Are you a houseplant enthusiast? Consider planting a living centerpiece mixing green tropical and blooming plants this season. These mixed planters are commonly known as dish gardens – a miniature garden created in a shallow container featuring a variety of plants and decorative elements.
While many retailers offer them already planted, you can buy the components and plant them yourself to give as gifts or enjoy at home. Popular bloomers this time of year include poinsettias, orchids and Christmas cactus (schlumbergera). Pair them with nonblooming plants with variegated or silvery foliage. Ferns make nice fillers, too.
We saw many dish gardens featuring our bright white and pink Princettia plants at retail this month. Their compact size makes them well suited to tuck into dish gardens.
Tips for Success:
Select a mix of plants that thrive together with similar watering and light needs. For example, don’t pair a sunny cactus or succulent with a shade-loving fern or pothos.
Since these are indoor plants, you don’t have to worry about the container you choose holding up in the weather. If the container doesn’t have drainage holes, add a layer of gravel at the bottom before placing plants and potting soil. Water plants lightly after planting to get roots flowing.
Check the soil moisture regularly. Most dish gardens require watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. You may notice one plant needs more water than the rest and you can water it more strategically. One solution is to place an ice cube on the plant that needs more water. It will gradually melt and deliver the extra water.
Think of dish gardens as living floral arrangements and don’t fret if one plant doesn’t fare as well as the others over time. Enjoy your creation but also be willing to take it apart if it doesn’t work.
Once the poinsettia or blooming plant is past its prime, you could replace it with another blooming plant or repot the green plants separately to grow on to become larger plants.
For more ideas and inspiration, visit suntorygardenclub.com
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By Natalie Carmolli, Proven Winners® ColorChoice®
Photographs courtesy of Proven Winners® ColorChoice®
We can add a pop of pink to existing gardens or mix deep pink flowers with mid-to-pale pinks to make a gorgeous monochromatic garden statement. To learn more Click here for an interesting article.
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