Container prep

11 years ago

Just bought a pot that is a bit over 5 feet tall around 15 inches square at the top tapering to around a foot at the bottom. Made of some type of very thin metal guessing aluminum from the weight . It was used indoors for artificiall flowers and has a very ugly plaid finish to the outside which can be fixed with a bit of paint as well as the lack of drain holes

I want to use it outdoors on the edge of a garden pool to grow Russelia "firecraker plant" the height should be good to show the "weeping habit"

So my ?? are What can I use to add some weight as it's very top heavy .Don't think I need much more than a foot of soil.

second what kind of paint and prep?? The plaid seems to be printed on but see no signs of chipping.

i bought it because it was only 5 bucks including some of the ugleist plastic orchids I've ever seen lol

I've been using a 3 foot fiberglass pot for the purpose but is not enough for the full weeping habit

Thanks for any suggestion!!! gary

Featured Answer

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

11 years ago

I would find a plastic insert/liner/pot that fits top (15" square pots are available). I would put few bricks or large rocks inside - bottom, to keep it stable.
There are many paints available in spray cans. I would clean outside, maybe sand a bit to rough-up the printed pattern, use stick-to-everything primer and then paint suitable color. One drainage hole is enough to drain whatever water would be collecting from the square pot/liner on top that should have proper drainage. I have done exactly as I described.

Rina

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Comments (6)

garyfla_gw
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi

Simple as that ??lol upon closer inspection rubbbing off some of the plaid it appears to be made of incredibly thin brass. Don't think this will affect the plant since contact will be very limited but am somewhat concerned about "runoff" into the lily pool.. Could seal the inside with some type of sealer and I suspect it's going to be a bit flimsy long term

Always interesting how my money saving projects turn into major expenses lol though a pot that size made of ordinary material would not ony weigh a ton would be expensive for sure oh well I will alwys have the plastic orchids lol Thanks for the advice!!! gary
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Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
11 years ago
"I will always have the plastic orchids" LOL! Need apic when this project is finished! (And of the orchids!)
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
11 years ago
Gary
lol, you are so right! been there done that...what kind of run off do you think you'll get? - you thinkit would be damaging? you could seal it - just another step (more work) and 'little' more $ :-)
I too would like to see finished project.
Rina
petrushka (7b)
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
depending on how heavy you want it to be - you can put an empty clay pot inside and then another plastic container with soil on top of that. you can put a heavy plastic saucer on top of clay pot to collect runoff and to prevent the top pot from sinking deeper in.

if it's too light, you can put some rocks in the clay pot too. if your plant is in plastic pot, you don't need to worry about it being in contact with metal. so then what about run-off from the metal pot into your pool? i would not spray it or paint it - bet the original finish will last longer then any paint. if it's too bright, it'll prolly dull some from the sun and dust..if the plant trails, it'll cover it up. don't make too much work for yourself!
garyfla_gw
Original Author
11 years ago
hi

A neighbor expressed interest to use on an enclosed Lanai . She even liked the plaid !!lol Offered me 10 bucks I feel it's not going to strong enough for my use, as well as metallic runoff into the fish pool and all the prep. She thought it very "artistic" . granted I don't have an "artistic " bone in my body but "plaid?? Of course this woman also has a collection of Gnomes and a bottle tree maybe I should mention that it was once in the "hall of mirrors in Versaillles?? and i might be convinced to part with it for a bit more ?? lol I'd even throw in the orchids as a bonus lol Thanks for the info gary