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 .
Here is what our research found. 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.
How do you care for orchids in pots?
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.
Orchid Pots with Holes When many of us think of orchid pots we think of pots with a lacework of holes in the side of the pot which allow for air circulation around the roots. It is also easy to see how the roots are doing and to check for moisture. When purchasing one of these pots make sure that the holes aren’t too big.
Why do I need to repot my orchid?
Pots that are too large will be filled with excess planting media which has the tendency to hold water and keep the orchid root zone too moist. Orchids benefit from repotting every 1 to 3 years or so.
Why do my orchids keep falling over?
If you have a heavy orchid with a long flowering spike, the clear plastic pot will fall over in time. The weight of the flower is just too much for the weak pot to handle, causing it to tip over. A terracota pot will keep the roots sturdy and since they are quite heavy themselves.
How do I know if my orchid roots are healthy?
Use a clear plastic pot as a liner, which is then set inside an outer pot. This way, you can easily check to see if the roots are healthy and if the plant needs water. I have several orchids that have come in an opaque plastic pot.