Graceful and verdant in design, fresh topiary plants are a beautiful addition to any home. They can be placed indoors for a green touch or outdoors during mild weather. Exceptionally easy to care for, the teardrop ivy topiary is light enough to perch on the corner of a desk or a kitchen cabinet. It weighs six pounds and grows in an eight inch pot. By following some basic instructions, gardeners can enjoy live topiary plants for years. 

Taking Care of the Topiary Plant:

Like most plants, the fresh topiary plant requires a few basic things to survive. The most important thing to remember is the amount of sunlight that it requires. Topiary plants prefer indirect sunlight, so there should be at least some shade over their location. They can do well in temperatures that range from 40° to 80° F, but grow best at 55° to 65° F. Due to this requirement, topiary plants are generally kept inside unless the weather is fairly mild. As long as the nighttime temperature is not lower than 40° F, they can be grown outside. 

When live topiary plants are grown inside, the homeowner will need to mist them once or twice a week. Topiary trees should not be placed near a heating vent because the high heat can dry them out. Since heating and air conditioning units can reduce the humidity, a spray bottle should be kept near the plant. With lukewarm water, homeowners can mist the topiary until some of the leaves are dripping water. 

Water Requirements:

In addition to indirect sunlight and humidity, topiary plants will also need to be watered on a regular basis. Gardeners should avoid over-watering their plant because it can lead to root rot. Instead, the plant should be watered once the top inch of the soil is fairly dry. This can be done as often as necessary, but the container should never be soggy or overfilled with water. To prevent the water from remaining too long, the container should always have a hole that allows the water to drain. 

Since summertime months are generally hot and dry, topiary owners use a few simple tricks to keep their live topiary plants in the best of shape. In addition to misting the leaves, gardeners will also make use of sphagnum moss. When placed around the base of the plant, sphagnum moss has the unique ability of locking in moisture. This helps to raise the humidity of the topiary tree and prevents the leaves from wilting on hotter days. 

With the proper care, a topiary can brighten the interior of the home for years. Through pruning and training the plant, it can be taught to take on a variety of different shapes and styles. Simple to take care of and beautiful to behold, this type of plant is one of the easiest ways to make any home a little greener. 

Care Instructions: Let soil approach dryness between watering. Do not let roots sit in water.. Exposure: Bright, indirect light., Indoor Temp: 40 - 80?F, Weight: 6 lb, Pot Size: 8 inches, Height:6 lb