What is the best way to mount a species Phal in a basket?

[SakuraDrops]

Hello all,

It has come to my attention that a couple of my phals (equestris) might be better off in baskets. However after doing some research, I can't seem to make a decision on what would be the best way to do this. Here are my questions..

1. Would placing it in the basket be the same as typically potting a Phal in a pot? As far as technique I mean.

2. What is the best medium for baskets?

3. Is a wooden basket the best option?

4. Are there any precautions I need to take beforehand?

Any other additional information is greatly appreciated, or if anyone has a favorite instructional video that would help a lot as well. These are my first species phals and I want to do my best!!

Thank you. <3

[Roberta]

I like wood baskets because the roots are attracted to the wood like they would be to a mount. Of course, it then doesn't lend itself to being moved. Plastic baskets work just as well though. Depending on your watering practices, either sphagnum or medium bark... Where I have used sphag, eventually it breaks down and maybe even just falls out. But by that time, the roots have attached to the the basket, there are lots of them, and so lack of medium doesn't bother the plant at all. Technique is the same. If the roots are unruly, you can just direct them through the holes - having them partly outside the pot is pretty much what they want. (When when you pot, you're trying to get aerial roots into the pot... which an break them. So here, the basket is just holding the plant, and giving it a good start in the process of "going natural". You have enough medium to hold some moisture to give it a good start, then just stand back and let it grow - when you water, it dries fairly rapidly naturally, so you can put it on the same schedule as the ones in pots. (That's the approach I use with everything... select the medium/container for each plant, so that I can water everybody the same and have the effect, often different, that each plant wants.

[SakuraDrops]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I like wood baskets because the roots are attracted to the wood like they would be to a mount. Of course, it then doesn't lend itself to being moved. Plastic baskets work just as well though. Depending on your watering practices, either sphagnum or medium bark... Where I have used sphag, eventually it breaks down and maybe even just falls out. But by that time, the roots have attached to the the basket, there are lots of them, and so lack of medium doesn't bother the plant at all. Technique is the same. If the roots are unruly, you can just direct them through the holes - having them partly outside the pot is pretty much what they want. (When when you pot, you're trying to get aerial roots into the pot... which an break them. So here, the basket is just holding the plant, and giving it a good start in the process of "going natural". You have enough medium to hold some moisture to give it a good start, then just stand back and let it grow - when you water, it dries fairly rapidly naturally, so you can put it on the same schedule as the ones in pots. (That's the approach I use with everything... select the medium/container for each plant, so that I can water everybody the same and have the effect, often different, that each plant wants.

Perfect!! Thank you tons Roberta!!

[Ray]

Sogo Redfox in an 8" slat basket of sphagnum, hung sideways.

[SakuraDrops]

Originally Posted by Ray

Sogo Redfox in an 8" slat basket of sphagnum, hung sideways.

My goodness that is beautiful. So inspiring! I love how it looks sideways. Thank you for sharing this!!!

[WaterWitchin]

Definitely go with a wood basket. Bamboo is also a fun basket. I've been thinking about making one. They are both just a more pleasing aesthetic.

---------- Post added at 08:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:03 AM ----------

PS Nice Phal Ray! That's a beauty.

[Ray]

One thing to keep in mind is that any wood product will break down eventually.

At one time, I got around that by building slat baskets from "plastic lumber" - the stuff made from recycled water bottles and milk jugs. It looked like real wood, and the roots attached to it pretty well, so plant stability wan't an issue.

[SakuraDrops]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Definitely go with a wood basket. Bamboo is also a fun basket. I've been thinking about making one. They are both just a more pleasing aesthetic.

---------- Post added at 08:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:03 AM ----------

PS Nice Phal Ray! That's a beauty.

Nice!! Bamboo sounds very pretty.

---------- Post added at 08:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:22 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Ray

One thing to keep in mind is that any wood product will break down eventually.

At one time, I got around that by building slat baskets from "plastic lumber" - the stuff made from recycled water bottles and milk jugs. It looked like real wood, and the roots attached to it pretty well, so plant stability wan't an issue.

Wow! Plastic Lumber. Interesting!

[Roberta]

Even in my very damp greenhouse, those wood baskets last 5-8 years. In the house, would last longer. When they do disintegrate, the plant is typically quite easy to remove... actually the basket "removes" from the plant, then it's easy to put in a new one without damaging roots.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Even in my very damp greenhouse, those wood baskets last 5-8 years. In the house, would last longer. When they do disintegrate, the plant is typically quite easy to remove... actually the basket "removes" from the plant, then it's easy to put in a new one without damaging roots.

Or when it starts to disintegrate, just plop into a larger basket.