How to pot up a Hanging Planter
We get lots of questions about potting and repotting so In collaboration with one of our favourite suppliers Angus & Celeste, we thought we would show you how to pot up a Hanging Planter – shot by the wonderful Rae Fallon.
Begin by taking the plug out of the base of the hanging planter. Taking the plug out is important to do as you will want to thoroughly water the plant after it is potted up, and leaving the plug in the hanging planter will stop the water draining. Be sure to pop it somewhere safe so that it doesn’t end up in the potting mix or down the sink!
We suggest popping your hanging planter over a bucket or plastic nursery pot to give you some stability to plant your plant, and stop the pot rolling away as you add soil and your plant.
Once the pot is stabilised, thread your cable system through the lip of the planter. Getting this done before the plant is potted up means you have a little more room to work with.
Slide the cord through the cable holes of the hanging planter, with the looped end going through the hole first.
Pull the looped end all the way through the hole until the bar or ball bearing are touching the lip, as shown above.
Repeat this step until all of the wires are through, and the ball bearings are sitting at the top of the lip of the hanging planter. You will also have an extension cable and, depending on the size planter you have, a split ring or carabiner in your cable pack. Don’t add the split ring or carabiner at this point to join the wires, as that will make it difficult to pot up your plant especially if it is large or has long vines.
Add your preferred mix of soil to the hanging planter. Some may come through the hole at the base of the planter, but should be caught in your plastic nursery pot or bucket.
Create a well in the middle of the soil, allowing enough room for your plant of choice to fit into the hanging planter.
Over another bucket or the hanging planter, tip your plant out of it’s nursery pot. Try squeezing the pot as you pull or gently tap on the base of the plant. Be sure to hold onto the foliage so that it doesn’t fall down into the soil. This will also avoid any breakages to the foliage or root system.
Get messy! Position your plant in the well, facing it the direction you want it to grow or prefer the way it looks. This is personal preference, so take a moment to look at the plant from all angles and make sure it’s sitting pretty.
Once the plant is in a position you’re happy with, take the split ring that comes with the cable pack, and thread it around all three wires. Look for the small bend in the end of the split ring, this bend helps you to slide the cables onto the ring with ease (please note: the cable packs for our larger sized hanging planters come with a carabiner instead of a split ring). This will join them together, and allow you to either add the extension cable for a longer drop or hang your planter directly from the split ring onto your hook.
Be sure to check that the loops have come all the way through the split ring and are sitting within the inside ring. We don’t want any to accidentally unhook!
Admire your handy work – you’ve done it! A perfectly planted hanging planter.
Take your planter outside or pop it over the sink and give your plant a thorough water. This will set your plant up for its new home and help to prevent any shock from transplanting. Ask your nursery for more guidance and information on the needs of your plant.
Give your planter a good clean with a cloth. It can help to pop your plant back on top of the plastic nursery pot or bucket to give some stability as you wipe it down.
Pop the plastic plug back into the base of the hanging planter after a few hours, or at least until the water stops dripping from the pot. You want to make sure the plant won’t be overwatered the first time. If hanging outdoors, feel free to leave the plug out of the hanging planter to allow free draining.
Add decorative pebbles to your hanging planter to really seal the deal and make your plant pop. Pebbles also aid in preventing pests and can help to create a cohesive aesthetic amongst all of your plants.
Pat down the pebbles to ensure they are covering the surface of the hanging planter.
Voila! You have potted up your hanging planter to perfection.
Admire your beautiful new hanging planter, and now the fun part – find the perfect spot (if you haven’t already)!
Use a wood hook or ceiling hook, installed into studs or wood beams, to hook the split ring or carabiner into your preferred position in your home.
_
Visit our online store to browse our hanging planters. If you still aren't certain and want a plant + pot combination delivered (or for pick up) all ready to go, check out our potting service. More plant tips here.
This article was created in collaboration with Angus & Celeste. Photos by Rae Fallon.