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Plants as Wall Décor

Insider's Garden : Episode TIG-109 -- More Projects »
Sometimes plants can overwhelm – or be overwhelmed by – a tabletop setting. A creative alternative and unexpected trick for displaying plants to their greatest advantage is to hang them on the wall in an unusual container. These wall displays can be incorporated into virtually any decorating scheme, from rustic to formal. When grouping plants in an arrangement, be sure to choose plants that have similar sun and water needs.

A huge variety of containers can be adapted for this treatment, from mailboxes to ice skates. If the container you choose is an awkward shape or especially heavy, try placing it on a mantel or shelf instead of attaching it to the wall. When using an unusual container for plants, be sure to do the following:

  • Choose a container that is well-proportioned for the plant
  • Line the container with plastic to protect it
  • Leave the plant in a pot that is smaller than the container for easy removal
  • Always remove the plant to the sink for watering (to avoid ruining walls)

Try one of these unusual wall-hangings the next time you want to enliven a room or a decorating scheme:

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Figure A: Mount cascading pathos in a large rattan basket on either side of a door for an unusual plant display.
Rattan baskets (figure A)
Hang a pair of baskets on either side of a doorway for a wonderful, textured look. Line the basket with plastic and add some wood chips for drainage. Place the plant, still in a plastic pot smaller than the container, in the basket and arrange moss around the top to hide the pot. Cascading pothos, which thrives in bright indirect light and likes moist soil, works well in a casual interior.
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Figure B: Lighting sconces that have been disconnected from an electrical source are perfect containers for creeping Charlie and dieffenbachia in an informal dining setting.
Dining room (figure B)
These white light sconces were adapted to hold plants in an informal dining room setting. When using an electric sconce, be sure the electrical power supply has been disconnected before adding plants. Line the cavity with plastic and wood chips. Add a variety of compatible plants – try creeping Charlie and dieffenbachia – and finish with moss to hide the plastic containers holding the plants. Be sure to remove plants to the sink for watering. If using dieffenbachia, keep it out of reach of children.
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Figure C: Mailboxes filled with English ivy, dieffenbachia, dracaena, cyclamen and bacopa make a whimsical display when mounted on a mantel or shelf.
Mailbox vignette (figure C)
Try combining several unusual mailboxes filled with plants on a mantle or shelf for a charming and unusual arrangement. Be sure to select plants that do well in low-light conditions, such as cyclamen, dieffenbachia, bacopa and English ivy. Line the mailbox with plastic, add wood chips and then place plants still in the plastic containers on top of the chips. Cover the pots with moss. When you first start the plants in their new location, water them well. Their need for water will then taper, especially during the winter.
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Figure D: Small envelopes made from folded self-stick notes, are a fun addition to a mailbox arrangement.
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Figure E: Before turning these ice skates into a planter, they were first lined with plastic to protect the leather.
A charming touch is to add small addressed envelopes, made by folding self-sticking notes into a rectangular shape and addressing (figure D).

Ice skates (figure E)
Almost anything can make an interesting container for plants – even old skates! Try hanging two together, attached by tied shoe laces. The upright arrowhead plant is a wonderful choice for this sort of arrangement when the container is as important as the plant. Line the skates with plastic. Loosen the top few laces. Remove the plant from the plastic pot and work the roots into the plastic-lined cavity, then fill in around the top of the plant with a little moss. Take the plant and roots to the sink for regular watering. The roots of the arrowhead like to stay moist.

If you want to display plants against the wall without putting any holes in the wall, try using an étagère, a decorative, free-standing rack with several shelves. Group a number of plants that work well together, or combine decorative pots that look good together and won't create a mess because there are no drainage holes.

Also in this Episode
Insider's Garden : Episode TIG-109
•Plants as Wall Décor
•Recycled Plant Containers
•Wall Art
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