What Can I Plant in My Topsy Turvey?

Fruits and Vegetables

• Several species of fruits and vegetables can be successfully grown in upside-down, hanging containers like the Topsy Turvey. Tomatoes are a common option. Choose small varieties, such as romas, grape or cherry, rather than large beefsteaks, as mature plants covered with fruit can be very heavy. Strawberries can also be grown upside down. Keep them well-watered as hanging planters tend to dry out quickly. Vegetables for upside-down planters include cucumbers; bell, sweet and hot peppers; pole and bush beans; and eggplant. Most vegetables grow best in full sun exposures.

Herbs

• Some species of herbs thrive in upside-down containers. Most herbs prefer sites with full sun exposure, so make sure to keep the soil well-moistened. Appropriate herb plants for upside-down growing include basil, fennel, mint, parsley, rosemary and stevia. If you have an open-topped hanging container, plant herbs on top, as well, for a more efficient use of space. Some herbs serve as companion plants, or plants that complement each other, such as tomatoes and basil.

Foliage Plants

• A number of plants generally grown for their attractive foliage can thrive in Topsy Turvey-type containers. Many of these plants also offer the added benefit of efficient air purification. These air-cleaning plants include the areca palm, which has multiple stems covered with feathery, green foliage and the syngonium, which has heart-shaped leaves in a variety of variegated green, silver and white shades. Other upside-down plants with attractive foliage include the Boston fern, English ivy, kentia palm and rubber plant. Most of these plants grow best in moderate to bright light exposures.

Flowering Plants

• A number of indoor and outdoor flowering plants thrive in upside-down planters. These include the lovely phalaenopsis or moth orchid, which the Smithsonian Gardens describes as "perhaps the best orchid for growing in the home." Moth orchids thrive in full sun and well-drained to dry soil. The peace lily provides air purification, has lustrous foliage and blooms with long, white flowers. Anthuriums also have glossy, evergreen leaves but produce large, heart-shaped white, pink and red blooms. Geraniums and hoyas thrive in upside-down planters. Both flower with aromatic blossoms.