repotting orchids thinking "outside the box"

[Mo Boggie]

I will setting up an outdoor portable greenhouse, and decided to repot all my orchids. I've decided to attempt some unconventional repotting; I'm will not be using slabs or pots. I purchased Nylon Poly-Mesh Net Bags, that are somewhat larger than what is used for garlic. I plan to place Styrofoam in the center and med bark around the outer circumference of the root ball. I will hang them using hooks. My hope is that mesh net will allow plenty of air circulation, & reduce my overwatering. The greenhouse will be covered in aluminet shade cloth. Any thoughts or suggestions will be appreciated . Thanks

[jmmehler]

Pictures would be nice.

Can you maintain a high humidity level Winter, Summer, and Fall? (part of an old old song)

What part of country are you in?

[Mo Boggie]

I live in nyc. I have a humidifier running 12 hours a day in winter fall and spring. Hoping summer outdoors will provide enough of its own humidity. once I have all set up I will send pics.

[ALToronto]

Orchids need to be secure in their media or on their mounts. Make sure the plants don't flop around inside the bags.

[Mo Boggie]

I plan on cinching the top of the bag enough to keep everything snug.

[RandomGemini]

If you find you need to make it a bit more snug, you could use a velcro wire tie. They sell these at BestBuy or online. They'll allow you to reposition it, but should keep the bag fairly snug over time. Good luck!

[Leafmite]

I use basket pots which are basically the same idea.
The best part is that you can see the roots and easily know when they need watered and the orchid roots really love all the air exposure.

[Optimist]

Possibly look at kokedama. Moss balls around roots.

[Cym Ladye]

I have always found that when one decides on a different way of potting a collection, it is safer to repot only a few plants and see how they do for a year. If all goes well, then you can repot the entire collection. I have heard of entire collections lost for people doing an "all or nothing" process.

Just a head's up, even though it may mean you will have to treat the new plants in a slightly different way.