Growing on ceramics

Growing on Ceramics

Lesson Summary

• This is an old Brazilian technique called 'Pau de Barro'- Branch of Clay.
• Pau de Barro struggles outside of the tropics, as ambient humidity is so low.
• It has been popularised by a new Japanese product called a 'terra base'. The idea is that it is placed into a glass tank with high humidity.
• Terracotta wine coolers work in the same way, as the water passes through the porous terracotta, emerging at the surface thus cooling the interior.
• Cover the terra base with Java moss, gradually tying it into place using the polyester thread.
• I use a simple turntable, the same as those used in cake decorating.
• The gaps between the different moss sheets will eventually close.
• The terra base was previously soaked in water overnight. The base must be soaked for at least an hour. It will ensure full saturation from the start.
• The moss will begin to colonise and grow to the top of the terra base.

Equipment Used:

• Terra base
• Medium glass case
• Green polyester thread

Plants Used:

• Java moss (coconut half)
• Selaginella
• Ficus pumila 'Minima'
• Nepenthes hybrid

• Remove all compost from the plant roots. There is no need for compost when growing plants on the terra base.
• Spraying the roots helps to dislodge large bits of compost.
• The lower half of the terra base is the wettest, here you can plant aquatic plants.
• The top half is drier, a good place to plant orchids.
• There are no mistakes in gardening, only experiments.
• This shows that there are three different plant communities that can grow side by side.
• Fillers, thrillers and spillers are important when making any houseplant arrangement.
• Ficus pumila cuttings can be attached to the moss at the base using instant superglue, where they will root and continue to grow.
• Plants don't read the textbooks. A lot of long-standing gardening techniques are just people trying to sound smart. Feel free to experiment.
• I fill up the terra base with water.
• Using curved aquarium scissors, I trim the moss near the edge of the terra base as this encourages lateral growth.
• After you have mastered the basics, you can try growing and creating whatever you like.
• The moss will eventually grow over the thread, so it won't be visible.