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Air plant storage

PegathaPegatha Posts: 94
in Tools and techniques
Hi, is anyone an expert in airplants? I have a large quantity of tillandsia I need to keep alive and healthy for a couple of months until they go to their new homes. I’m having to improvise a bit but I thought maybe these plastic drawers would be good? I’m thinking they will retain the humidity while also absorbing indirect light (will have a grow light aimed at it). I’ve attached photos you can see what I mean.

My idea is to open the drawers several times a day to mist them and circulate the air a bit. Then close the drawers to keep the humidity in. 

What do you think?

Thanks!

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    You'd end up with rot problems in no time. They need air flow more than humidity and being kept moist for too long is what kills them. Depending on the species you generally just need to give them a daily light mist and allow them to dry out quickly at this time of year.
    How many plants are we talking about? If it was me I'd make a big chicken wire frame and attach them to that, keep it somewhere bright and out of the sun and just give them the misting as above. They don't grow much over the winter so as long as they have ample light and don't dry out they will be pretty low maintenance. Only use rainwater to mist them in case you didn't know. 
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • PegathaPegatha Posts: 94
    edited October 2020
    Ah I see! 

    I have 400-odd in my custodianship so mustn’t let them rot! 

    How about wicker baskets, like this? (This is what they’re currently in)

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited October 2020
    How about hanging them from horizontal strings or wires, maybe several per hanger?  You could probably fit quite a lot in a small area if creative.  That way you get to enjoy them, too. :)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • PegathaPegatha Posts: 94
    I have just found these wire shelves, what do you think?


  • PegathaPegatha Posts: 94
    And this one: 
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    400 isn't too bad :# It's only 20 x 20 lined up on a mesh rack. Have a look at this video and you can see the commercial racks they use for bulk plants. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VvqIq0vruxI&list=PLSCjB9sHElOLxMX4qyWyz_SggDHWSSH7X&index=1&t=13s


    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • PegathaPegatha Posts: 94
    Oh nice one, thanks! What do you think of my wire racks above? Do I have too many plants on each rack do you think? I can probably find some more for cheap...
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