Stakes in s/h pots

[sunfire]

Is there a good trick to wiggling stakes into s/h pots full of roots?

Also, I’m guessing it would be best to use plastic stakes? Any good sources?

[Ray]

Just jam it down into the LECA. It takes more effort than is would in a bark-based mix, but trying to “wiggle” it in results in a loose stake or plant.

If you can find coated wire stakes, you can adjust any misalignment by bending.

[Subrosa]

If you have an established semi-hydro pot full of roots that grew in those conditions, any damage to them from just pushing in a stake, even with a bit of wiggling would be inconsequential.

[sunfire]

Thank you. I was a little worried because I used glass pots and not plastic. I need to find that delicate balance of force I guess.

Originally Posted by Ray

Just jam it down into the LECA. It takes more effort than is would in a bark-based mix, but trying to “wiggle” it in results in a loose stake or plant.

If you can find coated wire stakes, you can adjust any misalignment by bending.

---------- Post added at 07:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:36 PM ----------

Thank you. I definitely was worried about damaging some of the thick roots my (previously rootless!) phals produced. Granted, they've certainly grown enough to this point that I shouldn’t be worried, but I’m just so happy with them all.

Originally Posted by Subrosa

If you have an established semi-hydro pot full of roots that grew in those conditions, any damage to them from just pushing in a stake, even with a bit of wiggling would be inconsequential.