Silk Plants >>
Potting, Assembly, and Shaping
Your Silk Plants
Once your new
silk plants
or
artificial trees have arrived, they will need some
shaping done to give it a nice looking presentation.
Remember, the most important thing is that the plants or
trees looks good to you and for your particular setting or
application. Whichever method accomplishes this
objective is the correct one! The shaping your
silk plants and trees is the most important step in
getting the best look possible.
POTTING
Fill your non-decorative
container 3/4 full with floral foam or plaster of Paris.
(Use plaster of Paris for trees with large diameter trunks
or if you prefer a heavier base.) If using floral
foam, simply push the bottom of the tree trunk or
silk plant stem deep into the floral foam, making sure
it is straight up and down. If using plaster of Paris,
mix according to instructions from manufacturer, then pour
into non-decorative container, and let “set up” until you
can insert your silk plant stem or tree trunk, and the
semi-hardened plaster will hold the plant or tree upright
until completely hardened. Tap the side of the
container to ensure plaster is thoroughly up against the
trunk/stem. Once the
silk plant is potted, insert your non-decorative
container into your decorative planter, basket, etc.
ASSEMBLY
Your
silk plants or silk tree may require some simple
assembly. Most
silk palm trees come with fronds, and a trunk with frond
openings. As a general rule, smaller fronds go towards
the bottom, and larger (longer) fronds will go towards the
top (Areca
Palm,
Bamboo Palm,
Kentia Palm, etc.) Some silk plants and trees,
such as Phoenix Palms, may have a single frond “head” which
simply plugs into the top of the tree trunk. It’s a
great idea to refer to original product picture when
assembling your
artificial tree for reference.
SHAPING
We recommend the directional
shaping method, which will maximize fullness and create a
better silhouette for your
silk plants. Starting near the trunk or main stem,
work your way to the end of the frond or leaf, gently
bending as you go, creating a slight downward curve on the
lowest branches of the plant to a slight upward angle toward
the top branches. By slightly staggering the tips
around the branch of you
silk plants, your tree will have a fuller look.
Again, referring to the original item picture will help
greatly in this process.
Enjoy!
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