Whether it is indoors or outdoors, plants add a touch of beauty and freshness to the whole environment. They make the surroundings more inviting and add a dash of colour and brightness to the areas which would otherwise have looked dull and boring. But plants also need to be given a facelift by putting them in the right kind of pots and displaying them in a way which enhances their beauty. Thus they transform plain and empty open spaces into a green haven and add character to your surroundings.
Pots should be selected keeping in mind the present and final size of the plants and also the place where the plants are going to be displayed. Imagine putting a plain, simple plastic or clay pot amidst richly decorated interiors.
There are plenty of varieties of pots to choose from – clay, terracotta, ceramic, plastic or brass could be a few of them. Clay pots are possibly the best and healthiest medium to grow plants in. This because the soil in them gets the right amount of fresh air and water as the superfluous water and air are removed through the pores. Most of the clay pots have a hole at the base which makes it easier for the excess water to drain out. As for the maintenance, they hardly need any, except that they are breakable. If you want to place them outdoors, paint them in bright colours with a few geometric designs. If you plan to keep them indoors, you could also stick on a few mirrors or other such decorative items on the painted pots. Terracotta pots are also available in a huge variety of shapes and sizes and they sure add an earthy feel to the ambience.
Plastic pots are rather hassle free as they are unbreakable and are also lighter than clay pots.
Even though brass pots are more expensive, they sure spell class. Their beautiful gold colour stands out in almost any kind of décor with a distinct air of aristocracy. They do need some maintenance and have to be cleaned and polished regularly. It would be a better idea to place a clay or plastic pot inside a brass one so that when the plant needs watering or sunning, one need not shift the brass pot, it’s the one inside that’s displaced.
Ceramic pots whether round, oval or long and slender, have been known to work wonders in enhancing the surroundings in their various hues. But they are fragile and need to be handled with utmost care.
Selection and display
Plants should be selected, keeping in mind the dimensions of the display area. Select plants with glossy leaves and elegant shapes. Use plants to highlight dull corners or line stairways or fill empty spaces. Pot stands are also a good idea to display plants, especially in limited spaces. There are single or multiple potholders in various shapes, like spiral or ladder shapes. Cane baskets can also be used aesthetically. Place small clay pots having plants with tiny colourful flowers in them. These can be hung from balconies or placed on stairways or windowsills.
The areas under a staircase can be decorated by placing a huge pot or a cluster of small pots on a bed of pebbles and shells. On special occasions, place a large and beautiful brass pot at a significant position. Pour some water and drop some colourful petals to cover the whole surface . Then place a lighted diya in the centre and see the stunning effect.