A couple of comments perhaps, but definitely no mockery. What!! Mount a Cattleya on a Baseball bat next to it???
Just kidding!!
I would think the Whiffle ball idea is just as good as the glass ball you see occasionally on sale at orchid shows, planted with that cute little orchid looking so lovely, nestled into some moss. I could imagine that in the long run that little epiphytic orchid chokes inside that (open) ball. Most little species of mine are simply mounted on wood, get watered pretty much daily AND get plenty of air movement at the same time.
Regarding the second one - it would surely help to know the names of the orchids we are talking about here - but the white mildew probably points to little air movement/ perhaps too much water or too little sunshine. I don't see anything wrong with a bare root orchid in a clay pot, I have done it many times. Did the roots attach to the pot? If so, I would leave it alone. Also, is it too small to bloom, did it get enough light, was the temperature correct - so many reasons why it didn't bloom yet for you.
Sometimes I have a silly stubborn "Orchid shyflowery" sitting for years looking cute, but not saying peep. If it is healthy and conditions are fine, it will bloom sooner or later.
Anyone else??
