Using individual hydro pots with outer pot and gauge

[Ray]

The 3-comnponent pots, typically sold under the Leni or Luwassa tradeneames, are still just "semi"-hydroponics, as they are used in passive hydroculture.

They are great for tropical houseplants, but I am not fond of them for orchids, as the tendency is to only refill the reservoir, rather than the frequent flushing you get with a "deli-container" type of pot. Terrestrial plants can deal with that better than can orchids.

Jim - consider the following: Starting with a regular plastic flower pot and tray, drill a couple of holes a couple inches up from the bottom (I'm thinking of BIG pots), then glue (silicone or hot-) the pot to the tray, plugging the bottom drainage holes.

VOILA! A large S/H pot for in the home, decorative, yet the tray prevents water from spilling on the floor.