Think this will work? - Pots

[Jirel]

I've had a lot of trouble with my plants falling over because they are outside and we've had some windy days (although they are protected on 3 sides). So yesterday I hit a couple of Thrift Stores looking for orchid plants - would LOVE to buy some of the ones I've seen on the internet but just too expensive. A very creative friend went with me and started suggesting all sorts of containers that one (or at least I) would normally not think of using.

Do you think some of these would work? A wood box that has wire netting on 2 sides instead of wood. A very open wire basket that is rather heavy and should keep the plant stable. Some lightweight baskets that I can put rocks in the bottom of. I'm not thinking of re-potting right now because everything is blooming, but of just putting the clear plastic pots in the containers.

[norris]

Hi Jirel, Any of those should work, just take them out to water, then wait till pots have drained before putting back in containers to avoid standing water at the roots.

[Jirel]

Thanks, most of them have rocks in the bottom to make the container even heavier. I just finished setting them up and I'd say 80% of the 11 are now definitevly safe from tipping over, all for under $6. Believe it or not, the one I like best is the black wire CD rack. I've turned it over, propped it with rocks so the open part is upright and have 3 plants in it. I'm very glad I took my friend with me, I would NEVER have thought of that on my own.

[norris]

Good deal now you need to post some pics

[PhalPal]

I like to use wooden Vanda baskets to place pots in for our Santa Ana winds. They are also good to use for transporting orchids to and from shows or club meetings.

[norris]

And do we have the Santa Ana winds this weekend!!

[Jirel]

Some pictures - its not great working - but it works for me.
The CD Rack, I think the Dend is getting too much early morning light, I need to put some stuff up on the porch screen to shield the orchids.



One of the wooden boxes with wire nets on the side.



One of the wire baskets.



The orchid table on my back porch



My Green orchid in full bloom

[patticake]

Looks good! Beautiful plants- I like the different baskets, etc. I like to find unusual yet functional containers to use also! Nice job.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by Jirel

Some lightweight baskets that I can put rocks in the bottom of.

I use something similar to this. Melbourne Australia is very windy. I bought a small-ish plastic storage basket and put a brick in the bottom. The taller plants sit on either side of the brick, some shorter ones that don't blow over sit on top of it. We've had some real gales, but no tipped pots. I'll try to post a pic later to show you exactly what it is.

[Jirel]

Thanks patticake, I meant to say that "its not especially nice LOOKING" not working. I'm having occaisional brain fog problems when I type. It kinda looks hodpodge, but on the other hand I'm very happy with the way it works.

kmarch - that would be interesting, I'd like to see a photo of your basket.

[norris]

Jirel, you're plants look really nice I really love the green flowers!