How to Grow Orchids in Wooden Baskets

Wooden baskets make attractive containers for orchid plants.

Orchids grow in almost every habitat on Earth. Orchids are ancient plants and there are thousands of species that offer a variety of forms and colors. The most popular orchid types are epiphytes, which are plants that do not live in soil, but have sponge-like roots that absorb moisture and nutrients easily. Because of this ability, pots for orchids generally have holes and open areas that allow good aeration. Many orchid growers choose to plant larger orchids in wooden baskets that offer good support and expose the roots to the air.

Things You'll Need

• Pieces of bark
• Ties, such as twine or strips of pantyhose
• Orchid potting medium
• Wooden basket
• Knife or pruning tool
• Bleach for sterilizing
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Water the orchid before re-potting to ensure that the roots are moist and flexible and will not break.

2. Remove the old medium from around the roots of the orchid. Be careful not to break healthy roots.

3. Cut off soggy or unhealthy roots with a sterile knife or pruning tool.

4. Place the wooden basket on a stable surface and place the orchid in the middle of the basket floor.

5. Support the plant with larger pieces of bark to hold it in place. Tie with twine or nylon strips if necessary.

6. Fill in the area around the roots with new media. Sphagnum moss, fir bark chips, tree fern fiber, coconut chips, perlite and redwood bark chips are just a few of the orchid media available. Choose the type recommended for your type of orchid.

7. Work the new medium around the roots of the plant gently to fill in voids. The rhizome or crown of the plant should be slightly below the rim of the basket.

8. Water lightly until the plant adjusts to its new pot, about two weeks. Then, water regularly.

9. Fertilize plants in a bark medium with 30-10-10 fertilizer. Use an 18-18-18 fertilizer for other types of media.

Tips & Warnings

• Pine or oak are the best types of wood bark to use for supporting the orchid in the pot.

• Orchids prefer their pot to be a little tight. Do not choose a pot that is too big for their roots.

• Cattleya orchids have a creeping habit that tends to climb out of pots. This type of orchid works well in wooden baskets, according to the ApartmentTherapy site.

• Water the orchid regularly. The open sides of the wooden basket will make it easier for the orchid's roots to dry out if not given sufficient moisture, according to the OrchidsPlusMore site.

References

• Apartment Therapy: How To Repot An Orchid
• Orchids Plus More: How To Choose An Orchid Pot
• Orchids: Potting Media