My Baskets

[Jirel]

I loved the idea of putting some of my orchids in baskets and hanging them on the trellis I used to screen my orchids from excess light. I also have a few mounted orchids up there.

This is a small Den in a small basket. Its been there about 3 weeks and doesn't seem to be dying!



I had two Phals that were part of my original buy from the Cancer sale. I don't really like the flowers that much now that I'm living with them so I took a risk with them and put them both in the same, large basket.



And just in case you are interested - here's a picture of the screen with the tellis - I just CAN'T get the light right on this. I may have tot ry some night.

[patticake]

They look good, Jirel! I can't do that up here in the great northeast! Keep up the good work!

[solay]

I like orchids in basket a lot. They look great and takes up less space.

[digitalgate]

can i give one suggestion? I don't think Dendrobium will do well hanging.Even through i put
them on trees. Their roots need some wood/charcoal to grow on. Pot will suffice.

[evagentry]

Very nice Jirel, I think orchids look so good in baskets hanging like that.

[Vivienne]

Nicely done Jirel!

[jerrymeola]

Cynthia

The trellis does not work for shade unless the plants are several feet from the trellis. Your plants are either getting total sun or total shade depending on the time of day. Try putting some 65% shade cloth over the outside of the trellis and it should control your light. (BTW never cut shade cloth with scissors as it can unravel. It will not unravel if you cut it by burning it with a propane torch)

The den does very well in baskets. The problem is to make sure you have a small compact growing type. Many common Dens grow to 3-5 feet tall.

Den compactum hybrids do exceptionally well.

[Jirel]

Thank you all for you thoughts and suggestions. I have noticed that one of the plants is having problems with light and have tried to move it over to where the growing oak tree in the neighbor's yard should shade it. The trellis was really for the orchids on my "orchid table" but then I ran out of room on the table. That's why I was so happy that the Dend was growing well, its not where I really wanted it.

[Jirel]

I was out watering tonight and look what I saw!



See that root in the corner? That sucker has gone through coconut matting to get there. I know it was a thin layer, but still... that's a lot of growth!

And on one of my other mounts, the little root has grown at least half an inch longer.



And just because I think this is a great picture even if it isn't orchid related...

[sandra]

Whooo-Hooo on those roots!

And as for the cat, she/he's pretending to be reading just so the mouse will think the coast is clear.

[solay]

Looks like the mounting/baskets is working out for you Jirel. I like orchids in baskets and mounts better than in pots personally. Don't know why. Kinda looks more tropical/exotic to me. Now I will await your posts to follow that shows blooms?!!!

[orchid_girl]

Very nice baskets!! Did you buy them or make them?

[Anton]

Here's proof you can grow them in full sun.

I have learnt so much from my trip and a lot of what I learnt goes against the grain of my previous knowledge.

Bill grows these Dens outside of his patio.

[Jirel]

Orchid Girl - I got the baskets at Home Depot, they were very reasonably priced. I'd like to put more plants in baskets, I like the look too. But I'm leary of replanting when most of my plants are new and I don't know how old they are or when they were last repotted.

[orchid_girl]

Well you can do it little by little I am sure they will look wonderful!!