GET THE HANG OF IT
WITH SOME PLANNING AND CONSIDERATION, GROWING A VARIETY OF PLANTS IN HANGING BASKETS CAN BE BLOOMING LOVELY
Baskets of hanging plants are again in favour, however, hanging baskets can be problematic. A little planning will avoid damage to floors, ceilings and the need to climb a ladder to water.
HANGING STRUCTURE
The strength of the frame from which the basket is hung is very important. Calculate the weight of the basket in full growth, it can be considerable.
Screw a strong stainless steel hook directly into a roof joist or patio beam and not into ceiling battens. Fix a heavy duty swivel buckle to the hook; it is important to be able to turn the basket to the light every week.
Likewise, if you are hanging from a wall, attach the bracket to a wall stud and place the swivel buckle onto the bracket.
LOCATION
All plants need light and airflow, some more than others; plants will not grow in dank corners.
Select a site that will not impede traffic and be knocked every time someone passes.
Never place a hanging basket above electrical items, for the obvious reason – but people do! Take care that dripping water from the basket is not in a position to damage carpet or wooden floors.
WATERING
Hanging baskets need regular watering, every day during summer heat waves, but only once a week over winter.
A selection of hanging baskets hung along a roof beam on a patio can look stunning, but how to water?
On a tiled patio a permanent water system is easy to fix. Run a length of poly pipe above the baskets, with drippers placed into each basket; this way the watering job is simple and its makes less mess than a hose.
CHOOSING THE BASKET
Terracotta or china baskets are heavy, the added soil and plant will make it difficult to hang and maintain. Wire hanging pots are only suitable for outdoors because of their tendency to drip excessively and lose soil. Plastic baskets are the best choice, they are light and retain moisture and come in a wide variety of colours and shapes.
MAINTENANCE
Regular watering is essential to achieve a good looking hanging basket; remember hanging plants dry out faster than potted ground plants.
Every time the basket is watered, a little soil and nutrient is lost, this needs to be replaced, therefore, every month or so add a cup of enriched potting mix around the top of the basket; this will keep the plants growing strongly.
A weekly application of seaweed fertiliser will help to strengthen the plant against pest and disease but it is wise to regularly check for caterpillars or other plant problems.
CHOOSING THE PLANT
Most flowering plants like petunias or lobelias need direct light and are best grown on patios. The low light in indoor spaces is suitable for most rainforest epiphytes or climbing plants. There is an endless variety of these plants suitable for hanging baskets, some easier to manage than others.
Ferns: Davalllia species of Hare’s Foot fern are tough and forgiving of neglect. The fine dark green fronds are contrasted against the creeping hairy rhizome, which gives it its name ‘hare’s foot’. They are suitable for a brightly lit indoor space.
Nephrolepis ferns vary in type from fine and lacy to the rough fishbone type. They are prone to caterpillar attacks and need a fair bit of maintenance to remove old fronds. They thrive in a sheltered position with good light but not direct sunlight.
Maiden hair ferns are available in a huge variety of leaf types, from the very fine to the giant. They require constant moisture in a sheltered position.
Foliage: Philodendrons of every leaf type and shape can be planted in hanging baskets. They are hardy and comparatively pest free. There are varieties that will tolerate full sun as long as the soil is constantly moist. However, these beauties look their best grown in a shady area and are at home in well lit indoor spaces.
Flowering plants: Aeschynanthus, the lipstick plant and Episcia the teddy bear plant will flower most of the year if they kept warm in winter are in a well lit position.
Ground covers like the seaside daisy and portulaca require sun and are ideal in hanging baskets outside in full sun.
There are endless varieties of plants suitable for hanging baskets and with the right plant in the right place and a good watering system installed, growing beautiful hanging baskets can be ‘a piece of cake’.