Net bags? - Orchid Board

Kelo · #1 04-08-2011, 05:20 PM

It was when I was shopping in the supermarket I use, when picking up some kiwi fruit that was sold in those netting bags, that I thought of using the nets to grow phals in. I just wonder how long it would be before the (plastic) netting rotted or was weakened by sunlight etc.? Do any of you think that it might be possible to bag orchids this way as an alternative to clear pots? It would mean that the compost would dry out faster but then the roots would be better aerated and less susceptible to rotting. It was just a thought.

Vanda lover · #2 04-08-2011, 06:44 PM

I thought of doing the same thing. My main concern would be that because the netted bags have nothing to re enforce them and they aren't solid, it might be rather easy to damage the roots when moving it around.
Maybe putting lots of holes in a plastic flower pot would be better.

Kelo · #3 04-08-2011, 06:51 PM

Yes, it may well be better to use something more solid than a net bag. My phals are hanging from the window so I wouldn't really be setting the bags down but I suppose that eventually I would have to. I like the idea though! LOL

Vanda lover · #4 04-08-2011, 07:44 PM

I've been thinking about that for a while now. Orchid pots are expensive, but it is easy to melt neat holes in plastic pots with a wood burner or hot nail. I've done it when making s/h pots.

RJSquirrel · #5 04-09-2011, 12:08 AM

the mesh that comes around bags of carrots(or kiwi fruit) has always had my attention. I want to get some of that stuff and use it for a top covers keep all my media from floating or falling out...Just a little peice across the top..

I have hung orchids in them trying pesudo mounted styles and I dint have enough humidity for mounted plants and killed most of them after erwinia got em 1st...

I dont see any trouble with the mesh other than the roots are going to end up wrapped up in it and you wont be able to get the plant out with less than a surgical tool..Ever try to get a vanda out of one them baskets its been growing in for years? You have to cut them very very carefully and you still end up cutting something you didnt want to..

Hey but go for it man I like unconventional..you will find most orchid people stick with the tried and true but We all do go thru the mad science phase

Kelo · #6 04-09-2011, 04:07 AM

LOL I think I'll stay with the pots!

Jennyfleur · #7 04-09-2011, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

Hey but go for it man I like unconventional..you will find most orchid people stick with the tried and true but We all do go thru the mad science phase

I've missed your mad science lately RJ! Maybe I haven't been looking hard enough for your posts when I've been flitting on here!

Rather than using the fruit net bags, you could try something made out of hessian. It'd give you a bit more water retention but would still allow for more air movement compared to a pot.... mind you, how it'd stand up to regular damping and drying before it disintegrated would need to be tested!

Vanda lover · #8 04-09-2011, 10:24 AM

I'm not familiar with hessian, what is it?
As for cutting a vanda out of a basket, I wouldn't even try! I put mine, basket and all in to a larger one.

Jennyfleur · #9 04-09-2011, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

I'm not familiar with hessian, what is it?

It's a type of material woven out of vegetable fibers (usually sisal I think). It's like burlap in the US.... don't know what you have in Canada!

Vanda lover · #10 04-09-2011, 11:37 AM

I think I know what you mean, I've seen beach bags made of it. I think it would rot easily, though. I tried sea grass, and it lasts a while, but also rots. The nylon bags would last for quite a while, I think. I use nylon netting and pot scrubberes in my pont filtration system, and it lasts for years.