How does
it work?
It’s a
simple process to plant. Start the normal way. With the pot full
of "soil" and the plant at the top. Allow the pot to remain
in this "Normal" position until you are satisfied that
the plant is established. Then invert the pot and hang it using
the wire which is already fitted to the pot for the purpose. Note:
In consideration of the large size and volume of the “A”
size pot, it might be advisable to stuff some crumpled up newspaper
in the pot before the potting soil to help reduce the weight of
the hanging pot, plant and potting soil.
How
long will I wait before hanging the pot?
Whenever
you relocate a plant, you will notice that it wilts a little. It
needs time to reestablish its root system in the new pot. When you
see that the plant is growing again, hang the pot. It does depend
on the individual plant and the time factor varies with the type
of plant and the season, but it generally give the plant a minimum
of 10-14 days or so in the "normal" position before inverting
and hanging the pot.
Why
doesn’t the soil fall out when I hang the pot upside down?
The plant has established its root system and is now growing in
the potting mix in the pot. It is the design of the pot and the
established root system of the plant that keep both the plant and
the potting mix from falling out when the pot is inverted and hung
in position.
How
will I water it?
When
the pot is in the initial "established" position, sit
it in a shallow container to keep the potting mix moist while
the plant establishes. Once the pot has been inverted and is hanging
in position, water and fertilize through the top of the pot.
What
are the best plants to grow in the Down Under Pots?
Our
advice is to begin with the type of plant you like and grow best.
Miniature Roses, Fuchsias, Lobelia, Campanula, Impatients, Succulents,
Herbs, Miniature Tomatoes, Petunias, Vinca, Dianthus, Christmas
Cactus, Coleus, Hibiscus, Begonias and many more.
Why
doesn’t the water run straight out through the pot, washing
the potting mix out?
One
of the design features of the Down Under Pot is an internal reservoir,
at the base of the pot. The reservoir catches water where the
root system is developing, thus feeding the plant & providing
the root system with a wall upon which to anchor. If the plant
is watered moderately, and as required depending on the weather,
the pot will not drip when watered. Recommended is the addition
of a water retainer or wetting agent to the initial potting mix
(as with conventional garden pots). The addition of a water retainer
to the initial potting mix will keep the water in the pot, thus
keeping the mix and the plant in good condition. Some high quality
terra cotta potting mixes already contain water retainers, but
they are otherwise available at most nurseries.
Do
I need a special plant to grow in my “Upside Down” Pot?
Most
plants will grow in a Down Under Pot. Basically, most plants seem
to want to grow up towards the sun, so when you invert your pot
and hang it in position, the plant adjusts its growth direction
and heads up around the pot towards the sun or other major light
source (indoor plants). Self supporting plants look better in
Down Under Pots than trailing plants. Pruning (when applicable)
always enhances the display of new growth and flowering in Down
Under Pots.
If
the plant becomes root bound. Will I have to break the pot?
If
the plant becomes root bound, prune it back, quite severely, remove
some of the old potting mix from under the hanging wire, and you
will discover that you have reasonable access for root pruning.
Then replace the old potting mix with a new lot and hang the pot
back in position.
Can
I plant something in the top of the pot as well?
Yes, but plant
something compatible in consideration of the plant that is growing
upside down at the base of the pot. Your Down Under Pot is well
suited for growing combinations of herbs in your pot, following
the standard planting procedure and having inverted and hung the
pot when your herb has established. You may select another compatible
herb to plant in the top. The same procedure can be followed for
all suitable plants but always keep in mind the compatibility
of the selected plants, and the growing space available for their
root systems.
