Pot mesh?

[dani]

Okay, so we don't have the typical tiny screens for bonsai pots but I know many people use windows mesh. I'm about to buy one of those long rolls of window mesh but I dont know if I have to get the metal one, PVC one or the silicon one? Thoughts?

 

[KiwiPlantGuy]

Okay, so we don't have the typical tiny screens for bonsai pots but I know many people use windows mesh. I'm about to buy one of those long rolls of window mesh but I dont know if I have to get the metal one, PVC one or the silicon one? Thoughts?

Hi dani,
I use Aluminium insect screen for the bottom of my boxes, and I do this because it’s cheap. Depends on how you use it I guess, and your budget.
Personally I don’t see the point in others as they should all last well enough , box lasting 3-5 years. I could probably detach the staples and rebuild my boxes and reuse the screen.
Anderson flats or colanders have good holes for drainage and air circulation, and no need for screen.
Charles

 

[jeanluc83]

I find insect screen to be too small and can actually get clogged and reduce drainage. Most people I know use plastic canvas. It is about $1 US for a 10"x12" sheet. In the US you can find it at any craft store and most places like Wal-Mart. You should be able to order it online.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I think plastic is best, metal as a second place and silicone sucks.
I have used old onion bags, cut pond baskets, parts of collanders and even bird feed mesh as substitutes with good results.
A hot nail used to make holes in some plastic would work as well.

 

[dani]

I find insect screen to be too small and can actually get clogged and reduce drainage. Most people I know use plastic canvas. It is about $1 US for a 10"x12" sheet. In the US you can find it at any craft store and most places like Wal-Mart. You should be able to order it online.

If you use good bonsai soil, it shouldn't get clogged?! Unless there's a lot of dust/tiny particles

 

[jeanluc83]

If you use good bonsai soil, it shouldn't get clogged?! Unless there's a lot of dust/tiny particles

Shouldn't but it still can. I have used window screen in the past in bonsai pots and was not happy with drainage. I use it quite often in grow boxes and nursery pots but in bonsai pots, especially small pots with a single hole, they do not drain as freely as I would like.

I sift but I don't wash my substrate. Some things like lava and pumice still have a good amount of dust even after sifting. The first watering washes most of the dust out but there still is some there that can contribute to clogging finer mesh screens.

Another down side of screen is that the holes are not big enough to pass tie down wires through.

 

[atlarsenal]

A fly swat will work in pinch when you don’t have anything else around.

 

[Stan Kengai]

Check the knitting section of your local craft store or any store that sells yarn for plastic mesh.

 

[augustine]

You can also use drywall tape which comes in a roll.

 

[Melospiza]

If you use good bonsai soil, it shouldn't get clogged?! Unless there's a lot of dust/tiny particles

Irrespecitve of the soil, when the mesh is too small, some water won't drain past it because of capillary forces/surface tension. There will be a film of water on the mesh for a while, which reduces air flow to the roots, which is the whole point of using a mesh.

 

[dani]

I ended up buying 3 different materials. One is huge, I could cut like 500+ screens from it. The one on the left has quite small mesh so I probably won’t use it. But all of those stuff was for less than $6. They’re all plastic

 

[jeanluc83]

You can also use drywall tape which comes in a roll.

I use this in nursery pots quite often. It sticks long enough to stay in place while you are filling the pot. Once it is filled the weight of the soil keeps it in place. It also works pretty good for lining pond baskets if you use a bonsai mix that is on the fine side. It keeps it from just sifting through.

I find that it doesn't work all that well for ceramic pots. It really doesn't stick that well to the ceramic and is too flimsy to wire into place.

 

[theone420]

I ended up buying 3 different materials. One is huge, I could cut like 500+ screens from it. The one on the left has quite small mesh so I probably won’t use it. But all of those stuff was for less than $6. They’re all plastic

I would use the middle one.It looks just right....it is about the size i make with my 3d printer. You could buy a 3d printer and make your own I guess. lol

But dont count out the finer screen. it could be used to line colanders or homemade boxes

 

[bonsaichile]

You can also use drywall tape which comes in a roll.

I also use drywall mesh. It works wonderfully and it is really easy to apply. As is self-adhesive, I dont use wire to keep it in place. I also use pastic window screen stapled to the bottom of my growing boxes. It also works well, but I build them with at least an inch between planks for drainage

 

[GrimLore]

Okay, so we don't have the typical tiny screens for bonsai pots but I know many people use windows mesh. I'm about to buy one of those long rolls of window mesh but I dont know if I have to get the metal one, PVC one or the silicon one? Thoughts?

This sticks to any dry surface, lasts ages, and can be cut to even cover those side holes in Nursery containers. Why make it anymore difficult ?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Saint-G...ment-Board-Tape-FDW8691-U-FDW8691-U/202251875

I store it in a Ziploc bag - stays like new

Grimmy

 

[W3rk]

Lots of good recommendations in this thread. I would strongly advise against using metal/wire window mesh.

 

[KiwiPlantGuy]

Lots of good recommendations in this thread. I would strongly advise against using metal/wire window mesh.

Interesting, I will report my findings in a few years of root growth