Wood for orchid baskets

[Fairorchids]

I need to produce orchid baskets for several plants, which require odd basket sizes or shapes.

Obviously teak is an acceptable material, since that is what they use in Thailand. However, it is a pricy wood to buy in the US.

What other hardwoods might be suitable?

[Ray]

I have used cedar, but if you want a REALLY permanent solution and a material that's a pleasure to work with, consider some synthetic wood - stuff made from recycled polyethylene, usually filled with sawdust.

Water, UV, and chemically stable, and the plants do great with it - plus - if you HAVE to peel the roots off, it's a bit easier than with any wood.

[Paphluvr]

I've made them out of redwood and oak. The oak basket has been planted with a staghorn fern for at least 5 years with no sign of rot to the basket.

[wisdomseeker]

Second that (oak).

[Maryanne]

Folks:
My spouse makes furniture and cabinetry for a living. He's made baskets with mahogany, teak, and other quality hardwood scraps. They work!
My staghorn fern is in a half coconut shell, and Bulbo retrepioides is in the other half. Drain your coconut by drilling in the eyes, cut in half on table saw, remove the flesh and bake a cake. Drill judiciously placed holes in shells. Voila - basket. I have mine hung on a bit of tilt. A conversation piece at shows : -) They have lasted at least five years now and still look fine.
Happy growing
Maryanne

[wisdomseeker]

Originally Posted by Maryanne

coconut shell

Good suggestion. Definitely an inexpensive option that has longevity & endurance (good for 'below-the-water' use, too). Some tough stuff indeed... I've broken a few drill bits working with these in the past.