Wooden Orchid Basket – Octagonal – Small (10cm)

What can grow in these baskets

Vanda Orchids are great to grow in slatted hanging wooden baskets as vandas have large, robust roots that are difficult to contain in any sort of pot and prefer to grow freely with ample access to oxygen. Vandas grow from a single stem with roots emerging from the bottom and are primarily epiphytic—meaning they attach their roots to the surface of a nearby plant or debris to obtain moisture and nutrients, rather than growing in soil. Therefore the openings on the baskets facilitate drainage and air circulation that vanda orchid roots thrive in. This brings the growing environment closer to the natural habitat of vanda orchids.

Our wooden baskets are designed so that they can be used for majority of orchids (such as Cattleya, Laelia, Dendrobium, Brassavola, Stanhopea, Epidendrum, Lycaste, Masdevallia, Miltonia, Odontoglossum, Oncidium, Phalaenopsis).  Our wooden baskets come in various sizes to allow from seedling to specimen orchids. They can be used either as hanging baskets or table top ones. Most of the popular growing media, such as bark, sphagnum moss, coconut husk, charcoal can be used with these wooden orchid baskets. If you wish to use small-sized potting mixes, a thin liner of coconut fibres can be placed inside the basket.

Vanda Orchid Care

Light

Vandas require bright light, but they generally don’t thrive in full sunlight. They can acclimate to full sun, though these plants are generally washed out and not as healthy as those grown under light shade cloth to take the edge off strong sunlight. Be aware of the species of vanda you have, as some require more sunlight than others.

Soil

These orchids naturally grow in rocky areas with little soil. Their large roots meander through the air and grasp onto nearby trees and other objects. Growing them in a typical potting mix can kill the plants. Instead, opt for a basket that allows good airflow for the roots. To keep the plant in place, add bark, peat moss, or another soilless medium to the basket. You also can use a potting medium specifically made for orchids. Eventually, the roots will attach to the basket to hold the plant upright.

Water

Vandas require a great deal of water (hanging baskets will dry out faster than orchids in pots on a table or window sill so may need to be watered more). In fact, in periods of high temperatures they might need to be watered twice a day. Otherwise, you’ll most likely still have to water once a day, though you should back off to roughly once a week during winter dormancy. During the growing season, the growing medium should be consistently moist but not soggy.

Temperature and Humidity

Vandas prefer tropic temperatures with high humidity to thrive. They need a humidity level of at least 60 percent, and preferably around 80 percent.

Fertilizer

Vandas are heavy feeders, and well-fed plants bloom better. Fertilize weekly with a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer throughout the growing season. You can switch to a high-phosphors fertilizer on every third application to promote better blooms. During cool weather, cut back the fertiliser to every two to four weeks.

Step by Step Instructions

1) Soak.

Soak the orchid with water while it is still in its current container; let it drain thoroughly. Gently tap the outside of the pot to free the root ball.

2) Pot Transfer.

Shake the plant gently out of the old potting material, leaving the root ball as clean as possible. Trim any dead roots back to living tissue with clean pruning shears. Clean away and remove old leaves and flower spikes.

3) Support.

Weave the roots through the basket slots and wire the stem base in place with plant wire. Use soilless growing media to further hold the plant in place. Vandas don’t need repotting often, as the roots don’t mind hanging out of the basket. But if they need more space and you like to keep them contained, you can simply place the plant with its old basket into a new, larger basket. Work fresh growing media around the roots. But avoid disturbing the roots as much as possible, as this can seriously stress the plant.

4) Water.

For the first 2-3 months after reporting in our wood baskets you may need to water your orchids more frequently. After that period when the potting media can absorb water better,  your orchids will thrive as their roots and will never rot in the basket. Orchids always bloom much better and the blooms last longer when their root system is stronger. Place the wooden basket in a warm location, out of direct sunlight, preferably in the same area it came from until it stabilises, at least two weeks. Monitor the evaporation rate and water as needed; if you poke your finger at least an inch into the potting media and it feels cool and moist, don’t water it.

5) Enjoy.

Sit on your porch, or favourite chair, and admire the beauty of your hanging orchid basket.