Styrofoam as a base in a grow stand - Orchid Board

ladyslipper · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 05:28 PM

Hi guys, do you think there is a problem with using styrofoam (or something similar) to stick mounted miniatures to in a grow stand? I had thought I could put a hook on the back of the mount and stick the hook into the styrofoam. As long as it doesnt tip over, I thought it could be slick!

What I don't know is if there would be any chemical interaction between the water and styrofoam or the moss on the mounted orchid and the styrofoam.

thanks for any replies

Ross · #2 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 06:55 PM

If you mean building foam (like Dow Blue foam or Pink foam) then no there should not be any chemical interaction to affect the plant. Will it work? You tell us after you try it

cb977 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 07:25 PM

I'm no expert but I don't think there would be a problem.
Another idea for you to ponder:
is there a way to stretch a piece of chicken wire (or something like it) across the back to create a wall for hanging your mounted minis?
This article might help you:
http://www.orchidboard.com/Orchid-sp...ing-wire-walls

ladyslipper · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 07:33 PM

Hi Suzanne, actually the chicken wire thing was what I thought of first but I grow using only 2 48 inch grow lights and although the stand is near an east facing window, I don;t think they would get enough light. If I attached it to sit along the centre, then I would lose space that could be used for yet more plants that I promised myself I would not get ;-) mary

ladyslipper · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 07:35 PM

Hi Ross, I hadn;t thought of building foam, i was thinking about those foam stands that look like cones. you often see them in hobby shops. is there a difference in foam? one more toxic than the other?

regards, mary

cb977 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 07:35 PM

I see

Then I don't see there being a problem with the idea you originally posted. There will be the buffer of the actual mount between the plant and the styrofoam. If you think about how many people use those styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of their pots, it shouldn't hurt anything anyway

Please let us know what you decide

nenella · #7 (**permalink**) 07-15-2007, 09:51 AM

Hi,
I've read and 'tested' different sorts of strofoam both used in packing of goods ...
*
"hard type" usually found either in balls of different sizes or compacted together and the 'Bad' Type..fwhich is flexible & spongy looking ...but which when compressed stays compact & in contact with water becomes "gooey"

* sorry wont let me upload 2 photos i just took of the 2 'types' i'm refering too..hope the written explanation is clear

Ross · #8 (**permalink**) 07-15-2007, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyslipper

Hi Ross, I hadn;t thought of building foam, i was thinking about those foam stands that look like cones. you often see them in hobby shops. is there a difference in foam? one more toxic than the other?

regards, mary

Mary, I don't believe closed-cell building foam is toxic at all. We shroud our houses with it. It's rigid, cheaper than the nivilty cones and comes in 4'x8' sheets. You could make a great wall to push the mounts into and it would be waterproof so you could spray it. Is there a down side? It only comes in pink and light blue (as far as I know). The white foam is comprised of small closed cell beads that are cemented together. It is fragile, breaks down easily, is easily damaged and probably not suitable. Hope all this helps your decision.

flhiker · #9 (**permalink**) 07-15-2007, 08:18 PM

They make a hard board that has expansion foam between a foil type paper made for Air conditioning duct. Cuts easy with razor knife. Sturdy and waterproof. You can attach welded wire or chicken wire easily. Made for A/C ducts so it is not toxic. Oh Duct tape sticks to it great so it can strengthen it even more. Hope this helps