Using skewers to determine when to water

[PaphLover]

Originally Posted by silken

They are likely fine but I just use the thin bamboo kebab skewers. I get them at the dollar store or Dollarama about 100 for $1.00.

Yes, I asked for those, but they said they wouldn't have any until summer and bbq time. :[

[silken]

Originally Posted by PaphLover

Yes, I asked for those, but they said they wouldn't have any until summer and bbq time. :[

Don't the grocery stores carry them (for more $$ I am sure).

[bil]

Originally Posted by wintergirl

Oh, I thought your pots were clay. I was wondering how you melted a hole in a clay pot

Yeah, I stick to plastic.

[wintergirl]

I have found the small skewers at Walmart, large amount cheap price.

[ryrycochinco]

I just jam my pinky finger into the root ball haha☺️

[estación seca]

If you drill a hole through a ceramic container, glazed or unglazed, set the container in water so the contact is under water. Use a ceramic drill bit. Don't go fast.

For drilling holes in dishes and bowls, drill from the inside if possible. Set the vessel on a bed of sand. Add water to the vessel and drill. When you drill through the water drains into the sand.

For holes in plastic plant pots, people use Dreml drills and soldering irons. I don't want to breathe burning plastic fumes so I use the Dreml drill and go slowly.

For a small hole that would admit a skewer, one could also hold a nail with a pliers and heat it in a fire, then use it to melt through.

[bil]

Originally Posted by estación seca

If you drill a hole through a ceramic container, glazed or unglazed, set the container in water so the contact is under water. Use a ceramic drill bit. Don't go fast.

For drilling holes in dishes and bowls, drill from the inside if possible. Set the vessel on a bed of sand. Add water to the vessel and drill. When you drill through the water drains into the sand.

For holes in plastic plant pots, people use Dreml drills and soldering irons. I don't want to breathe burning plastic fumes so I use the Dreml drill and go slowly.

For a small hole that would admit a skewer, one could also hold a nail with a pliers and heat it in a fire, then use it to melt through.

I learnt very soon that the plastic pots here really don't like being drilled, and crack at the slightest opportunity, so I use a metal rod set in a wooden handle.

Yeah the stink of plastic is a drag, and I do my best to minimise exposuure.

[Orchid-gurl]

Ok great idea.. Any one try the skewer method on clay pebbles ? some of mine are not s/h . i have them in clay orchid non glazed pots. Can i leave the skewer in or it has to be taken out. to do a correct moisture test

[dipunn420]

helpful post.

[fishmom]

Orchid-gurl, the skewers will work on any medium. You can absolutely leave them in place until you want to check moisture. My pots all have little bamboo stakes in them, but they barely show. I pull one out to check and touch it to my cheek--I think of it as "kissing my orchids" . The stake will soften and break off in time, but they are so cheap I don't really mind. I usually replace them when repotting also.