CYLINDRICAL PLASTIC WIRE MESH HANGER FOR ORCHIDS.

In my last blog I stressed that orchiddist should stop using fern roots to attach their orchids. This is because fern roots are classified under Appendix 1 in CITES. I also showed an alternative using PVC pipes with holes drilled in it . However I have been experimenting with plastic coated wire mesh 1"x 1/2" or 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch mesh and found that iis is better than PVC. Using plastic wire mesh is a cheaper alternative then PVC pipes, lighter in weight and provides more efficient dispensation of moisture and fertilizer.

The mesh comes in 3 ft or 4 ft width but I prefer the 3 foot ones as its easier to handle. I normally make cylindrical shapes of around 2 1/2 to 3 inch in diameter. To get this size I measure 8 inch and cut down the whole length of 3 feet. I then cut them again to get 2 pieces of 11 inch and 1 piece of 12 inch long mesh. 

Using a 21/2 inch pipe (10 inch long) as a mould  I roll the mesh into a cylindrical shape and attached the ends together with the extra wire at its end. I overlap one square and attached the end to secure it.

The Next step is secure a thicker plastic coated wire at the top of the cylinder with one end bent to form a hook.

Next step is to wrap some black plastic netting to the cylindrical wire mesh. I wrap it 3 to 4 times depending on the percentage of the netting. ie 50% I wrap 4 times and 70% I wrap 3 times. I normally cut an extra 6 inch at its end so that I can tuck it under the cylinder. The net is secured with string or fine wire.

After this final stage I will add some more netting or moss into the cylinder to allow moisture to be retained in the cylinder. After tying the orchid I wait until the roots are established before I add slow release fertilizer, slow release fertilizer stick or organic fertilizer on top of the cylinder.

Hope this procedure is clear and if you you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact me  for further clarifications