From what I saw over time using both bamboo and other type of wood stakes for my lants, the other type of wood is rotting sooner than bamboo. I actually found today a couple of boo stakes in some older band pots where tere were some seedlings that got sun-fried. I took them out of the band pots to use them for a small epyphillum rooted cutting I needed to pot today and they were actually in excellent shape. No signs of rot, only the dirt on them. Ehile the wooden stakes were pretty badly rotten. I can't think of any other reason why to use one over the other.

i am interested in finding the metal U-hoops and no one of the big home improvement stores carry them around here.

I would be happy if I could find either. Ideally I wouldn't want to replace trellises, but for now with my more agreeable thinner vined stuff I might just get them started on what I have at hand and transfer later. My three wild child vining types will need something stronger, just not sure what route to take. I would hate to have to replace a trellis for H. Imperialis, at its current growth rate hopefully I have some more time

metal is fine then?

As long as it's galvanized, so it won't rust.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Not-in-List-24-in-Bamboo-U-Hoop-6-Pack-18-Hoops-0442024C/205307214 Home Depot has them on line and can be delivered to a store by you for free.Type bamboo hoops on there site.

You can get coated wire from Home Depot or Lowe's and make your own U hoop. It's easy to make.

Thanks, Jan. Is it easy to bend those? I found some coated wire but not long enough to get a nice size hoop, maybe a shorter one.

Look in garden section, It's coiled round. Very easy to bend but sturdy enough for small plant. :)

Does anyone know if Australis is strong enough to damage a drop ceiling? Still trying to place mine where it won't cause trouble

Aha, so I should look at the fencing section. I got the tomato trellises that are round (not really coiled, but wire circles kept together by vertical straight wires) but honestly I didn't try anything with those, they seem kinda big. Maybe I'll take one apart. But will look for the wire fencing you're talking about too, Laura.

What sizes do you guys suggest? I am planning on trellising a pubicalyx, neoebudica, limoniaca, and three types of australis (australis, Mrs.G, and Lizard Isle) then there are my big guys, imperialis, diversifolia aff crassipes, and possibly kerrii. If I bought u-hoops, at least for the smaller ones which should I get? Should I just snag a tomato ladder for imperialis? Also, if anyone can share a link to those bee and dragonfly clips I would appreciate it.

hey guys! these vids are helpful! sorry if anyone else already put these up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbsPLGFYKoo&index=12&list=PLeyG953u8WQ15-GlStFT6x245UqpFomcE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_iOg5Qal5k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1LJvcJPnpU

I am looking for the bee clips as well. I can find the smaller ones, but see how they could pinch off the vine. Does anyone have a link to buy the bee clips? Thank you.

Robin

im going to my local super market. they have all kinds of hair clips in the health/ beauty section

I think They sell in bulk also...http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORCHID-Spike-Clips-BEE-24-pack-6-translucent-colors-/380188704093?hash=item5885033d5d

You can go to dollar store, buy small hair clips if you don't mind looking at different color pins. Look in garden section, some times they have metal trellis too. Metal trellis didn't work too well for me because I grow my plants out side.

We do not have much for shopping here. I even have to order my soil online.The large bumble bee clips that vermont hoya guy uses are nice. I have been unsuccessful at even finding them online in a quantity of over 6. Please let me know if you see any online. thank you and by the way Jan, your cuttings are still doing great! I lost one, and one is still rather iffy, but amazed at how healthy and thriving my other cuttings are doing. Thank you again.

Robin

Robin, I found these at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Bumble-Bee-Stem-Clips-Dozen/dp/B000YHG8VO/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1441049798&sr=8-23&keywords=orchid+clips

http://www.tindaraorchidsupplies.com/stakes-hangers-clips/Plant-Clips

Thank you Jan - I ordered. What neat sites. I am practicing making my one trellis as well. Thank you mimalf! I will continue with the bamboo.

Robin