Location, Location, Location

[padams2359]

Yesterday I purchased 3 6" Wooden Baskets. I put 2 Vandas and my Phal in them. Below is a picture of the locations of the plants. I have the 2 Vandas under my carport, and the Phal, along with others under my oak tree with my bromeliads and 1 of my plumerias. The vandas get direct sun from sun up to about 10AM, then again from about 6P until sunset. The plants under the oak get sun from sun up until about 8A, then again from about 6:30PM until sunset. All of the plants are in BG Orchid Bark for Phalaenopsis. Is this enough sun/light? The two locations are about 15 feet apart, on the south side of my house. New growth is appearing on all of them. The tag that came with the BG Wooden Baskets suggest Orchid or Sphagnum Moss. They are in a location that is easily watered daily, or every couple of days if necessary. I just want them to be happy.

[Shaydra]

I've been thinking about getting some slatted baskets... I don't have the tools I'd need for making my own. I'd probably just use them to hold up the plastic pots and save shelf space, personally.

I like your set up! Very plant friendly.

[wetfeet101b]

Thats a nice setup. That tree is awesome for natural shade.

The hanging clay pots remind me of the clay pot pinatas (palayok) back home

[Phyrex]

I'm not sure if you know this but be careful in the fall when the oak tree sheds it leaves they contain some kind of chemical that might not be good for your orchids. I don't know if it depends on the kind of oak tree you have but just do some research and make sure you don't let any leaves decompose on the chid medium.

[padams2359]

Thank you everyone. I bought those for $5.99 a piece. I looked at them, I have a lot of leftover wood from renovations. Trust me. BUY THEM! Once you look at them, the time it will take to make them is not worth it. I like woodworking, and I would not do it. That is a Live Oak. It sheds it's leaves in March and April. When the wind is the strongest and the leaves are 3 inches thick on the drive way every 2 days. Love the tree though.

[wetfeet101b]

I too am fond of using wooden baskets for my orchids (as you can see from pictures I posted). I am trigger happy with the watering hose and the baskets are perfect for me

The orchid supplies store I regularly buy baskets from have them relatively cheap even with shipping. PM me if you are interested and I can give you the link to their website.

when the oak tree sheds it leaves they contain some kind of chemical that might not be good for your orchids

This is called allelopathy and it could have different effects depending on the species of tree producing the chemicals. Some trees emit chemicals that prevent any seeds from germinating, some of the chemicals actually kill living plants. You may notice this on some trees where nothing seems to grow within its drip line - not even shade tolerant weeds.
In addition to denying light and water to its competition, some trees employ active chemical warfare to protect its turf.


~John

[Gin]

Interesting information . Do they all have tannic acid ? is that what they use ?

I get baskets and the local box store , have made some but not worth it... the way mine turn out
Nice orchid hang out Gin

[Bill in NYC]

What do you find is the best thing to line the baskets with????/ That is besides sphagnum moss?

[clintdawley]

You don't even have to line them. A lot of people use straight wine corks for vandas and big bark that doesn't fall through the slats for phals, etc.

What do you find is the best thing to line the baskets with????/ That is besides sphagnum moss?

[Molly Taco]

I use lava rock for the Catts they seem to like it.
Cin