Creative Containers for Tropicals

You will need:
potted plant
waterproof container
fabric remnant
jute, rope, or fabric strip
glue gun

1. Choose a fabric that coordinates with other fabrics in the room. You could also use fabric that is seasonal, or combine two different colors or patterns. Cut a square segment large enough to cover the pot.
2. Place the plant--still in its pot--inside a waterproof container.
3. Set the container in the center of the fabric and pull the edges up, folding the fabric into gathers where necessary.
4. Secure the fabric in place with a piece of jute, rope, or contrasting fabric. First, wrap the rope around the pot several times and tie decoratively. Then tuck the ends of the fabric in under the fabric side of the jute.
5. Glue into place, if desired.

You will need:
bamboo mat (available at hardware or garden stores)
industrial cardboard
glue gun
pot and saucer for plant
moss, rocks or twigs

1. Cut a piece of circular industrial cardboard in the appropriate size to go around the pot.
2. Cut a piece of bamboo from the mat that is barely larger than the cardboard, tall enough to cover and long enough to go around the circumference.
3. Hot glue the bamboo to the cardboard (figure A), working your way around the cardboard by covering a small section with glue and pressing the bamboo down.
4. Set the plant and saucer inside the cardboard. Hide the top of the pot with moss or rocks, seashells or twigs.

Choose a metal container that complements the colors of your tropical plant. Don't limit yourself to a short, uninteresting size. If you select a tall pot, boost your plant by placing another pot upside down in the pot (figure B) and placing the potted plant on top of it.

Fruit bowls make great plant containers, but actually any attractive bowl will work. Choose a container that complements the plants. Line it with Spanish moss and place the potted plant in the center. Arrange the moss to cover the plant.

Creative Groupings

For added impact, combine several plants in a large container (figure D).
1. Line the container with black plastic.
2. Add a brick or two inside the container to raise the plants up to the desired height.
3. Arrange three or four plants inside. Try using two of the same plant combined with one or two different ones. Cover the tops of the pots with moss.