Topiaries were first created by the Romans who utilized
outdoor shrubs and trees in many formal gardens throughout Europe. Although
many topiaries
can be grown outside, let’s focus on growing topiaries inside. Keep reading
to learn more about these small topiaries.
How to Grow an Indoor Topiary
If you want to try something new in your indoor gardening, a
houseplant topiary is very well suited to growing indoors and makes a nice
project. Indoor topiary care requires a slightly different approach, but they
can add a beautiful touch to your home. There are three types of topiaries that
you can grow indoors:
Pruned Topiary
Pruned topiary plants probably take the longest time to make and require the most maintenance. Pruned topiary most commonly take the form of spheres, cones, or spiral shapes. Common plants used for this type of topiary include rosemary and lavender.
You can train young plants in this type of topiary, but it
can take a long time. If you have the patience, try it out. Otherwise, you can
purchase one already made and just keep up the shape by regular pruning. Plants
that develop a woody stem are often great for this type of houseplant topiary
because it will support itself.
Hollow Topiary
This type of houseplant topiary uses flexible wire frames, such as wire from coat hangers, or any other flexible, sturdy wire. Many different shapes can be produced such as hearts, spheres, and even different animal shapes.
Simply fill the bottom part of the pot with a mixture of
sand and soil (to add stability and weight to the topiary) and fill the rest
with soil. The wire form is inserted into the pot, and an appropriate vine can
be planted and gently wrapped around the frame. Houseplants like creeping
fig (Ficus pumila) and English
ivy (Hedera helix) are well
suited to this type of houseplant topiary.
You can even use larger leaved houseplants like pothos
or heart-leaf
philodendron, but these would require larger wire frames. Use twist ties or
cotton twine to secure the vines to the frame, if needed. Be sure to pinch the
tips of the vines to create more branching and a fuller appearance.
Stuffed Topiary
This type of topiary uses wire frames that are stuffed in
sphagnum moss. There is no soil in this type of topiary. Start with any shape
of wire frame you’d like, such as a wreath, animal shape, or any creative shape
you can think of.
Then, stuff the entire frame with sphagnum moss that you’ve
pre-moistened. Wrap the frame with clear fishing line to secure the moss.
Next, use small leaved plants like creeping fig or English
ivy. Take them out of their pots and wash all the soil off. Make holes in the
moss with your finger and insert the plants into the frame. Add extra moss, if
needed, and secure with more clear fishing string or pins.
This type of topiary may dry out pretty quickly. Water by
soaking in water for a few minutes, or take it into the shower with you.
Indoor Topiary Care
Be sure to water and fertilize your houseplant topiaries
just like your normal houseplants. Trim your topiaries to maintain their shapes
and to encourage branching for a fuller look.