Packing Peanuts in orchid pots for air circulation

[LilSatchmo]

I think I figured it out and it should be turned on now.

[espranch]

Kreg, How's about turning on your P.M. ( private messages )...It's safer than giving someone you don't know your e-mail to I.M. you. Thanks, Betty :-)

P.S. I'm taking a close look at an ALMOST empty, clear plastic asprin bottle right now...it's the exact size I need for one of my orchids that needs re-potting...Hummm...! Betty

[rosie]

Betty, Kreg. I use hubby's soldering iron (to create all the holes I want)on all my "yoghurt" plastic pots to create the perfect clear orchid pot.

[Teena]

A small butane torch or even a good butane lighter would work for this as well as a gas stove if you have one. If you're going use a a "thin piece of metal" as Betty does I suggest an old wood handled paring knife. The wood handle is not going to melt and it will not get hot while the knife blade heats up. I've been using the same one in my glass studio for 15 years now and it works a charm and my torch in the studio heats up to over 5,000 degrees F. It will melt through plastic like butter. Make sure you do this in a well ventilated area since melted plastic stinks.

[pavel]

Pavel, I love wine and should start saving the corks! Does the residue from the wine cause problems when used as a medium?

None that I have noticed. I have heard others say that corks from red wine should be soaked in hot water or hot lime (the mineral not the fruit) water. It might be worth experimenting but as I drink mostly whites, I have never bothered even with my few red wine corks.

[Teachth]

I am really learning a ton on this site and can't thank you all for such wonderful knowledge. With that being "said", I thought it very strange when I bought my first few phals that I could see packing peanuts through the clear container. Now I understand the theory behind that. So here's my question, when I repot a plant do I put a few of those in the bottom and then my medium or do I mix the peanuts in the medium?

[espranch]

Trish, I have "evolved" and am now putting small lava rock in place of styrofoam peanuts. It never breaks down, so I like it a lot better....Betty

[LilSatchmo]

Hi Trish, Just to clarify, the peanuts would go in the bottom of the pot.

[Teachth]

That's what I thought. I did purchase an orchid potting mix that looks like it has bits of styrofoam in it. I am hoping that is fine to use. I have seen it at some vendors shops too.

[panam]

That's what I thought. I did purchase an orchid potting mix that looks like it has bits of styrofoam in it. I am hoping that is fine to use. I have seen it at some vendors shops too.

Trish, it might be styrofoam or it might be horticultural perlite. The perlite is usually white and very light, but is not as soft. Either one is goo to help keep air around the roots.