sam@ahuta.UUCP (sam) (03/13/85)
GROWING PLANTS IN HANGING BASKETS
Recommended Plant Material
Plants which Tolerate Plants which Require
Partial Shade Direct Sunlight
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Asparagus sprengeri - Aeschynanthus sp. - Lipstick Vine
Asparagus Fern Columnea sp - Goldfish Vine
Begonia sp. Gibasis geniculata - Tahitian
Clorophytum comosum - Bridal Veil
Spider Plant Lantana sp.
Cissus sp. - Grape Ivy, Pelargonium peltatum - Ivy
Kangaroo Treebine Geranium
Ficus pumila - Creeping Petunia hybrida - Cascading Petunias
Fig Sedum morganianum - Burro's Tail
Fuchsia hybrid - Lady's Tolmiea menziesii - Piggy Back
Eardrops Verbena hybrids
Gynura 'Sarmentosa' - Zygocactus truncatus - Crab Cactus
Purple Passion Vine
Hedera helix - English Ivy
Hoya carnosa - Wax Plant
Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis - Boston Fern
Philodendron oxycarduim - Heartleaf Philodendron
Pilea nummulariifolia - Creeping Charlie
Plectranthus australis - Swedish Ivy
Scindapsus aureus - Pothos
Senecio mikanioides - German Ivy
Tradescantia sp. - Spiderwort
Vinca major variegata - Band Plant
Zebrina pendula - Wandering Jew
Containers
Wire Baskets
Wire baskets, like those used at the U.S. Botanic Garden,
are lined with unshredded sphagnum moss which has been well
moistened. The baskets are then filled with a potting
medium, such as those recommended on page 2. Wire baskets
have the following advantages: The sides and bottom of the
container can be planted; there is a constant supply of
oxygen to the roots; plants in wire baskets rarely suffer
problems caused by over watering; and moss lined baskets
have an attractive natural appearance. The major
disadvantage of wire baskets is that they drip for hours
after they have been watered, thus are not pratical for use
indoors.
- 2 -
Clay, Plastic, and Ceramic Baskets
Clay, plastic, and ceramic containers are simply filled with
one of the mixes described on page 2. These containers have
the advantage of being suitable for use indoors.
Recommended Soil Mixes
Mix #1 Mix #2
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1 part peat moss 1 part peat moss
1 part packaged potting soil 1 part horticultural perlite
1 part horticultural perlite 1 part vermiculite
2 Tbsp. dolomitic lime 2 Tbsp. dolomitic lime
per 12" pot per 12" pot
(Mix #2 contains no soil. Like other soilless mixes it is
light-weight, an advantage when containers are going to be
hung from ceilings or rafters. However, it does not contain
the nutrients necessary for good plant growth and
development. thus, plants growing in mix #2 must be
fertilized frequently.)
Water and Fertilizer
Containers placed outdoors will probably require watering
each day, especially if they are located in sunny positions.
Indoor containers should be watered when the top layer of
soil feels very to the touch. Clay and wire containers
usually require more frequent watering than those made of
plastic or ceramic. Always water plants thoroughly with
tepid water. If possible, water in the morning so the
moisture can evaporate during the day.
A well established specimen should be fertilized every few
weeks with a water soluble chemical fertilizer recommended
for use on house plants. This is absolutely essential when
plants are growing in a soilless mix.
Pruning
Plants growing in hanging baskets should be pinched
regularly. This involves cutting the tip ( 1 to 3 inches)
off each stem. Cuts should always be made just above a
node, the point where a leaf is attached to the stem.
Regular pruning results in fuller more bushy specimens.
Plant culture sheet 08a Written: 6/76
Prepared by U.S. Botanic Garden Staff Updated: 12/79
Doug Lewan
(...!ihnp4!)ahuta!sam
"And the bug-eyed monster?"
"It's green, yes."