Are you running out of space? I have the answer! - Orchid Board

nikkik · #1 08-20-2013, 12:53 PM

I just wanted to share with you all about how useful and effective suction cups have been to me this past year!! I bought a house with a ton of windows and a solarium, but not a lot of space to put the plants. Since I have young children, big dogs and cats lots of shelving units don't fit into my lifestyle. My answer to this problem has been suction cups bought at the dollar tree. I've been using them for over a year with only one incident of them falling, but I was testing the limits with a very heavy plant on a medium size s.c. They have worked very well in all different temps with my mounted plants, as well as my plastic vanda baskets overhead in my solarium and master bath skylight.

Hope this helps someone having space issues.
And remember....there's always room for one more orchid!!

nikkik · #2 08-20-2013, 12:55 PM

Vandas overhead picture.

WhiteRabbit · #3 08-20-2013, 09:05 PM

Ah! Cool idea. I haven't seen these at the dollar store by me, but I also haven't looked for them! What section of the store did you find them?

Carpe Diem · #4 08-20-2013, 09:31 PM

I see you live in Michigan, I live in Northern Wisconsin. It is a good idea, but how does this work in the winter, with the Orchids up against the glas like that?

nikkik · #5 08-20-2013, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Ah! Cool idea. I haven't seen these at the dollar store by me, but I also haven't looked for them! What section of the store did you find them?

Thank you! I hadn't looked for suction cups either until the idea dawned on me. I found them in the organizational section where you find things like storage baskets, shelving liners and such. They come in a variety pack with multiple sizes or a package with just medium size.

---------- Post added at 10:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:33 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carpe Diem

I see you live in Michigan, I live in Northern Wisconsin. It is a good idea, but how does this work in the winter, with the Orchids up against the glas like that?

I didn't have an issue in the winter. My vandas over head are in a solarium and the outside temps are much cooler than inside with the gas heater we have. I also have some in my kitchen window.

I have some vandas that I bring in the house during the winter and attach to my master bath skylight, even with the moisture they have held. I also have some orchids attached to the mirror in my master bath and haven't had an issue (thank goodness it's a very big mirror

).

vjo · #6 08-21-2013, 07:49 AM

Sounds scary to me...Jean

nikkik · #7 08-21-2013, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vjo

Sounds scary to me...Jean

Thank you! I needed a good laugh this morning!

I could definitely see how it would seem scary, but I tested before I used them without incident. Suction cups are very strong and many home improvement stores sell industrial size ones.

bellini girl · #8 08-21-2013, 02:55 PM

Neat idea. Orchid addicts are sooooo resourceful...I love it. New movie title "Buy them, and growing area will come"

nikkik · #9 08-21-2013, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellini girl

Neat idea. Orchid addicts are sooooo resourceful...I love it. New movie title "Buy them, and growing area will come"

Thank you!! And I love your movie title! Lol!

Gthumbz89 · #10 08-21-2013, 04:19 PM

I use a ton of suction cups in my orchidarium... the trick is to reattach them to the glass a few times a week so they don't fall.

I got the idea to use them from a previous post about bathroom suction cup soap holders being used as pots lolz. That post was one of the coolest thing I've seen on here. Goes to show you how easily impressed I am.