Encyclia tampensis

This month we are featuring four new  varieties that can be had for a discount when multiple plants are purchased.  These plants are all species, mounted on cedar shingles.  Check out the special by clicking on a photo or on the link below:
  

The Vanda coerulea was in full bloom - two spikes draped gracefully over the edge of the wooden slat basket.  Two more spikes arched through the hanging wires, upwards towards the sun.  Air roots grew through the slots, and dangled several feet down, swaying gracefully in the warm, summer breeze that drifting through. It was an idyllic scene of an exotic blooming orchid.

Another Vanda coerulea sat on the bench below....also with four spikes, equally beautiful but not nearly as glamorous.....it was relegated to an old algae-coated clay pot with a large chip missing from the edge.

Planting orchids in baskets often is done for reasons of aesthetics.  The plants simply look more natural and beautiful in a wooden basket - especially when compared to a plastic nursery pot.

Some orchids....mainly Stanhopea, must be grown in a basket because the bud spikes develop from beneath the potting material and follow gravity down through the bottom of the basket.  They find their way between the slats or holes and emerge from the bottom or sides with large bunches of dangling flowers.  Some other varieties, like Gongoras, have a long, pendant inflorescence which emanates from the base of the pseudobulb, but cascade over the edge of the pot, instead of pushing straight down through the media.  Gongora will grow and bloom just as well in a plastic pot as in a basket.  However, most would agree that the flower spikes look much more graceful and elegant with the backdrop of a basket.

Any orchid can be grown in a basket, as long as it is supplied with the proper amount of moisture.  Most growers in Florida (fans of LeBron and Dwayne) grow their Vanda in baskets with little or no media.  The humidity levels must be very high in order for the orchids to thrive without a water retentive media.  Sub-tropical environments such as Florida and the Gulf Coast are ideas areas for this type of culture.

Here in the Midwest, we go through seasons that are much drier (winter, especially!).  Here we must use sphagnum moss with basket culture in order to hold moisture for the plant, so that the roots can take up water and fertilizer to facilitate growth.  Due to the holes/spaces in the baskets, air will penetrate more readily and the media will dry out much more quickly (and so will the plant).  In using moss, daily misting or watering will not be necessary.  Also, the moss should not be packed around the roots too tightly.  The roots do need air in order to dry out eventually, or they will rot.

If the moss seems to be holding too much moisture, coconut fiber or coco husk chips can be added to provide a mix that will dry out a bit faster.  Bark can also be used in basket.  However, it must be big and chunky enough so that it doesn't fall through the slats/holes. 

Different varieties of orchids may need different potting materials when planted in a basket.  Phalaenopsis, for instance, like to be kept a bit on the moister side.  Therefore, moss may work well for them.  Vanda and Cattleya like to dry out more between watering and would probably do best with coco chunks or fiber to allow more air to get to their roots. 

When planting an orchid into a basket, watch it's moisture requirements carefully so that you can adopt a watering routine that the orchid likes.  Basket-grown orchids can also be easily hung outside under a tree during the warm Spring and Summer growing season to produce more vigorous growth. 

Hanging a few of your orchids in baskets also frees up valuable bench space....so that you can acquire even more fine plants to add to your collection.

Enjoy the hobby!

Liese