Is it OK to you Styrofoam at the bottom of a planter

[dimil]

Hey everyone I just bought a really small schefflera plant and I bought a bigger pot to put it in. The bigger pot is going to be hanging from the Dragon Strand ledges, and than the small schefflera is going to be put into that. I wonder if it's OK to use Styrofoam as a lifter so that the smaller pot isn't deep down into the bigger pot. I'll be putting something in between the spaces to cover up the Styrofoam. attached is a pic. thanks in advance

 

[Chase]

The only thing I'd worry about is little pieces running out of the holes on the bottom of the larger pot. And if you didn't think of this, how would water leave the pot if you chose to give the plant a little extra water?

Chase

 

[dimil]

The only thing I'd worry about is little pieces running out of the holes on the bottom of the larger pot. And if you didn't think of this, how would water leave the pot if you chose to give the plant a little extra water?

Chase

Thanks for your reply...I did think of this, but the styrofoam is large pieces (1" +), so there shouldn't be any problems with it leaking thru the drainage holes. My main concern was mold or bacteria growth.

 

[Carlton]

I've used styrofoam packing peanuts in the bottom of pots before, and found that it did eventually get a bit moldy/algae covered. That may not create a huge problem if you take it out occasionally and scrub it. I wonder if you could use a plastic container or deli cup turned upside down? It might accomplish the same thing, last longer and be less likely to grow anything.

 

[dimil]

I've used styrofoam packing peanuts in the bottom of pots before, and found that it did eventually get a bit moldy/algae covered. That may not create a huge problem if you take it out occasionally and scrub it. I wonder if you could use a plastic container or deli cup turned upside down? It might accomplish the same thing, last longer and be less likely to grow anything.

Thank you for the reply. I actually have these real small storage containers that I will turn upside down to raise the smaller planted pot. Thank you for the great idea!