Materials:
selection of exotic plants:
one 6" acame bromeliad
one 6" aphelandra
one 6" hearts of flame bromeliad
one 4" variegated pink, white and green dracena margenata
two 4" variegated pathos
two tall branches curly willow
basket (14" high and 12" in diameter)
large bag of all-purpose potting soil
trowel
heavy-duty garbage bag
pea gravel
Steps:
- Cut and line basket with garbage bag. Pour one inch of pea gravel in the bottom and fill basket half to three quarters full of potting soil.
- Remove the tallest plant from its pot, break up the root ball, and plant it in the center of the basket. Continue this process with all the rest, placing the shortest plants near the edges.
- Insert tall curly willow branches in the center of the container for accent ( figure A).
- Water the planter and set in place.
Care and handling:
Bromeliads are part of a large family of plants, which includes the pineapple. It is one of the hardiest houseplants to grow because it is able to withstand neglect. The leaves grow in rosettes, which sometimes form a small water-holding vase at the base. If warm moist conditions are provided, bromeliads develop a spike-shaped colorful flower.
Bromeliads grow best in bright daylight, but they will tolerate shade. They also like humid conditions. Plant in all-purpose potting soil and let it dry out between watering. Do not over water. In vase-forming species, keep the vase filled with water.
Tip: To encourage flowering, enclose the plant in large plastic garbage bag with an apple inside for four days. Ethylene gas produced by the apple initiates bud formation and blooms should appear in about two to three months.
Bouvardia is a good container plant, grows best indoors and enjoys bright light but not direct sun (figure B, right). Keep soil moist--not waterlogged-- and avoid drafts and heat sources. Bouvardia longifora has fragrant blossoms, but is also the most tender. The non-fragrant red, pink and white types are hardier and bit easier to grow. To keep them bushy, pinch back the blossoms when they have faded.
Aphelandra: Grown as a houseplant these striped beauties have a nice yellow flower that lasts up to eight weeks (remove the flower when it fades). Humid conditions are preferable.
Tips:
- Most exotic or tropical plants like bromeliads, bouvardia, croton, calathea, aphelandra and even orchids require the same lighting and soil conditions.
- They all like bright indirect sunlight and very little water.
- Clean dust from their leaves with spray-on leaf shine.
Guests Jill Slater
Floral Designer
California Cut Flower Commission and the Flower Promotion Organization
Atherton, CA
E-mail:
jslater@pacbell.net or
E-mail:
sjsslater@yahoo.com
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