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 ______________________________________________________________ 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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."