Recycled plastic containers

[espranch]

The "round" ones are large empty soft drink bottles that I get out of the recycle bin at boxstore! I also use the bottom half of gallon milk containers, too. Yesterday I re-potted a large Sharry Baby into the bottom half of a gallon milk container. I used the "small" media for it, because it has tiny, thread-like roots. Just another experiment...LOL.....Betty :-)

[pavel]

I've done this with the clear deli containers. I do like that they tend to be more sturdy than many other plastics. On the downside, I don't get many of such containers as I very rarely buy such premade foods.

A cutting wheel on a Dremel works well for slitting pots as well and a drill can be used with stiffer plastics for holes.

If you do use the melting method, then do be sure to do so in a well ventilated area. The fumes/smoke from the plastic is not something you want to be inhaling.

[espranch]

Thanks for the information, Paul. I do all of this outside, and do not let the fumes blow into my face. It has taken me about three months to do one third of my collection...which is 100 orchids. I NEVER buy a food item unless it something we'd use anyway; as I said before, I usually hunt for my clear plastic containers in the recycle bin.....Betty

[Toni1968]

Hello Betty, Just wondering how this is working for you? any drawbacks? Algae? I was just going to repot one of my Phals. and thought I would asked before I did it. Hope all is well... = )

[espranch]

Toni, I started re-potting with leca and plastic containers almost three months ago. I've done about thirty-three orchids, and never looked back. This stuff is fabulous! The orchids like it, and I do too! Love the fact that I can re-use it. I can see their little roots & they are growing LIKE CRAZY. No algae, and I'm still watering once a week. I keep the humidity at 65 % in the greenhouse. Wish I had found this years ago...Betty

[Toni1968]

Great! Thanks for the fast response and I am so glad it is working out! I am gonna repot that phal and maybe a sick Cymbidium while I am at it. (I baught one that was bark on top and soil (gasp!) underneath. Its so sad! This is the second one like that! Go Green! Thanks again Betty!