I live in Metairie,La. and grow mostly all my orchids in a basket I make from 2" X3" coated wire for the inner frame and 6" wide gutter guard for the outer side walls held in place using thin coater copper telephone wire, both found at Lowe's. My mix is 50/50 Coconut chips and haydite (heat expanded shale). It last at least 2 years before the coconut chips begin to break down. This system ensures excellent drainage and air flow to the root system. The media dries out very quickly and must be watered daily here in the summer heat. Cattleya alliance and vandacous all preform well. My basket are 6" tall and 7" in diameter. and larger diameters for vandas and the like. Hopefully this may help those who fear overwatering.
Mesh sided growing baskets
Linear Mode
