How to pot orchid with down hanging growing pattern.

[PuiPuiMolcar]

I'm having a frustrating time with this Phal Labunkensis with a downward growing habit here, and I can't figure out a way to pot it up without leca falling out. For now I just cover the top up with tape but it's probably not the most efficient way to keep it stablized. Should I stuff moss in it?

[camille1585]

For orchids that have a pendant growth habit, usually mounting the plant is the best choice. However, that's not always ideal (e.g. your growing environment is not suited for mounts). A lot of pendant orchids can be grown in normal pots, and you don't even have to set the pot on it's side. The trick is to take growth habit into account when potting, and set the plant at an angle in the pot (and not with the growths pointing straight up). Also place it close to the edge of the pot so that the plant can hang more easily.

I have a Phal gigantea potted this way and nearly the entire plant is hanging over the edge of the pot. Makes it difficult to keep the pot from toppling off the shelf, but a heavy outer pot does the trick.

[Ray]

Have you considered a slat basket with the plant’s roots inserted through the bottom?

[DirtyCoconuts]

exactly what ray said- i grow this exact plant and that's how i do it. i'll take a pic tonight

[DirtyCoconuts]

here is my setup


Untitled by J Solo, on Flickr


the inside is lined with coconut coir ......


Untitled by J Solo, on Flickr



and then i have my normal inorganic mix inside with moss on top (spanish moss)

[PuiPuiMolcar]

I think I figured it out, thank you so much everyone!

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by PuiPuiMolcar

I think I figured it out, thank you so much everyone!

What did you choose to do in the end? I'm curious to see the result!

[PuiPuiMolcar]

Originally Posted by camille1585

What did you choose to do in the end? I'm curious to see the result!

Sorry for the late reply, I just cut a hole at the bottom of the plastic basket and hand it upside down like this.

[DirtyCoconuts]

looks perfect!