According to the RHS, Phalaenopsis (one of the most popular orchids) are grown in clear pots for a couple of reasons:
1. They make it easy to check the orchid’s moisture status In a clear pot, you can see if the potting mix is still wet below the surface (i. e. looks dark), or has dried out enough for a top up. Condensation will be visible on the inside of the pot too. Orchid roots are attracted to light, so they prefer clear pots.
Are clear plastic pots good for orchids?
Clear plastic pots also allow us to easily inspect the roots of our orchid plants for pests, disease, or overcrowding. When left out of decorative pots, the clear plastic pots allow the orchid roots to absorb sunlight, as they would in nature growing on the side of a tree. This means the roots can also photosynthesize and add energy to the plant.
When watering, remove the orchid from the ceramic pot to allow excess water to drain. Woven plastic or fiber pots most closely resemble how many orchids grow in nature . These basketlike containers loosely hold orchid roots and potting media, allowing air and water to easily pass through.
Why do orchids have holes in their pots?
A great orchid pot may even have holes on the sides of the container. These sidewall holes promote water drainage and encourage the air movement around the plant’s root system. Air movement around a potted plant’s root system mimics the wind and breezes that would constantly flow around an orchid root system in nature.
When left out of decorative pots, the clear plastic pots allow the orchid roots to absorb sunlight, as they would in nature growing on the side of a tree. This means the roots can also photosynthesize and add energy to the plant. Do orchids need special pots?
Can orchids grow in pots?
While the orchids we purchase at nurseries or garden centers have probably never experienced growing wildly in rainforests, confining their roots to a pot goes against their true primal nature. Because of this, as orchid growers, we must do our best to select pots that allow them to grow to their full potential.
Why is water coming out of my orchid pots too fast?
Orchid pots are primarily designed for great drainage. When plants are watered, excess moisture should be able to freely flow out of the orchid potting mix in a good container. It may seem like the water is flowing out of the container too quickly, faster than the roots can absorb it. This is normal activity for a great orchid container.
Do orchids have roots in the ground?
Orchid roots are attracted to light, so they prefer clear pots Most orchids (around 70%) are epiphytes, and grow in the wild by clinging to trees, rocks and other surfaces. Rather than snaking down into soil, their roots stay above ground and exposed to the elements.
How often should I repot my orchid?
When repotting an orchid every one to two years, only choose a pot that is about an inch (2.5 cm.) wider than the previous pot; it does not need to be any deeper, only wider. Plastic Pots – Plastic pots retain more moisture in the pot mix. They also help keep the roots warmer in cooler climates.