Using Baskets as Orchid Pots

Some of the most popular types of orchid pots aren’t pots at all but are, rather, baskets. Traditionally, orchids like the vanda are grown in wooden baskets that may or may not be lined with chunks of a growing medium like bark or coconut husks. These baskets come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be made from a variety of materials. They’re very popular for particular types of orchids, such as those that prefer super aerated growing conditions.

Some orchids prefer baskets

Orchids that grow well in baskets include the cattleya and the Bee, which produce lots of beautiful blooms during certain times of the year. In general, the orchids that prefer baskets will grow somewhat upright and will prefer lots of circulation around their roots. Those orchids that naturally grow on trees will certainly prefer this type of environment to a more restrictive pot that holds in moisture.

The root system

Sometimes, the roots of orchids will actually grow down through the basket and hang down. You shouldn’t trim these roots back, but you should moisten them with a few sprays of water from a mister each day. These roots still help sustain the entire plant, and when allowed to have its way, the plant may produce stunning blooms all in good time.

Special considerations

It’s important to realize that dealing with plants that are in baskets rather than plastic or clay orchid pots is a little different. For one thing, you need to monitor the watering situation more thoroughly. Although many orchids prefer to have dry conditions that are humid rather than wet, your plants can dry out really easily in baskets. The all-around air circulation means that the planting medium and the roots dry out more easily at all times, so you need to really watch the moisture levels when you’re dealing with this type of pot.

Support plants

Also, you need to support plants that are in baskets rather than pots. This is partially just because the types of orchids that you grow in baskets tend to need support in order to grow correctly. You can prop up your growing plant with a piece of bark. Just be aware that the plant might break down that bark and may later make repotting difficult.

Repotting

Repotting can certainly be a problem when you’re planting orchids in baskets. The roots that grow through the basket can become entangled, and it can be difficult to separate them out. For this reason, make sure that you carefully and slowly work on the root system each time you repot an orchid planted in a basket. The roots will eventually come loose if you work with them long enough.

Also, you should certainly ensure that you’re buying a big enough basket that you won’t have to replant your orchids into other orchid pots for quite a while after settling them into a new basket. Ideally, you’ll only have to replant your orchids every couple of years.