Ok, this is probably a REALLY dumb question, but I will risk it...........LOL My bouganvilla tree fell over and when I went to pick it up the stake holding it broke at soil level in the pot. Been there quite a while, so it was understandably rotten. What I am wanting to know is will it hurt the plant any if I use metal for a stake? I have 2 five foot sections of re-rod (steel) that I would like to use, but don't know if the metal will hurt the plant. If I use it, should I wrap what is below the soil level with something like duct tape??
Plant stake for bouganvilla
Anna.. that little bit in the soil should be ok.. without the duct tape it will dry out faster and rust less.. the steel might pick up a bunch of heat from the sun.. try putting bit of hose over the steel.. it will also minimize the metalic deterioration under the soil also.. Gordon
This message was edited Aug 22, 2007 7:26 AM
Thanks. I'm sure there is some old hose kinked up in some corner of the farm shop somewhere. :>)
I have two of the several bouganvillas in large pots and there are some metal trellis supports with flower and butterfly decorations at the top. They dont seem to have hurt the plant at all. Yeah the are rusty (slightly) but other than that they support very well and dont affect the plant.
Thanks for the input from everyone. I am using the metal stakes. Doesn't seem to have hurt the plant so far.