Indoor Desert Scape

Insider's Garden : Episode TIG-202 -- More Projects »

Figure A

Figure B

Creating a desert scape with cacti or succulents is easy to do and provides an interesting addition to indoor decor.

Choose a pot with drainage holes. Select a color that complements or contrasts with your plant. Terra cotta has a natural look, while a gleaming colored ceramic pot will accent a cactus with blooms. Choose a short-sided bonsai pot (figure A) if you really want to highlight the plant.

Use a porous potting soil that will allow good drainage, since roots can be damaged from too much water. Don't fill the pot all the way to the top to leave room for top-dressing.

To finish the look of the pot, top-dress it with small, colored rocks chosen to accent the plant. Spoon rocks around the plant and to the edge of the pot (figure B). For added texture and color, add a larger rock or twig to the top dressing.

Figure C

Figure D

If you want to create a desert scape using multiple plants, try combining plants with different textures, leaf shapes and colors. Layer the bottom of the pot with rocks for good drainage (especially if the container you choose doesn't have a drainage hole). Place larger plants in the back and fill in with potting soil (figure C), leaving enough room at the top to top-dress.

Try using rocks in layers of colors in a see-through container (figure D) for a dramatic look.

In colder climates, prepare cacti for winter by wrapping them in layers of paper and taping the layers shut. This will protect plants from drafts and encourage their natural dormancy. In warmer climates, cut back on watering to once a month.

Also in this Episode

Insider's Garden : Episode TIG-202
•	Cacti and Succulents
•	A Rare Collection of Cacti and Succulents
•	Indoor Desert Scape

Gardening

Indoor Desert Scape

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Gardening

Indoor Desert Scape

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