Cast-iron plant stand with nine arms and top dish, painted white. The base is ornate and low to the ground with four feet. It supports a central pole, terminating in pierced dish. Like the upper most dish, the cups at the end of each arm are meant to hold a small potted plant. They are pierced, which allowed for water drainage from rain or hand-watering plants. There are nine arms attached to the pole that could move vertically up the post and rotate around the central axis. The length of the arms and diameter of cups gradually decrease in size as they are placed higher up the pole. This allowed the gardener to organize the plants so that each would have access to light, while taking up the least room.
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The Victorian love of nature and display were combined with the plant stand. Both decorative and storage space, plant stands displayed botanical specimens both in and out of doors in the nineteenth century. They came in a variety of sizes and shapes that might include multiple tiers, elaborate structures, decorative features, or separate surfaces for each plant or flower. Plants stands were often placed on porches and verandahs, where they provided transition between house and garden. These stands were also found throughout the home, bringing nature indoors and adding color and scents to the room. They might be the focal point, placed in corners, or other areas in need of visual interest. Fragrant varieties of flowers and potted plants, such as palms, were popular choices for plant stands in the nineteenth century. Flowers and greenery were often mixed together on its shelves, either grown in pots on saucers or displayed in decorative vases. The stands and their plants could be rented from the florist or nursery for special occasions. In addition to their decorative appeal, they were also an important tool for the gardener. Plant stands served as home for the plants more susceptible to frost and weather that were brought in to a winter garden in the home, conservatory, greenhouse, or other outbuildings.
