Labelling orchids, plant tags and pots

[Diane56Victor]

Looking for recommendations on a label maker that will print labels suitable for plant tags/labels and or pots.
Thoughts re the tape type too as it will need to withstand water and being outside.
I have seen inexpensive hand held label maker models but they won't be cost efficient if the tape costs an arm and a leg. Also read a couple of reviews where buyers mention "wasted tape"
Looking forward to responses.

[SouthPark]

Try this link Diane. I still use the Brother P-Touch PT-700. This device has been so reliable. Still impressed with its performance even today. I bought it from ebay quite a while ago.

I know what people mean about some tape wastage - as in these machines do snip off a little bit, which is a slight waste. But with limited number of plants, a roll of the TZ tape lasts for ages.

Label maker recommendations

[DirtyCoconuts]

Those are great but don’t trust em in UV light.

I have two outside that are erased in less than a year.

Outside, pencil still works best but is a PIA

[SouthPark]

DC --- did you use the 'TZ' variety of laminated tape? The TZ variety (for the 'Brother' label printers) is UV resistant. Some harsh testing had been done on them just to make sure they're up to the job.

[DirtyCoconuts]

I believe it was. I will double check as I think I purchased several rolls so I should still have them

I use the wider tape now and make two sided labels by folding them around the tag down the middle

This is most def the TZ but I will confirm the half inch was as well

[Ray]

I have never seen any sign of fading with Brother Tz tapes - black text on white. Other colors are far less UV stable.

[SouthPark]

DC - Thanks for checking! I've had the same results as Ray with the Tz tape - laminated, black print on white background. No fading or visible degradation of any labels when exposed daily to sunlight.

[DirtyCoconuts]

i think you guys may have been right- i do not have the first tape cartridge any longer but my wife reminded me that there was a 'sample' included with the printer and i may have well used that....

given the uniform experiences across y'all i suspect it was, ahem, user error

[Diane56Victor]

Thanks for the info. Ill take a look at the label printer next time Im in town.

[Fairorchids]

I have used the TZ tape for at least 8 years. Since my Cymbidiums are outside min. 6 months each year, they have stood up to direct sunlight, as well as greenhouse conditions.

I only use the label maker, when I have more than 1 plant of the same thing. For singles, I use paint pens (purchased in art supply stores), and write on standard plastic labels. I have also used paint pens on metal labels for my outside plants (day lilies). They never fade either.