screen wire - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 02-07-2009, 04:13 PM

Hi,
I bought a little "bag-baby" catt at Lowes this morn. that I would like to pot in a small vanda basket. I know how catt roots like to roam, but I plan to sit the plant on my kitchen windowsill and I was afraid the roots would "roam around where they shouldn't".....ex. pics of two of my other small ones.

My question is: I found a piece of window screen in a storage building and was wondering if there would be any problem if I lined the little vanda basket so that it would confine the roots, to a point. At least, they might have a harder time climbing around on my windowsill.....or would they? This may be a silly question, but I have never read anyone mention using screen to keep the bark and roots a basket (to a point). I just want to be sure there wasn't a reason......metal or something??? I would appreciate it if you will clue me in.
Thank you,
Vicki

kiki-do · #2 02-07-2009, 04:34 PM

Hi Vicki! I'm one of those people who happen to love watching the roots grow outside the pot/basket. It's so interesting to see them, as regular plant roots are always covered in potting soil. But, when I want to confine medium to hanging baskets, I use onion bags and just cut them to fit the inside of the basket. Also garlic bags have an even smaller mesh netting. I haven't heard anyone use window screen, but perhaps someone will chime in and say it's okay. Who knows?

nhman · #3 02-07-2009, 04:53 PM

I use the plastic window screen to line my Catt. baskets and have found that not only do the plants like the more open aspect of basket growth, but the screening holds the media in the basket really well.
So far, over two years of this type of growing, no problems - they seem happy, have GREAT roots and bloom regularly. Don't know about the metal screen material, however.

Ray · #4 02-07-2009, 06:00 PM

If you're going to use screen, follow nhman's example and use plastic.

VickiC · #5 02-07-2009, 06:38 PM

Hi Kiki!
I really enjoy watching the roots, too, but I was afraid that they might get outta hand and crawl around where I didn't want them to. For instance, on my window sill itself. I don't think I've had an orchid in a basket on a windowsill inside. ??? They've roamed around in hanging baskets outside, though, but they couldn't get into trouble that way.

Onion and garlic bags are good ideas....I'm gonna remember that. I don't have any now, and I'm not gonna go to the grocery store and buy any because I would have to actually cook.....and geez, this is Sat.

Anyway, thanks for your input, Kiki.....
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiki-do

Hi Vicki! I'm one of those people who happen to love watching the roots grow outside the pot/basket. It's so interesting to see them, as regular plant roots are always covered in potting soil. But, when I want to confine medium to hanging baskets, I use onion bags and just cut them to fit the inside of the basket. Also garlic bags have an even smaller mesh netting. I haven't heard anyone use window screen, but perhaps someone will chime in and say it's okay. Who knows?

VickiC · #6 02-07-2009, 06:45 PM

Hi,
That would be another plus to lining a basket....it would hold the media in, too.

I know you're going to think I'm not normal, and I'm probably not (*#!*?), but I can't tell the difference in the window screen I have....not sure if it is metal or some sorta plastic. So, maybe I best not take the chance.....kinda leary of metal.

Thanks for your input....I hope I have good luck with my orchid, as you have.
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhman

I use the plastic window screen to line my Catt. baskets and have found that not only do the plants like the more open aspect of basket growth, but the screening holds the media in the basket really well.
So far, over two years of this type of growing, no problems - they seem happy, have GREAT roots and bloom regularly. Don't know about the metal screen material, however.

VickiC · #7 02-07-2009, 06:51 PM

That's what I've decided to do....pot it using a plastic liner because I'm really not sure if this screen is metal or some kind of plastic. ??? I don't wanna take a chance of potting it in something that may not be good for the roots.
Thanks Ray,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

If you're going to use screen, follow nhman's example and use plastic.

nenella · #8 02-07-2009, 07:05 PM

Hi Vicki,
a very quick and effective way to knnow if it's metal or plastic is to try burning it with a match or lighter. Do it on an edge so as not to spoil it, if it 'melts, smokes, smells' it's plastic! If it's metal may get hot & red depending how long you hold the flame to it but otherwise will stay intact.(will go black)
hope this helps you identify the material.

VickiC · #9 02-07-2009, 09:02 PM

Oh my goodness....how embarrassing. Why didn't I think of that! Duh!

Thank you....I'll do that tomorrow.
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by nenella

Hi Vicki,
a very quick and effective way to knnow if it's metal or plastic is to try burning it with a match or lighter. Do it on an edge so as not to spoil it, if it 'melts, smokes, smells' it's plastic! If it's metal may get hot & red depending how long you hold the flame to it but otherwise will stay intact.(will go black)
hope this helps you identify the material.

VickiC · #10 02-08-2009, 11:15 AM

Just thought I'd let you know that I did the "burn test" this morn., and the screen is plastic.

Thanks,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by nenella

Hi Vicki,
a very quick and effective way to knnow if it's metal or plastic is to try burning it with a match or lighter. Do it on an edge so as not to spoil it, if it 'melts, smokes, smells' it's plastic! If it's metal may get hot & red depending how long you hold the flame to it but otherwise will stay intact.(will go black)
hope this helps you identify the material.