Mini-Pellai (How To... Attach-Get It Started)?

[Tyger]

Greetings,

I have some mini-pellia that I would like to add to my scapes. I have heard glue, plant netting, stainless-steel mesh, and thread. I am not so interested in ss mesh. In terms of hardship options, I have chollea wood, bald cypress knees, and rock (river stone and petrified wood). I does the choice of glue, netting, or thread depend on the hardscape? With regard to the glue and the mesh, I am open to recommendations on want kind of glue or netting (as well as suppliers). If I remember correctly, Jen had some netting she brought to a meeting in spring-summer, which she preferred. Thanks, in advance, ~Tyger~

[jweis]

I use thread to attach mine to a piece of driftwood. It does tend to break off in small clumps though. I used the netting from a black bath srubbies to attach my riccia, and I think I will try that next on my mini pellia. The trick is to strech it very taunt, then use a few stiches to sew it tight on the backside.

[Tyger]

I like the idea of black scrubbies and agree keeping the wrap tight is going to be the key. I was also told that mini-pella attaches to rock and wood overtime and suggest just letting it grown out on the object in question an emersed though damp environmentl... which I might give a try as well. Thanks, Tyger

[150EH]

If you use super glue you want the gel type so it doesn't run all over the place, but keep in mind that the piece of wood/stone you are using will have a white stain from the super glue after the plant material is gone, so you could only reuse it with it being covered to hide the stain. I used black fine thread for some Fissidens on driftwood, the string last for about a year and stays hidden by the plant. I've used scubbies but green/blue for Riccia and it works on a very flat rock that you can lay on the substrate to hide the under side, I would like to try a hair net the next time as it is much finer and the brown tone is hidden easily.

[Tyger]

Tim,

I appreciate the advice. I will have to check-out the hair-net versus scrubbies. I think that I am going to see about getting the plant to attach in a spare five-gallon emersed set-up and then transferring it to the aquarium. If this is not successful, I will likely use netting as I would prefer not to have to use glue save as a last resort. Thanks, Tyger

[DelawareJim]

You might want to check out mesh Tulle fabric as well. 100% polyester and a wide array of colours. Some shops sell it on spools instead of bolts for trim and you can buy as much as you need in fractions of a yard.

Cheers.
Jim