question about thellis

I'd like to know if you think that trellis made out of copper line in the long run will hurt the plants.
I got some and I really like how it looks and the fact that it is sturdy, malleable and very affordable, I made half circles with it and they look very nice. However after I finish handling them, my hands had that strong coin sent even after washing them several times. So I'm sure that copper will be released in the pots.
Do you think that it could hurt them?
Thank you very much.
Lourdes

sorry, I have a typo in the title.

I just entered copper toxicity plants into google and came up with a whole series of articles about copper and other heavy metal toxicities in plants. A quick look at the search results says that copper toxicity reduces plant and root growth. And yes, the copper tubing will leach into the soil. How quickly, that would all depend on the pH of the soil.


but sometimes ignorance is bliss when it comes to a trellis

if your worried about it leeching just plug the ends and dip them in plasti dip up to the top of the pot. or use and outer pot to hold the trellis.

Thank you very much gaiadisciple!
I will take out the one I used, better not take any chances. What a shame it looked very pretty =)

Thank you for taking the time to research it for me.

Lourdes

Thank you jsainz, great idea. Do you know where can I get the plasti dip?
Thank you
Lourdes

jsainz, I found it, thank you very much.

Lourdes,
I've seen plastic coatings (dipping) in the spray paint area of HD...but I've never used it or read the can to see what it is all about. Looks like there are used for tool handles etc but I may be a way to do waht your wanting.

Lourdes,

I personally would not worry about the copper toxicity of that tubing. Some of my fastest growing plants have a copper trellis, and I have seen no sign of any bad effects of the copper. There are also many commercially available copper trellises, and It does not seem like they would be manufacturing these if they would hurt the plant. Copper also used to be used widely as a fungicide, and in some areas still is. I drink water every day that travel through copper pipes, and I am doing ok. Just my two cents.

Doug

Thank you so much Joni, I'll check at HD just to see what they have and go from there, but after reading what Doug said, I might just leave it as it is.
Thank you.

Thank you very much Doug, while living in Mexico I used to drink water that also traveled through copper pipes. You are right, I've seen a lot of copper trellis for sale. The line I used, is thin so I'm going to leave it alone.
Thank you very much.
Lourdes

Lourdes,

I agree with Doug.
I have used the copper tubing in many of my plants and have not seen any toxicity to the plants. I also use 18 gauge copper wire to make hangers for smaller pots.

Mel

Good point raised...Lourdes. I wonder what metals would affect our soil adversely?

Thank you Mel, I kept the one I put in the H. australis The reason I thought about it was like I said, the smell on my hands was very strong, so I figured it would leach the same way in the pot.
Doug brought up a really good point, and if I see any changes in the plant, I'll get the plastic dip that jsainz and Joni mentioned.

Carol, I have no idea. I'd love to get more information about different metals.

Thank you all so very much!
I like how it looks :)

Lourdes,

That is what I call a healthy looking plant. Good growing!

Doug

Thank you Doug, I forgot to rinse some of the soil from the leaves when I changed the mix.

I am IMPRESSED!!!!

Very pretty Lourdes!

Thank you Carol and Joni, now I’m just waiting for it to bloom for me, hopefully soon =)