FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

Not sure if this belongs here but if not please move to appropriate topic.

In an effort to streamline being able to keep track of my seedlings, starts and plants I have devised a way to hopefully be able to assist in keeping my sanity. I am using a Color/Numbering system to try and avoid lost tags and ID's. Each planter is in a master tray. Each tray is identified using permanent marker with a number and letter(s) corresponding to the color. I have a spreadsheet that will list all of my plants from start to finish, no matter if from the seed bank, seeds and or plants I order and those that I propagate that will be marked in the same way using a colored plant tag and it's number written on both sides with permanent marker. All of this data will be printed using QR codes that will also be on the planter/label? (Not 100% sure on that one). I am about 15-20 percent complete thus far. I have been concentrating on newer and my more recent items and will start on older items once I get my greenhouse up and start moving things in.
The goal is to avoid/eliminate lost plant ID's due to lost or aged tags, squirrels and birds, etc. destroying them. I understand that drosera have a way of multiplying and showing up out of no where which is difficult to avoid and most times welcomed. It might seem like over kill but I now have so many plants and starts, seedlings and more "in the oven" so to speak. If anyone can think of something I might have missed please let me know.
Labeler: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVWZR8N1?ps ... ct_details

I have been slowly getting my plants and seedlings inside labeled using QR printouts that contain all pertinent info for each plant. I bought a Bluetooth QR/Barcode scanner but I found my phone works better and returned the reader. I can send info anywhere, including to my thermal printer. I will have everything inside labeled before taking out to greenhouse. Just waiting on it to not be so hot to have my son come put the thing up for me.
I am also thinking of setting up my own inhouse web server and provide a link on the QR code that goes to a pic of that plant.

schmeg wrote: ↑Tue Aug 06, 2024 3:39 am Test or confirm that your printed labels won't fade out in the sun/heat, assuming that you're keeping plants outside.

I stick a wee name label on my pots using a Dymo label maker, which has held up over maybe two seasons so far.

They say the labels will not fade, tear and are water proof. They adhere to plastic very well. I also am using colored tags with the a number that corresponds with a spreadsheet for extra identification safety. The idea is to have a way for me to be able to figure out what each plant is. I have not yet picked up the knack of being able to ID plants by looking at them. Someday, hopefully. I point my phone at the QR code and it tells me everything about the plant. It is a little time consuming now but once I am finished it will be easy to print up labels each time I pot up new plants or seedlings. They will be in outdoor greenhouse and indoor grow tents. I figure the $20.00 I paid for the thermal printer one roll of labels was worth it. The labels are $10.00 for 230. A little high but I do not think I have that many plants.

Panman wrote: ↑Tue Aug 06, 2024 1:00 pm I use a Dymo label maker and the print from it last longer than the vinyl plant stakes that it is attached to. Longer even than the pots.

Which Dymo are you using? Is it Bluetooth and QR compatible? Most the ones I see are a bit pricy. Although the price is higher now, I got mine for under $30.00, it is small and portable. Apps for computer and phone. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CVW ... =UTF8&th=1

schmeg wrote: ↑Tue Aug 06, 2024 3:39 am Test or confirm that your printed labels won't fade out in the sun/heat,

I was told they are not UV protected so I guess I will need to figure that one out. Possibly tape as it will not be long term. I will be sure to leave the printed side away from the sun. If all else fail I may have to find thermal labels that are UV protected.

Hedonista wrote: ↑Thu Aug 08, 2024 2:18 pm It doesn’t work for identification at-a-glance, but you can always stick the label down into the media so that the top sticks out just a smidge. You have to lift it up to read the info, but the printing (and the label itself) should last much longer.

Good idea. I am wanting to keep QR label on outside of pot and the color/number
label in the pot so some tape around it and placed in soil could work. The end goal is to keep critters from taking the labels out of the pots and eliminate the chance of labels being lost or destroyed.