Orchids that grow upwards out their pots
 

I have some bulbophyllums that like to grow up out of pots and then dry out because they're not staying in contact with the medium. Repotting is a hassle because it's hard to get enough of the pseudobulbs to fit in the horizontal plane of the pot since they were so insistent on escaping.

I want to get some maxillarias but I've heard they do this too. How do you guys manage plants that like to grow out of their pots?

I either mount those that are super "climbers" or for those in pots I will sometimes tuck a bit of sphag or sheet moss around the exposed roots. It's not perfect bu it helps.

I can't really help you with the "super-climbers" but there are numerous maxillarias that don't spread upwards too much. I have triloris, richii, cuculata, picta, tenufolia, and they all do quite nicely in wide shallow pots.

However, I just got a Max. elatior that is about 14" tall from the pot and obviously going to be even taller in time. I'm not sure I can keep it unless I can grow it outside; it just takes so much room. It's supposed to be cool growing, so we'll see how it does outdoors.

Ramblers might work for you by being put on treefern totems or larger pieces of cork or shingle.I've even seen rafts made of wood materials which gives more real estate as well.

Thanks for the ideas! I've been afraid of mounting because I've never managed to keep a mounted plant hydrated enough in my apartment but treefern could work.

It's fine to soak mounted orchids for many hours every few days if your growing area is dry. They love it.