Another basket question

[Lavendersky]

I've got 2 plants growing in clay pots that I would like to repot in baskets, they are Epicat EL Hatillo 'Pinta' and BL. Yellow Bird (B. Nodosa x Richard Muller). They are growing in a bark mix, should I continue to use the bark mix or should I use spagnum moss?

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by Lavendersky

...should I continue to use the bark mix or should I use spagnum moss?

It depends on many things: your conditions, how often you water, how hot it gets, how humid/dry it is, your geographic region, etc., etc. All of these different aspects of culture are interdependent.

Why are you considering changing? Are the plants not healthy or growing well as they are?

[Lavendersky]

Well I live in Orlando, FL and I water water one to maybe twice a week depending on weather and rain, but I am able to water more often if certain plants need it. The epicat and yellow bird have out grown their containers and all my orchids are growing in clay pots so I would like to try growing some in baskets.

[kmarch]

If they were my plants and I lived where you do I'd continue to use bark mixes in the basket.

[Lavendersky]

Then bark it is, thanks!

[rodbender]

If you want to put them in baskets and still keep them in bark what I do is line the basket with coco husk liner and then fill with bark mix and it works fine just dries out a little faster than if in a pot it looks good and opens more space on the bench.

[jerrymeola]

I might be reluctant to re-pot the El Hatillo in a basket. This is a tall plant that puts up even taller spikes. It does not have a tendency to hang over a basket, which is one of the nicest looks of basket mounted orchids. If you decide to put it in a basket be sure to get extra long hangers.

The Bassovola hybrids look very good in baskets.

In Florida either bark or sphag will work fine. Allow the medium to disappear over time in either event. The baskets will dry out much faster than you realize. Watering ever day may be necessary. Both my El Hatillo and Richard Mueller types, that I have mounted, suffered this year with only twice a week watering.

[mbasden]

I like to line my baskets with sphagnum moss. It seems to hold the moisture in and helps keep the bark in the basket. Certain orchids and conditions may have a play in this. I have a Phal in a basket with just enough sphagnum to cover part of the roots and it is happy as a clam, as are a couple of my Catts. My oncidiums are in pots and do better in them.

[Lavendersky]

Thanks Jerry, I'll replant EL Hatillo in a bigger pot, I notice the it's in sheath so i'll be leaving it in it's pot for now.
thank you everyone for the good advice.
Melissa