Horticulture Principles and Practices

FIGURE 11–3 (a) Displaying
a plant potted in a plastic pot
in a more attractive decorated
pot. (b) Examples of decorative
containers. (Source: For (b) George
Acquaah)
Plastic inner
pot
Decorative
outer pot
(a)
(b)
Double Potting
A method of enhancing the
display of potted plants by
placing the potted plant in
a more decorative pot.
2. Use decorative containers to hold the plants (double potting). The plastic pot
from the nursery may be placed in a very attractive container to enhance the
display (Figure 11–3). Other containers include wicker baskets, brass saucepans,
and in some cases patterned containers. When using patterned pots, the color of
the foliage and flowers should blend well with the pot color and pattern. Growers
do not often plant directly into decorative containers. Instead, they are used as
outer coverings to hide the ordinary flowerpot. Containers may be clay or china.
3. Group plants. Instead of scattering plants throughout a room, a number of plants
of the same type can be grouped together (massed). Compact plants may be
grouped on a stand, on a pebble tray, or on a table as a centerpiece. Small
specimens may also be effectively displayed in tiny, unusual containers
(e.g., egg cup). Colorful seasonal plants such as tulip, hyacinth, azalea, and
geranium can be massed on a windowsill.
4. Use hanging baskets. By themselves, hanging baskets can have very attractive
holders. Plants grown in hanging baskets offer some of the most attractive
displays.
5. Use ornamental paper. Wallpaper and plants can be used together to provide an
effective display, with the paper as the background.
6. Use plant support. Plants may be displayed on pedestals, wooden tables, glasstopped,
wrought-iron tables, and other such specially designed supports (wooden or
metal jardinieres, tiered plant stands, and aspidistra stands). Other pieces of furniture
in the house can be adapted as flower stands (e.g., corner cupboards and washstands).
Plants may be grown and displayed on a plant trolley.
352 Chapter 11 Growing Houseplants
11.2.4 GROUPING PLANTS
A large plant can be effectively displayed alone. Smaller specimens do better when
grouped. Grouping can be accomplished by arranging individual potted plants together
(e.g., on a gravel tray) or by planting a mixture of plants in large troughs (Figure 11–4).
A wide variety of containers are available for use. They vary in type of material
(e.g., plastic, wrought iron, wood, and clay), shape, size, and decorative appearance.