AusBonsai

Not sure if this should be here or up there î in tips, but anyhow ........
Was done the Big Green Shed the other day having a look around when I noticed some planting containers designed for aquatic plants. Anyone esle noticed them yet? They are basically a plastic net pot, available as either a 200mm round pot or a 300mm square. They have ridges running down the pot sides for root training. Not so cheap at 3 or $4 each, but I suspect may be worth the money for growth potential of the plant.
Anyhow I thought they looked a good thing so I got two of each. I have since potted a few (4 ) Azaleas in them. Now, it has only been about a week so a tad early for rash statements, but I reckon the plants look real good in them.
Probably old news to you all, but thought I'd get my post count up anyhow.

hi mate


Those size mesh pots can be a little hard to come by, especially if they are UV protected, which is why i would think the cost to be higher, the collander/orchid pot growing that air prunes is a great way to develop fine feeder root systems which is what we want for our trees! (ofcourse under the nebari, not on top )

one thing to watch with growing trees like this is that being they areopen to the air and wind on more of the medium surface they will dry a little quicker than what you would normally expect so adding a little more organic is a good idea, whether it is some chopped up sphag, peat or even just a bit more commercial potting mix (thats if you are using a diatomite or similar medium in the substrate).

Jamie

Yes mate, they are a bit hard to procure, I guess as the ones I got the other day were the first I have seen.
I am a little concerned about the drying effect of the mesh pots, but I am only using commercial potting mix in them so hopefully they will be OK. As I said, after a week the Azaleas seem to be going gang busters in the pots.
Just thought I'd give them a go, as I remember seeing a program on the old TV, where an advanced tree Nursery was using air pruning pots for the trees and were getting great results. Nothing ventured, nothing gained I guess.
Haven't seen any of the Orchid pots since I left Darwin, do you know of a local source? What price?
Haven't tried Diatomite in my mix yet as I am having great trouble getting it.

Ive been using them for a few years. They are UV resistant and develop nice fine roots.

Joel

sorry mate! I will get it to you, eventually I still have your bag in the boot of my car

as for orchid pots i dont know local suppliers but i should be able to get some in at a decent price. let me get back to you

Jamie