Clear slotted pots...comparison

[avian]

I purchased some slotted pots from repotme but am looking for other sources where pots and shipping may be a little less costly. I've seen Chula Orchids and Kelley's Korner mentioned by others so I'd like to know if anyone can compare their plastic pots to the repotme ones when it comes to quality. The ones from reportme seem sturdy and plastic is thick enough so it shouldn't crack or break easily. I've found a few sources for slotted plastic pots on Amazon, too, but several reviewers state that those pots are flimsy.

Also how is the shipping cost at Chula and Kelley's and do they let you know what the shipping cost will be before they package items? With repotme shipping cost is determined when checking out and before finalizing the order.

[Ray]

Repotme is notorious for high shipping costs.

Both Chula and Kelley's Korner only charge what it costs, so it will depend upon how far you are from them.

Many of the clear slotted pots on the market today originate with Chula, no matter who you buy from.

If you want REALLY durable pots, take a look at Rand's Air-Cone pots.

[avian]

Thanks Ray. I was checking out the Air-Cone pots at Chula and thought about buying a few as well as clear plastic slotted ones. Chula is closer to me than Kelley's so I think the shipping cost should be less.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by avian

Thanks Ray. I was checking out the Air-Cone pots at Chula and thought about buying a few as well as clear plastic slotted ones. Chula is closer to me than Kelley's so I think the shipping cost should be less.

Fair warning: Large Air-Cone pots are heavy, though...

[Ambrose]

I am slowly switching all my plants into Rand's Air Cone pots. I like to add some ballast to the larger sizes to keep them more stable i.e. top heavy phals with long canes and tons of flowers.

---------- Post added at 01:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:54 AM ----------

I should have added 'anything that will fit in a 6" pot'.
The standard cymbidiums are all in 12" plastic buckets.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Originally Posted by Ambrose

I am slowly switching all my plants into Rand's Air Cone pots. I like to add some ballast to the larger sizes to keep them more stable i.e. top heavy phals with long canes and tons of flowers.

---------- Post added at 01:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:54 AM ----------

I should have added 'anything that will fit in a 6" pot'.
The standard cymbidiums are all in 12" plastic buckets.

i was thinking about ballasting and i was then wondering if that does not defeat the whole purpose of the pot? why not just use any plastic pot and fill the bottom with loose rock?

i am not trying to be contrary, i was just getting stuck on this thought and you mentioned that you actually do that, so i wanted your thoughts

[avian]

Originally Posted by Ray

Fair warning: Large Air-Cone pots are heavy, though...

Was going to just order a few 3" and 4" ones. Still curious to know if anyone has both Chula slotted pots and the repotme ones and how they compare. Also thought of just getting some deli containers and making my own slotted pots but those seem either too large or too small for the orchids I want to repot.

[Fairorchids]

I use a lot of Chula 3" slotted plastic pots for seedlings, and they are GREAT. I have ordered some of their 4", but that pot is too large (if up-potting plants from 3" size).

For plants I want to keep, I pretty much use only clay pots for sizes 4" and up (Azalea type = 2/3 height up to 6" & 8" sizes, Bulb pan type = 1/2 height for anything larger).

[Ambrose]

As I said, my reason for ballasting the larger pots is for stability. This is important because my whole collection of orchids get a shower every Sunday morning. Anyone who has juggled a couple of large ,in flower phals knows what I mean. It's also a good time to fertilize and check for vermin. I still have (and use) a few round pots and ballast them as well with a pH neutral gravel. I find that I can cram more plants into a given space using the Rand's square pots.