A basket full of nature

Amarjeet Batth

Hanging baskets find a place where pots can’t reach. One does not have to look down to see flowers, they are at the eye level rendering freshness and colour. They give continuity to the garden from the ground to the skyline and are a means to adding more plants in the gardens having less ground space. Basically a western concept, these baskets have become very popular among those living in high rise apartments and smaller houses. However, selection of the right plants and use of right method to water these and to keep a check on the humidity levels of the soil are very important to keep these baskets lush green and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some points that can help you maintain these in top health: 

Frame it right 

These are open wire basket or frames made of wooden strips with a liner of sphagnum moss or coconut fiber cast with supporting wires or chain or any strong material. The moss is dipped in water overnight and then lined in the basket. Plastic baskets are also available and these do not need any lining to hold the soil. 

Soil mixture 

The basket is filled with mixture consisting of coco peat, well rotten manure or vermi compost and sandy soil in equal ratio. Put water retaining granules, wood or coconut shavings that are not only light in weight but conserve moisture. Slow-releasing fertilisers are also added to the mixture along with DAP half kg and ‘murate of potash’ @ 250 gram per cubic meter of basket mixture. The prepared mixture is mixed thoroughly and settled in the basket, thereafter the selected plant is placed and basket mixture is placed along the sides for firm support. The number of plants depends upon the size of the basket, generally its three per 10”-12” basket. 

Maintenance

The baskets must not be hung immediately after being prepared. These should, ideally, be kept in the nursery for 2-3 days or even more till the plant is fully established. Keep the soil moist by sprinkling water regularly. Hanging baskets should be pulled down as and when normal care is to be rendered. Regularly rotate the basket for uniform growth. A dose of 20:20: 20 NPK @ 2 gram per liter fortnightly is desirable.. 

Choose plants carefully 

Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’

It requires rich, moist and well-drained soil with indirect or filtered light. Direct intense light turns leaves yellow and complete shade makes leaf look light green. Trim to keep plant in good shape and form. Do root pruning while reporting and recharging in winters. 

Boston fern 

Ferns need indirect light and a cool moist place with high humidity with no water logging. Misting during summers is beneficial. Soak the basket in water bucket once a week so that peat moss is fully hydrated. Keep removing the dried leaves as and when they appear. Re-pot, re-charge and re-size the basket once in a year in winters.

Callisia repens

Callisia is an ornamental perennial creeper herb. The waxy leaves are evergreen, simple acute at the tip and rounded at the base and grayish green in colour. The lower surface of the leaf is purple. It tolerated full sunlight and need rich but well drained soil. In winters water sparingly only when the top of soil becomes dry. Pinching promotes dense foliage.  Propagation can be done through root cuttings.

Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant)

A very adaptive fast-growing plant which thrive  in morning and evening sunlight and shade in the afternoon. It needs rich moist soil with high humidity, but does not tolerate water logging. In winters, however, its growth is retarded so it is important to move it under cover. It can be easily multiplied from its sprouts.  

Epipremnum aureum  (golden pothos) 

An evergreen perennial vine with aerial roots is a beginner’s plant as it’s very simple to maintain. It prefers indirect light but can tolerate intense sunlight for short period as long exposure burns the leaves and turn leaves pale. Water it when it soil show dryness. It grows well in hydroponic culture also. Light fertiliser during growth phase is beneficial. It’s a good air purifying plant. 

Hedera helix (Ivy)

It is valued for its attractively shaped, deep green leaves which trail gracefully from a hanging basket. It requires partial shade with moist soil and average humidity. Light misting should be done to remove dust from the leaves and to keep the plant hydrated especially during peak summers. A light dose of fertiliser is required during growth season. In winters plants goes dormant.

Portulacaria afra 

It is a reddish-brown soft-wooded semi-glossy with evergreen leaves. It is hardy and fast growing loosely branched shrub with limber tapering branches which grow upright horizontally and also spread out laterally which makes it a right choice for a hanging basket. It needs long sunlight exposure, therefore, place at a sunny spot. It is adaptive to dry conditions, therefore, water only when the soil gets dry.  

Tradescantia Zebrina

When hung under shade, it can take bright sun outside else grow best under filtered sunlight. A semi-moist well-drained soil keeps the plant healthy. Misting improves the moisture around in dry conditions. Light application of soluble fertiliser is desirable during growing season. Pinching the stem tip during growing season makes its growth compact.