aerides houlletiana in bark and sphag?

[Weetamoo]

yep the leaves are not as rigid. It's also the only one with one big healthy root. The houlletiana's foliage is beautiful. My next one might be the quinquevulnera if I can find a spot to fit it in. My husband wants the kitchen table back. and then he helps me make boxes..hehe

Sheryl, my husband's hobby is wood working. I buy a white cedar board and he cuts it into strips 1/2 x 3/4 x by whatever size box I want. Then He makes a jig and I drill the holes with a drill press. I could just mark the ends and use a hand drill - there are DIY videos on line. I use 14 gauge wire (from the picture hanger section of the big box hardware) with 2 pliers I bend a little U at the end for the bottom, then thread the wires. Doing the twist at the top is my favorite part. Maybe next time I make one I'll take pictures along the way and post my own little DIY if anyone's interested

the jig
the bottom

[raybark]

Sometimes, if you’re looking for a slight “twist” on the wooden basket, see if you can order some “plastic lumber” - the stuff made from recycled water and soda bottles. It’s available in a wide range of colors to look like real wood. Your husband will be amazed at the ease of cutting (like a hot knife through butter), and you can use the same construction technique.

The stuff is impervious to everything, lasts forever, and the plants don’t seem to notice the difference. The roots still cling to the slats, but are much easier to pry off if repotting to a bigger basket.

From a distance, you’d never know it was fake wood, until you realize there’s no algae growing on it.

[Weetamoo]

That's a great idea Ray! I'll try that on the next round of baskets