Materials
- Moisture-loving tropical or woodland plants (shown here: African violet, maidenhair fern, Irish moss)
- Waterproof container with removable top*
- Peat-based soil mix, moistened
- Slow-release fertilizer
- Garden trowel
- Rainwater or distilled water
- Spray bottle
- Small clippers or bonsai shears
* To provide light on dim days, consider fitting your container with mirrors on three sides to intensify light or install a fluorescent light fixed on the interior ceiling and controlled by a timer.
Instructions
step 1Make sure your container is watertight before filling with potting mix. Purchase a sterile, peat-based product to avoid introducing any pathogens into the closed environment. A 2- to 4-inch depth is ideal.
step 2Add a few granules of slow-release fertilizer at planting time and replace them according to package directions. If you opt for a liquid fertilizer, apply only half doses monthly from early spring through early fall and allow plants to rest during winter.
step 3When there is no drainage, moisten soil mix slowly as you plant in order to avoid saturation and ensure that the roots can access moisture.
step 4Firm up soil gently around plant roots and lightly moisten soil to settle it. Mist fern and moss foliage, but take care to avoid wetting African violet leaves.
step 5As plants grow, clip off wandering stems that threaten to cover neighboring foliage or block light. Pinch off faded violet blossoms for extended flowering.