Would like to try a hanging basket Orchid...

[JDawggie]

Hey all...I would like to give a hanging basket a try this summer, but am not finding much info about it -- I guess because you just pot it much like you would in a pot and let the roots take over?

My questions are:

1. I have a spot that is VERY sunny least 5 - 6 hour per day -- would a Cattleya be OK with that ? Or is it too much direct sun..

2. I am also looking to try a basket with a Phal or two as well...good for baskets?

Thanks all....if anyone has a link to "basket info" ...please let me kno w....I tried the search, but did not find what I was looking for.
Many thanks,
JDawg

[Leafmite]

Those plastic vanda baskets are really nice for that sort of thing. If you like crazy roots, neos and Sedirea japonica are good small choices for morning/afternoon sun but I haven't exposed them to noon sun. C. Aclandiae tolerates dryer conditions and higher light...don't know what the max is. These are all small plants. Many vandas will tolerate full sun. Angraecum sesquipidale has tolerated all day sun for me without any adverse effects. Good luck!

[JDawggie]

I am not sure Vanda will work only because it is a relatively short season in New England and I have not heard that many success stories about Vandas inside.

I may try with a Cat or Phal ...It seems growing in baskets are very popular down in the southern climates.

[tucker85]

5 or 6 hours of direct light is not bad in itself. Cattleyas need to be protected from direct light from about 12 noon until maybe 3PM.

Phals can certainly be grown in baskets but they need to be watered often because they dry so quickly. Once a phal is established in a basket it should do well. Cattleyas that aren't too tall usually do very well in baskets.

I like to use chunks of tree fern fiber along with other medium when I plant in a wood basket.

[JDawggie]

Yeah...I think I may try a phal to start ...I have a "sunny side" and a "less sunny " side ...so I am thinking the Phal will do just fine there...Good to know about the more frequent watering...makes sense. I have heard a lot of good thing with letting your Orchids grow outdoors in the the summer...so I figured I would give it a try!