Orchid Pots – Get The Right Home For Your Orchid
Many different types of containers are available to grow your orchids in. The most common ones are made from terracotta clay or plastic. The best thing to remember when choosing a pot is the type of orchid you are planting. The ideal orchid pots should have plenty of drainage ability.
Look for several ports, slots, holes, and capability to aerate and drain for healthy roots. You never want your orchid’s roots to sit in water. After potting, the success of your orchid will further depend on the type of potting material, watering, fertilizing, location, and light.
Specialty terracotta orchid pots have drainage holes in the sides. These pots are heavier and more stable, with one drainage hole in the bottom. Plastic pots are lightweight, have several drainage holes, and are suitable for indoors where they will not be blown over. The growing material dries out more slowly in plastic than in clay.
Transparent plastic pots will not heat up much in sunlight. Clear plastic slotted pots have openings cut into the sides and the base for increased air flow and drainage. Clear pots are highly recommended for planting orchids in.
Transparent orchid pots will give you a view of the emerging roots. Through a clear pot, the roots can achieve photosynthesis. Keeping the roots healthy is easily accomplished when you can see them. Since it is not good for the roots to sit in water, clear pots make this easy to view. You can also see how well an orchid plant is doing by watching the root progress.
When you notice the roots wrapping around the bottom of the pot, this means to move up an inch in size when repotting. However, not all types of orchids need light to the roots. Phalaenopsis is one type of orchid that requires light to the root system.
The terrestrial Chinese Cymbidium needs a tall pot which can accommodate its very long roots. They can grow up to a foot long. Unrestricted growth of the roots lets the orchid store nutrients and water to sustain the development of its superior flowers. The Epiphytic orchid does well in a clay pot. It is succulent and drought tolerant, and there is less chance of it becoming water laden in clay.
Orchid pots or planters made from terracotta, wood, ceramics, or plastic make great containers for Cymbidia, a large spreading orchid. Jewel orchids such as Ludisia and Anoectochilus need to be planted in a shallow, broad pot. Since they will spread and wander over the soil surface, a glass terrarium works the best.
Mesh orchid pots are vital for the successful blooming of the Draculas orchid. Its inflorescences easily grow though the underside of the container. Some varieties of orchid are best grown in baskets at eye level. Baskets are wonderful for orchids that have pendant flowers, or heavily rooted orchids that sprawl. Baskets made of plastic, wire, mesh, wood, and pottery enable air circulation around the roots and compost. Orchids can quickly dry out in a basket, so be careful!
