The best time to repot tropicals is in the month prior to their most robust growth ..... late Jun - early Jul for you, I would imagine.

I stabilize EVERYTHING I repot if there is any chance that it will waver in the wind. With smaller plants, I use a little hemp or jute & tie it around the stem above a bump or a branch. Then. I use little spring loaded clamps from the dollar store to temporarily secure the ends of the string to the edge of the pot. Ahhhh - rather than go through all this, I'll go take a picture. BRB .....

Here you go - like this:
{{gwi:47200}}

a plant I transplanted this spring & one I'll start working on as a bonsai tree next spring when it's recovered & in good vitality.

If the plant is too large, I'll tightly tie a cord under/around the wide part of the pot. Then, instead of clamping the loose ends to the pot, I'll leave them long & tie them to the string to secure the plant. There are other ways I use, like wiring the plant into the pot through the drain hole, but that's sort of a bonsai trick.

Al

OK, makes sense. I'll see if there's a handy way to tie down my Ficus if I want it to be any straighter. Thanks!

What is that grating underneath all of your pots?

Thanks
Shannon

They are strong UV-protected planking that you see plants displayed or grown on in greenhouses, nurseries, and many retail establishments. They allow great air flow, don't support any fungaluglies, and last forever. I have most of the stuff I'm growing on for bonsai on them.

A better pic:
{{gwi:3279}}

Al

I shall have to show DH this photo! I want that!!!

When I was asking before about the gritty mix and all that drainage that occurs, I guess I was trying to see how you handled it. That picture is worth a million words!!

Thank you soo much!
Shannon

Al,
BTW, what do you do when watering non outdoor plants when they are grittily planted?

I've got a bunch surrounding me on my lanai, but I also want to change over some house plants...
Water, Water, everywhere!!

Thanks
Shanielynn

I have 4x8 growing areas under lights. The surface is covered with flexible FRP (fiberglass reinforced panel), like they cover car wash walls with. There's a hole in the center & the tables are built so they all slope to the center where the hole is. When I'm done watering, I just empty the bucket, if need be. Most of my plants, though, rest on top of pieces of 1 x 3/4 plastic channels that sit on collection saucers (plastic plates). The water runs through & collects in the saucers, which evaporates & makes it much easier to keep the humidity at 60% during the dry winters.

Al

I'm having a hard time visualizing a 1 x 3/4 plastic channel... Is there another name I'd know this by? Or, would you have time for a picture? Thank you.

Think of l_l with the legs ( vertical l) 1" long and the base 3/4".

Al

I'm an orchid grower who pops over here occassionally to see whats going on with container 'dirt' plants. I don't know what size container plants are being discussed, but thought I'd share what many orchid growers use to catch water as orchid mix is very loose also. We buy humidity trays which catch water and provide minimal humidity in winter around the plants. The greatest function is to collect water as the plant drains. Here's a shot of some orchids on one of these trays. I also buy plastic sheeting used for ceiling lights. They sell it in Home Depot and can be cut to fit any tray and is cheap. It only comes in white. You can cut it to fit metal roasting pans or cookie sheets to catch water. Helps save your living room floors.
{{gwi:47202}}

Trays in the pic can be bought at orchid supply places on-line. They are fairly strong as I have used them with 12" clay pots without it breaking. They come in different sizes.

Jane

I hope you're listening, GG. ;o)

Al

A little slow, but listening... Jane thanks so much for sharing. They are lovely. I actually have some plants on my sill in my bedroom, which get perfect sun and are out of reach of my 2 year old.

At the Dollar Tree, I have found some drawer organizers that fit on the window sill, which will have trays beneath to capture water and create humidity, but still allow airflow. Plants eventually I'd like to have on a pretty stands will have to wait... I guess. Kids like to touch, eat, and pull everything!!!

We've got left over stucco grating that will not rust, so i'm trying to devise a plan in my head for my outdoor tables... Any ideas are always appreciated.

You guys are great!
Shannon