Display Stunning Orchids

When to Plant: late spring
At Its Best: late spring to summer
Time to Complete: 30 minutes

Materials Needed:

• large plastic-lined basket
• expanded clay pebbles
• garden moss or moss-like substitute

• thin wooden stakes
• Colmanara 'Massai Red'

Line the Container

If your container doesn't have an integrated lining, use a sheet of plastic to line it. Then add a layer of expanded clay pebbles, which absorb water and slowly release it to increase humidity.

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Add the Orchids

Keeping the orchids in their pots, arrange them in the basket. Make sure that their flowering stems are well spaced out for maximum impact. Stake any wayward stems to create a fanlike shape.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Fill the Gaps

Hold the orchid pots upright and fill around them using more expanded clay pebbles. Firm them down gently to ensure that they hold the plants in place, which can be top-heavy when in flower.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited