Anyone ever tried waterlily baskets? - Orchid Board

Ross · #1 01-09-2007, 03:21 PM

Has anyone ever tried pots/baskets designed for waterlilies as containers for orchids in bark mixes? See below:

It was a brainstorm I had the other day (I have a garden pond and grow waterlilies) that these porous baskets may work for certain orchids as well. I get mine from PONDLIFE PLANT BASKETS Also several of the "big box" stores carry them in the spring for pond people.

Tindomul · #2 01-09-2007, 10:12 PM

Those look like the ones you use in vivariums to put plants in foam backgrounds. You pack them up with sphag, and orchids should be find I suppose. Outside the viv. I'm not confident in their abilites in the viv.

cb977 · #3 01-09-2007, 10:24 PM

There are net pots availble for orchids. I don't know if the spacing in the netting is the same but they look very much alike

Tindomul · #4 01-09-2007, 10:28 PM

Sue! Thats what I was thinking about. The spacing in orchid pots are much wider to allow more airflow. Those are the ones I'de go with.

justatypn · #5 01-10-2007, 09:50 AM

I have one in a pot that the spacing is much wider than the one shown. Was not sure whether to repot or leave well enough alone...

... still pondering on this one, suppose it could be in relation to wooden basket.

Hopefully we will have other members who have experienced the use of these opened plastic pots and shed some light!

littlefrog · #6 01-10-2007, 11:44 AM

I got some baskets at the hydroponics store that look similar to that. I've used them. I like them, actually. But they are a bit expensive.

terrestrial_man · #7 01-11-2007, 04:57 PM

Littlefrog, you are right-they are EXPENSIVE compared to regular net pots!!! But I have a few with cymbidiums in them outside. But what I prefer for cymbidiums are the CD storage boxes. http://www.orchidboard.com/community...43&ppuser=1045

These are only a buck at WalMart. I would
guess that their life in full sun is about 3 years but I am hoping for more??

littlefrog · #8 01-11-2007, 04:58 PM

That is such a cool idea...

I think if you don't move them around a lot they might last more than three years.

justatypn · #9 01-11-2007, 05:04 PM

I like that idea, would be perfect for the outdoor growers, need smaller holes for us indoor growers, but that is so original...

Oscarman · #10 01-11-2007, 05:36 PM

Ross I have a bunch of these in a couple of sizes but find my grow area is too dry to do well with them. That was before cocoa husk chunks.....would be worth a try with that. Otherwise in a plant room or G/H they would be great. Same principle as a basket!

I bet Sue would successful with them in her lanai.