Can you tell me which need cool fall outside?

[Fairorchids]

Re: Clay vs Plastic vs Basket
There is no single answer, as it depends very much upon:
Conditions (temp & humidity) where you live.
How you like to care for your plants.
How much effort you want to put into your hobby.

In N'Awlins you have high humidity most of the year, and you can leave plants outside as long as nite temps stay above 50 or so.

Any plants that need a cool spell will probably do best in clay, as long as you water them enough. Evaporation will help kep roots cool.

Of the plants you mention, the only ones I might consider putting in baskets, would be the larger Cattleyas (BLCs). However, they do just fine in clay pots. I would think about baskets only if you are trying to grow an unusually large specimen.