Indoor Topiaries

Topiaries — decorative shapes fashioned out of plants — spark the imagination and add an interesting
accent to any indoor garden.
Formal hearts, hoops, spirals and cones are common shapes, as well as animals like swans, rabbits and
elephants. The subject of the topiary often reflects the personality of the owner.
The art of topiary is nothing new. Creating decorative shapes with plants dates back to the 14th century.
Egyptians and Romans created topiaries, which were an important part of ancient gardens.
Keep a few tricks of the topiary trade in mind, and you can create a work of art that will become your
indoor garden focal point.
Topiary framing
Topiary frames are generally fashioned out of wire. You can easily make a two-dimensional frame such
as a heart or hoop, or create a more complex three- dimensional shape such as a cone, ball or animal
figure. (Frames can also be purchased.)
When the wire shape is complete, choose a pot that will accommodate the base of the frame and insert
into the soil. If possible, secure the frame to the pot.
Choosing plants
Several indoor plants respond well to topiary. Look for a plant that vines well and has small to medium-
size leaves. English ivies (Hedera helix) are a natural choice. There are a variety of cultivars with assorted
leaf shapes and colors.
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Other good topiary plants include hoya, creeping fig (Ficus pumila), rosemary and, for bigger topiaries,
heart-leafed philodendron, pothos, grape ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) and wandering Jew (tradescantia sp.).
Keep in mind that some topiary plants, such as creeping fig, require a sphagnum moss-filled frame. This
plant puts down clinging roots wherever it attaches and the moss allows it to attach well.
Training

If the plant you've chosen already has some growth, wind it around the topiary frame, securing with
green garden tape, hairpins or greening pins (found at the florist).
Smaller plants will take some time to cover the frame and should be secured as they grow. Once the
topiary is filled in, retain its shape by regularly pinching the plant back to within 1 inch of the frame.
Care
Keep topiary evenly moist, but not soggy. Stuffed frames should be misted regularly. Soak the entire
frame if it dries out. Feed topiary on a regular basis with a well-balanced organic fertilizer.
All topiaries need nitrogen for green, even growth. Provide adequate light. Many topiary plants require
bright, indirect light in order to do well and not succumb to disease.
Create humidity. Topiary plants such as ivy do best in humid conditions. Mist the plant throughout the
day and/or place it over a humidity tray.
Watch for pests. A hot, dry house with poor air circulation is a perfect environment for pests such as
spider mites. If you find them, or in order to prevent them, rinse the plant with cool, soapy water.
Give an outdoor vacation. Many topiary plants, like ivy, do best if they are occasionally placed outdoors
in a shaded, bright area. Do this during spring, summer and fall for five to six days each month.