Dogbopy27 - I live in south east New South Wales Australia and I've grown Ae. 'Bert' in pots and baskets as well as mounted on trees here where I live. For me it grows equally well using any of these methods.

As for potting mixes, this depends on your climatic conditions, e.g. growing conditions in temperate areas will be much different to those in tropical areas etc. as will the types of potting mixes used. I think it would be best to ask other local growers in your area.

One thing I think all growers would agree on though, and that is the mix needs to be very well drained. Furthermore, when potting the plant initially, make sure its firm in the pot because if it moves around, it won't put down new roots.

If necessary, support it with stakes until it's established. I use three bamboo take-away chopsticks or think wooden kebab skewers positioned equally around the plant. They don't look real attractive but they do the job until a new root system is established. Finally, remember that a plant growing in a basket with abundant air circulation will dry out quicker than a plant in a pot so consequently it will need more watering.

I hope this helps

All the best, Nev.

Thanks for replying.

I am in Atlanta, GA. Hot in the summer and up and down temps in winter. I may have to rethink using the basket because I pull everything in when temps start to fall, and pots are easier to handle. I've been a member of GW for about 8 years and the other brom forum for 2, but the other site has really slowed down. I've learned a lot at both sites and I'm sorry to see this one change so drastically.

Brad

Not really helping you Brad but, Nev if u have an IGA near you, they sell 40cm kebab sticks. Very very handy for supporting small broms. As Nev said, bamboo canes are sold in various lengths. I buy the 5ft ones and cut them in 1/3's. Hence turning 15 into 45. I stake my large neo's and alcantarea with 3 per pot. In the growing months they only need about 8 weeks and then I reuse them for other pots. I choose to use 3-4 month osmocote when potting up new pups. It's enough to get aechmea and all broms a move on. If u have neo's, this one fert is ample for the rest of their days. Some ppl don't give any at all. I'm just going by my own personal experiences☺

Hi everyone.

Fern_Freak - I have on occasion used the kebab sticks from IGA however I find the quality and sizes inconsistent, as each time I go there they are a different sizes and thickness. The longest I ever got were about 26cm and thicker and much stronger than usual and excellent for Neo's, but I only ever got them the once. When I asked the owner of the store why the inconsistency, he told me they just had to accept what they were sent and they couldn't specify what type they wanted. Seems like a good way to lose customers to me. My wife also found some in Coles, "Wiltshire" brand and they looked just the part until I went to use them and found they were terribly weak and bendy, so they went in the bin. To cut a long story short, I'm still looking for a reliable provider.