Cloches have been used by gardeners for well over a century. Back then, they were used to protect plants against the wind, but today cloches are back and hotter than ever. Not only are they used outdoors, but they're being used indoors as a decorative touch.
The classic cloche is a bell-shaped glass jar that's available in a variety of shapes and sizes. It works great for plants that love humidity, such as Fittonia and some ferns.
If you have plants that need a little more room to breathe, look around. You're bound to find a cloche that has a removable vent. Every few days, open up the vent and let the plant dry out a little bit before replacing the top. You can also find elegant conservatories that work as a cloche, if you don't mind spending a little bit more money. Some even have removable tops.
As far as caring for your plants, it's important to protect your cloche from too much light and heat. Don't place it near sunny windows or you could bake the plants inside them. If it appears that your plants may be getting a little too much sun, put up bamboo window shades to block the direct light. When watering, treat cloche plants like any other houseplant: water as needed. Keep in mind that a plant under a cloche can retain moisture. In fact, if you see condensation build up, it's a good idea to remove the top every couple days and let the plants breathe.
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