants that I would like to get out of their plastic homes and into more stylish ones. Checking out the sale aisles was a great place to go after I depleted my stock at home. It has been fun looking for larger pieces of pottery, a canister without partners, or a beautiful pitcher. I think the possibilities are endless. I would love to hear your suggestions as well. Have you used any creative containers in your indoor garden?
Because my horticulture knowledge is limited, I was wondering if any of you who have a verdant digit might be willing to pass some pointers this direction. I know that without drain holes I will have to be careful not to overwater my plants, but that is about it. I could use some tips.
One tip I’ve learned is that having a little green around in the middle of January is not bad, not bad at all!
1. Hi Deb,
Put pebbles or styrafoam peanuts in the botton of the pots without the drain holes before adding the soil…a couple of inches worth will do. That will help the soil drain.
Penny
p.s. I love using unexpected containers for plants. Great idea!
by Penny — 1/11/09 at 11:05 am #
2. Hi,
Your indoor garden is delightful! I have a little hint for the drainage problem. Use several larger pebbles orstones. This works even in the pots with drainage holes, when you don’t want all of the dirt or water to run out, although you’d only need one stone/pebble.
Keep up the good work.
by Rose M — 1/11/09 at 1:26 pm #
3. Great suggestion Penny. Thanks! As you can tell, I need all of the horitculture tips I can get.
Thanks again!!
by Deb — 1/12/09 at 1:01 pm #
4. Rose,
Thanks for stopping by and adding your comment. I will remember to add stones or pebbles to the bottom of my pots from now on. Please continue to share those tips. I can use them!
by Deb — 1/12/09 at 1:04 pm #
5. I moved up here 5 years ago with a 17 ft. U-Haul just for my plants! I always like a plant enthousiast, and I agree it adds so much to your home! Just keep in mind the 3 main requirements for happy plants are light, proper drainage, and NOT overwatering!! I recommend as you get into this, buying a basic houseplant care book….if you can get that Hoya to bloom, then throw the book away!!! Just kidding!! I made a great planter out of a stone bird feeder, with no drainage. I put all criptanthus, and tillandsias, with little root systems, so I can mist frequently, and have not fear of rotting!! It looks great! Enjoy experimenting, sounds as if you are already hooked! Patti
by Patti — 1/13/09 at 5:57 pm #
6. Thanks Patti,
What a great comment! I laughed out loud when you commented about the hoya blooming. It was in a Northeast window at my other house, and it bloomed often there. The only problem was that both my husband and I were allergic to the blooms. So, I don’t really care if it blooms again.
The stone bird feeder sounds just darling. You have given me some wonderful ideas. Thanks so very much!
by Deb — 1/14/09 at 5:01 pm #