I have a large room on the ground level that has large windows on two walls. I have always wanted to put large planters, like in the mall, in there. I am primarily interested in growing elephant ears that require moderate light, even moisture and some humidity.
It has carpet, but that can go.
The room is part of the house so the temp will be controlled centrally. In the winter we keep it above 65F.
Is this doable?
What are the main problems?
How do I control drainage?
Any ideas?
Large planters in a house...crazy idea?
COOL! I think it's totally doable. I would watch for spider mites in winter, and provide good ventilation, ....would you move them outside in warm months? I guess a great BIG saucer for drainage.... I use a turkey baster to remove the extra water from the saucer so the plant doesn't have wet "feet". Of course they are "normal" size saucers, wonnder if you could find an "elephant" sized baster. Wow, how nice to be able to accomodate such sizeable planters! Sound great to me.
I think it's a great idea! What I would do is try and find very large pots with no drainage holes and use those as sorta cache pots, putting the potted plant in the large decorative container! All of my indoor plants are done this way because I don't want water getting all over the place! Many years ago I used large saucers, but if you overwater, those saucers are only a couple of inches tall and water can fill up and overflow them real quickly!
Instead of pots I was thinking about huge planters...like 10 feet by 5 feet by 3 feet high.
I just don't know if I am asking for trouble.
[I did use large pots (2.5 feet diameter) last year for some Colocasia and Alocasia plants but I had issues with root rot].
I was thinking that the frames could be made from wood and lined with pond liner. But I am concerned about drainage. I supposed I could add a drainhole out the side if necessary....
Definitely need some feedback on this crazy idea.
ROX
Oh, it's not a crazy idea at all if you've got the room in your house! Sure hope you will post some pic's when you get it all done!
Your idea sounds great ROX.
I used a similar 10X5X3 container years ago and it worked out just fine. I was using mine outdoors on a balcony because I didn't have a garden. All I planted was veggies but it worked just fine. Overwatering wasn't a problem outside because of the quick evaporation, but that may become a problem indoors.
John
I wonder if I could find a pre-made container.
My friend suggest a bath tub. Sounds weird, but it does have a built in drain...
ROX
Sounds like a novel idea. The one I used was a packing crate that was being thrown out by my employer at the time.
Oh, gosh THAT kind of planter... I thought you meant huge decorative pots... I built a big (medium-sized? 6'X4'X2') wood planter outside, but wow, inside..... can't wait to see what you come up with..
Another thought, A set of heavy duty castor wheels might be helpful too.
I agree with Mangosteen, heavy duty wheels are a must if you need or want to move large pots/planters. PLAN AHEAD!
Tom
I love the idea of the wheels!
I am heading out to Lowes today to get some ideas.
ROX
Well there's your answer. If it's up on wheels there is room for a drain line with some type of collection unit. Sounds great, I wish I had the room and the windows, I would love a garden room.
I'm late in catching this thread....but this is definitely do-able!
A couple of my older 'Houseplant' books show these in several homes. If I recall correctly, it even 'loosely/vaguely' describes how to do it.
Have you done it yet?
Nan-
Would you be willing to fax me or mail my the relevant pages?
I am still in the preparation phase.
ROX
Sure....if I can find them, LOL!!
I know I have that book *somewhere*....haven't perused it in quite some time!
I'll do my best and will post or d-mail if I do.