What to plant in a glass planter

Hi all,
I have one of those Glass planter type things (in the shape of a pear)
(something like this http://www.homeandgarden.co.nz/catalogue2.php?cat=6)

It has a hole in the front where you can reach in a plant whatever you want. At the moment, I have a green plant in there but not sure what it is, however, it is not doing very well and I want to replace it. My question is this, what would be a good plant to put in there, I want something with a little colour but which will do well in the situation it is in, i.e. a glass v**** and the room does not get much light.

If you could add pictures with your suggestions that would be great.

Many thanks
Andy:gnthb:

 

Hi there Andy.

Do you have a rough size for the glass pear? as this will determain what and how many plants you'll be able to put in there.

 

I'd say it is about 6inch dia and 9 inch tall but in a pear shape so the bottom is 6 inch dia but the top is only 2-3 inch dia

 

I have a list for you, you'd need small plants ans small leaved variaties, not got any pics but there easy to look up on google pics

begonia rex
frens
fittonia
hendra helix
maranta
pellionia
pilea

Hope this helps, I have a little book hear that has some info in it about bottle planting, it's not much good to me so will be willing to post it to you if it'd be helpful.

 

Does the glass have a drain in the bottom? Lots of plants don't like their feet keep wet.
If there is no hole on the bottom. Then I would find some colorful small pebbles to line the sided and carefully put soil in the middle and then plant a cactus, so all you need to do is a little water misting now and then.
If there is a hole on the bottom then the more colorful and leafy is better I believe.

 

Thanks sweetpeas and redstar.
I like the look of the Fittonia, that is the sort of thing I was looking for but didnt know what it was called.
I also like the idea of the pebles on the bottom, both practical and colourful.
Sweetpeas, I will send you a pm about the boook.

 

Snappers-sorry I missed this one because I love orchids in glass planters-they like the low light and need next to no watering-except a good soak when they get bone dry, with decorative gravel any over wtareing woul drain.

 

Thanks Claire,
Would fittonia be able to be planted with an orchid or would they be better on their own?
Is there any Orchid you would recommend?

 

Hi Andy,

It depends on what soil the fitonia likes and it`s water requirements, orchids-or at least my orchid( cymbidium-The judge) likes to be dry, I have it in orchid compost now which is practically like dry chipped bark. And I now (after doing it completely wrongly) only spray it every few days.


I do like my orchid, but I can`t advise on type because I only have this one. I`ve seen some stunners in the garden centres though-the only thing that puts me off are the prices or I`d have more definitely.

 

Hmmm. I know what you mean. I'll have to have a look in the local garden centre and see what they have.

I can't make my mind up at the moment.