How to Make Orchid Containers

Add 1 cup of white school glue, 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 cups of hot water to a 2-quart glass bowl. Stir the mixture for two full minutes until it forms a milky, warm sludge.

Shred assorted bits of paper such as construction paper, white printer paper and tissue paper. Add small cut-up squares of denim, canvas, silk or other materials. The total amount of shredded material needed for this task is 2 cups. Add the shredded material to the bowl with the warm paste sludge.

Stir the ingredients for a minute, making sure the paper and fabric are well saturated. This combines fabric and papier-mache for a sturdy, eco-friendly orchid pot.

Turn a coffee can, bowl or similar receptacle upside-down. Spray the surface with a fine layer of nonstick cooking spray.

Form clumps of the pulpy sludge around the outside of the upturned receptacle. Coat the outer surface on all sides with about 1-1/2 inches of mixture. Leave the coated receptacle as is for 48 hours. During this time, it hardens and forms a shell. Slide the receptacle out of the shell and discard or wash it.

Trim the rough edges of your papier-mache orchid pot smoothing it out and evening its appearance. Fill it with rocks and peat moss for holding a single orchid flower.