Container Color

[Attmos]

When I started digging up the little yardadories popping up everywhere, I decided to reuse the 'take-out soup containers' I'd been saving (just in case). Anyway these containers are clear and because of that, have allowed some algae to grow around the inside edge of the container.

Is algae growth a problem for the trees? Should I not use clear containers?

 

[Paradox]

Is algae growth a problem for the trees? Should I not use clear containers?

I wouldn't say the clear container is a problem per se, not my preference though as I think it might have a greenhouse effect with it being clear but I dont think the warming from that would be much different from a dark container. However, the algae indicates that the soil is staying too wet which is a bigger problem

 

[Attmos]

I wouldn't say the clear container is a problem per se, not my preference though as I think it might have a greenhouse effect with it being clear but I dont think the warming from that would be much different from a dark container. However, the algae indicates that the soil is staying to wet which is a bigger problem

Maybe I'll put some holes around the sides to allow for more air exchange. I'll have to wait a while to repot them, it is damn hot here. lol

 

[JoeWilson]

Generally, you want to use dark containers or containers that block the light to encourage root growth.

Do you have drainage holes on the bottom? If not, I would put them there, rather than on the sides.

 

[Attmos]

Generally, you want to use dark containers or containers that block the light to encourage root growth.

Do you have drainage holes on the bottom? If not, I would put them there, rather than on the sides.

Oh yeah......! I put about ten holes around the bottom of each before I put anything in them.

They have plenty of drainage, but I think air-transfer is being hampered, so early next spring I plan to re-pot them in the pasta strainers I've collected.. At the moment it's way too hot to disturb them I think.

 

[Attmos]

I wouldn't say the clear container is a problem per se, not my preference though as I think it might have a greenhouse effect with it being clear but I dont think the warming from that would be much different from a dark container. However, the algae indicates that the soil is staying too wet which is a bigger problem

I meant to tell you that you were right, of course. The holes I put in the containers were too small and were mostly blocked with lava rock. As I said, come springtime I'm going to repot them, but for now I've made much larger drainage whole for them.