Plant a Beautiful Bell Jar

Here's how to use this must-have garden accessory.

Everyday objects become special when showcased beneath a dome of glass; plants are no exception. Covered with a bell jar, the mundane becomes extraordinary.

Perhaps you're not quite sure what it is or how it should be used. Also called a cloche (pronounced closh), this apparatus is nothing new. For years it has been used to protect young seedlings from the cold or as a mini greenhouse for rooting cuttings. Here we bring the bell indoors and team it with houseplants that make even the blackest thumbs turn green.

Start a Collection

Bell jars come in a range of sizes, shapes, and price tags. Antique or new, they look great when displayed in groups. Use them with plants that thrive in warm, humid environments, such as bromeliads and tropical ferns. For other plants that like these conditions, see the box on page 67.

Perfect Your Environment

Air inside the home can sometimes be dry, which many houseplants, such as jewel orchid (Ludisia discolor), do not favor. To skirt this problem, top your container with a bell jar. The jar should fit the rim of your pot, in essence creating a terrarium. Place your setup in bright, filtered light but not direct sun. This concept also works well with carnivorous plants such as Venus's flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) and sundews (Drosera sp.).

Condensation on the inside of your bell jar is a good indication that the moisture level is fine. Every other week, check the soil; it should be slightly damp but not wet. Jewel orchids don't mind drying out for short periods of time, so don't panic if you find that the soil is not moist. Forgo the regular bimonthly feeding that this orchid normally loves, or it might quickly outgrow its home.

Venus's flytraps should never be fertilized, as they are sensitive to nitrogen. It is not uncommon for this plant to die back in winter, but look for new growth come February. From May through October, Venus's flytraps supplement their diets by enticing and capturing insects, so remove the lid periodically. It's okay to occasionally hand-feed your flytrap, but stick to soft-sided insects. If insectivorous plants suit your fancy, buy them only from reputable nurseries, and never purchase ones that have been collected from the wild.

Another Stellar Option

Earth stars, such as Cryptanthus 'Glad,' are some of the easiest bromeliads to try and are perfect bell jar plants because they are slow growing and love humidity. These members of the pineapple family do best in bright, diffused light. Because the bell jar traps moisture, you can water less often, making this a carefree option for those who forget to water or who travel a lot. For optimal success, check your plant every other week: The soil should be damp to the touch but not wet. With each watering, feed with a water-soluble fertilizer at one-fourth strength, or use an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion according to label directions. -REBECCA BULL REED

* For More Info

Easy indoor containers: southernliving.com/august2007

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