Ideas for pots

[dafunk5446]

I would have to agree, its great how ingenious people with hobbies can be. I found some sterlite containers that might fit the bill, has anyone tried these. VERY sturdy, is it a big deal if they are short and squat or is taller better? Im sure it depends on the species. I also saw some glade disposable food containers that would work good for smaller plants and fairly cheap to. Does everyone prefer clear over colored or does it not really matter to you. I would like to use all clear pots so I can keep an eye on the roots without having to disturb them.

[Ray]

The issue is not the height of the container, per se, it's the distance from the top of the reservoir (the holes determine that) and the top of the medium.

There will always be a moisture gradient within the medium, and the gradient is "controlled" by evaporation from the top and wicking from the bottom. If evaporation is faster than wicking, it will be drier at the top, and if the wicking is faster, it will be wetter.

The greater the distance between the liquid and the surface, the harder it is for the wicking to keep up with the evaporation.

[Ray]

Now that I answered that questions, I'm going to twist the thread a little bit:

YOU CHEAP BASTARDS

You realize, of course, that by making your own pots instead of buying them from me is taking away jobs from the mentally handicapped!

Now that I have your attention, I simply want to remind folks that I work with BARC (the Bucks Association for Retarded Citizens) for the production of all s/h pots and repackaging of PrimeAgra and CHC, and we are embarking on finding them some new jobs as well.

In reality, it doesn't matter if you get them from me or not. The first s/h pot was a take-home wonton soup container, and I've used everything from those to plastic trash cans to styrofoam coolers.

[Becca]

Frederico, where can we find 'PET' (Polyethylene Therephthalate) soft drink containers. Are they the normal soft drink containers sold in stores or are we looking for something special? Thanks!

[dafunk5446]

Thanks Ray, I know I am a cheap bastard, but only due to the fact that college tuition is so ridiculously over priced, I decided to just buy the stuff from your site any way cause it is actually cheaper in the long run. I think the styrofoam cups that were mentioned are the ones you get at "Sonic". I would look for a restaurant supply company. Or ebay would have them.

[Ray]

Oh...I'm a cheap bastard too, but I get my pots at cost, 'cause I know the owner!

I also understand the tuition part, as I still have 2 more years of Wake Forest tuition to pay for my daughter.

[Dorothy]

Oh the profanity!

[Frdemetr]

Becca,
Yes, the regular soft drink containers (that big ones) are usually made with "PET" (at least in Brazil...). For catasetinae are really good, the roots exposed to light become green and make photosynthesis too!

[mojomick]

I go to the dollar store and get the plastic containers often 5/a buck. Your idea about putting a clear plastic tray underneath to hold the water works well also. I have talked to numerous people who use that method and have success. There are as many options as people can come up with...I'd go for it. Mojomick

[linda]

Let me try to understand this (SORRY) Do you have to use clear container or can you us clay pots?
And if you us clear pots, you put 1 inch holes (slats) done the side of the container, what about the bottom of the container do you put a hole in that to ?
And how does the watering work? The same way as if you had it in orchid bark an clay pots?