plant containers

Question 1

what are the main purposes of plant containers?

Answer 1

for production/propagation/growing &

display, growing on, visual appeal in the home/office.

Question 2

Describe a jiffy plug

Answer 2

pelargoniums are grown from seed directly in them .

They are compressed peat.
soak well before use, so they have swollen to full size.

Sow one seed per pot - it bypasses the pricking out stage.

Question 3

what is a plastic multiple cell tray used for?

Answer 3

for seedlings or for sowing - cheap and disposable, also known as Vacapots.

Question 4

what is the standard size of a pot for larger plants of saleable size?

Answer 4

three litres +

Question 5

What are the benefits of polystyrene trays?

Answer 5

can be used for seedlings and seed sowing.

cheap and disposable,

good insulation which raises the compost temps

Question 6

what material is used for permanent/display pots?

Answer 6

terracotta clay

unless treated, subject to frost damage.
weight a lot when full/watered
porous - gm will dry out quickly

Question 7

what are pots made out of except terracotta?

Answer 7

re-constituted stone/cement, to look like rock!
plastic
natural stone
metal.

Question 8

what are pots and planters made from, that are used for indoor office complexes?

Answer 8

fibre glass

has a smothe, highly polished finish and a wide range of colours.

Question 9

what are pots that are used for indoor office complexes usually displaying?

Answer 9

a stand alone specimen plant eg; Ficus species, Olive Trees or Monstera

Question 10

what pot material is common in a conservatory?

Answer 10

heavy duty plastic
polished stainless steel
polished aluminium

Question 11

what is the difference in the containers used for indoor displays, and those in glasshouse production?

Answer 11

indoor display pots are;

watertight, no drainage holes.
so floors and carpeted surfaces are protected

Question 12

what aspects should you consider when caring for plants indoors?

Answer 12

avoid draughts
need 600-900lux (light levels)
even temps of 18-25’c
avoid touching radiators
not too close to air con
avoid excess shade

Note the weight loading of large filled containers on wooden floors/upstairs

Acclimatise to conditions (tropical)
Install automatic irrigation (wick feed)

Add LECA to open up compost structure and stop over-compaction

Add slow release fert.

Check for pest/disease

Ventilation key - hot air/cold air can scorch leaves.