Alternative to Traditional Pots

[CorneliusSchrute]

Being exceptionally "frugal" (read: meticulously cheap), I have been considering options for repotting this spring. I want to take down several community plantings/mini-bogs and pot out a bunch of Sarracenia separately. I was just about to purchase a bunch of pots from a vendor online when I considered an alternative: foam cups. I have read on other forums that some use these exclusively for Dionaea, and I have even used them for said genus with great success. In fact, all of my Dionaea are currently potted in large, cheap foam coolers.

My lingering question then: how will tall (large) foam cups work for Sarracenia? Anybody have any experience here? The largest rhizomes of course would need larger containers.

 

[Monkey]

I feel like they would end up being top heavy and therefore unstable, if the tray they are in has tallish sides though, I don't see a problem. I use styrofoam on almost all of my outdoor CPs to protect the soil from over heating in our high altitude desert sun.

 

[CorneliusSchrute]

I feel like they would end up being top heavy and therefore unstable, if the tray they are in has tallish sides though, I don't see a problem. I use styrofoam on almost all of my outdoor CPs to protect the soil from over heating in our high altitude desert sun.

Exactly. The foam has many benefits. I will be using tall trays, too, so the top heaviness should be negated.

Time to start chugging the 44 oz. diabetes-inducing Cokes from the gas station then.

 

[Monkey]

You can buy a case of 500 32oz Dart foam cups at sams club for less than $20. They probably have the 44 oz as well, I don't go often.

 

[CorneliusSchrute]

I will investigate tomorrow! Thanks for the heads up.

 

[NatchGreyes]

Sometimes, the local grocery stores have them in stock for cheap, as well.

 

[jimscott]

This is a typical fast food place 32 oz cup, with holes poked in at the bottom:

 

[CorneliusSchrute]

Proof is in the pudding! Thanks, Jim and everyone. I bought a big case of 32 ouncers and plan on grabbing some sixteens for smaller rhizomes.

I will post some pics when potting time happens around.

Thanks again.

 

[jimscott]

From today, pygmy sundews:

 

[lance]

I've used some of these before with great success. However, it's important to make sure tje type you plan to use doesn't allow much sunlight inside them because algae could develop & the soil could heat up.

 

[CorneliusSchrute]

Good point: foam thickness and density could make a difference.