Orchid Pots-A General Overview
Transparent plastic or nylon orchid pots are now the chosen receptacle for seasoned and novice growers alike both can give real benefit by being able to see through the pot and observe root structure and development, as well as the moisture content of the potting media. Orchid roots should not be exposed to light, therefore, you will need to place the transparent pot into a colored pot of similar size in order to achieve this.
When you first purchase a new plant they are not always ready to be re-potted and it is best to wait until new root growth is evident, this is where your transparent pot comes into its own. The only way you could assess this situation using a clay pot would be to de-pot it!
Very often the drainage holes in the base of these pots are too small but can be enlarged slightly by using an electric solder iron, an 8mm size hole is ideal, and should be accompanied by four further holes being burned into the sides of the pot near the base.
The centre hole in the base should be covered by curved pieces of broken pot to allow drainage and stop the roots growing through the hole, which will lead to damage when the plant as to be removed. Alternatively you could place a small plastic colander shaped sieve over the hole or a small tea leave strainer would be ideal. You should ideally build up a small layer of broken pot or clinker to just cover the holes you have made in the side of the pot near the base. This will prevent roots from growing through the holes.
These types of orchid pot are really good for the greenhouse but have little appeal when used indoors. This is where your ceramic pot takes centre stage. There are some really beautiful designs available and all you need to do is place your transparent pot into the ceramic one and the job is done. Just remember, the base of your plastic see through pot should not be resting in water, therefore, it would be good idea to place the plastic pot on trestles inside the ceramic one.
Teakwood baskets or even woven twig baskets are very suitable for epiphytic orchids which grow a number of aerial roots, they can look very exotic and spice up the appearance of an orchid room or conservatory. You can take this concept even further by tying a few suitable plants to substantial piece of tree bark and then working in clumps of fiber and moss between the roots and fastened to roof rafters or uprights. Whether you decide to choose baskets or rafts they should be easily removed for watering or you will need to spray them with water several times per day as they will easily dry out.
Taking this concept even further still, you could use ferns and other types of foliage plants to grow in between your orchids. In fact some orchids which have drooping flowers can really only be grown using these hanging methods, this is where growing orchids begins to take over a part of your life and the enthusiastic amateur transforms into a serious hobby pursuit rather than a pastime.
When you first purchase a new plant they are not always ready to be re-potted and it is best to wait until new root growth is evident, this is where your transparent pot comes into its own. The only way you could assess this situation using a clay pot would be to de-pot it!
Very often the drainage holes in the base of these pots are too small but can be enlarged slightly by using an electric solder iron, an 8mm size hole is ideal, and should be accompanied by four further holes being burned into the sides of the pot near the base.
The centre hole in the base should be covered by curved pieces of broken pot to allow drainage and stop the roots growing through the hole, which will lead to damage when the plant as to be removed. Alternatively you could place a small plastic colander shaped sieve over the hole or a small tea leave strainer would be ideal. You should ideally build up a small layer of broken pot or clinker to just cover the holes you have made in the side of the pot near the base. This will prevent roots from growing through the holes.
These types of orchid pot are really good for the greenhouse but have little appeal when used indoors. This is where your ceramic pot takes centre stage. There are some really beautiful designs available and all you need to do is place your transparent pot into the ceramic one and the job is done. Just remember, the base of your plastic see through pot should not be resting in water, therefore, it would be good idea to place the plastic pot on trestles inside the ceramic one.
Teakwood baskets or even woven twig baskets are very suitable for epiphytic orchids which grow a number of aerial roots, they can look very exotic and spice up the appearance of an orchid room or conservatory. You can take this concept even further by tying a few suitable plants to substantial piece of tree bark and then working in clumps of fiber and moss between the roots and fastened to roof rafters or uprights. Whether you decide to choose baskets or rafts they should be easily removed for watering or you will need to spray them with water several times per day as they will easily dry out.
Taking this concept even further still, you could use ferns and other types of foliage plants to grow in between your orchids. In fact some orchids which have drooping flowers can really only be grown using these hanging methods, this is where growing orchids begins to take over a part of your life and the enthusiastic amateur transforms into a serious hobby pursuit rather than a pastime.