Question
I have a large plant in a wire basket. I'd like to repot some of it for a friend . what is the best way to do that. I want to get a hanging basket. Do i get the brown bark like liner for the basket, add orchid soil and plant?

Answer
Thanks for your question Elizabeth.  Nice of you to share a piece of your oncidium with a friend. Hanging baskets are great for these.  However, I would be wary of the liner which usually consists of a sheet of coconut fiber.  Coconut used in orchid culture (whether in sheets or chips) may have a high salt content that could injure the roots. If you decide to use the basket liner anyway,it should be thoroughly rinsed in pure water before use. I have potted my oncidiums in regular hanging baskets (not the wire mesh type) and, after placing the roots in the basket, added wet orchid potting mix, which can then drain out through the drainage holes.  It is also possible to place the plant in a hanging basket without any potting mix.  If you were also wondering how to divide your plant, remove it from its pot and cut way a piece that has at least 6 pseudobulbs for your friend.  This will not injure your piece or that set aside for your friend.