When choosing a pot for an indoor plant, most people start from aesthetic preferences, the size of the flower and its root system. But with orchids, everything is more complicated. How to choose a pot for an orchid will tell you its exotic origin. It is difficult to recreate conditions close to natural, and the plant has to adapt, and the task of the grower is to make this process easier.
What pot is needed for an orchid?
Before deciding in which pot to plant an orchid, it should be understood that the main task is to maximally accurately approximate the conditions for growing a flower in an apartment to natural ones. The capacity performs a supporting function, it supports and directs the growth of the flower. The roots of the plant stick to the substrate and the walls of the pot, like trees in nature. In addition, the capacity and substrate protect the roots of the plant from drying out.
Blooming orchids
Basic requirements for tanks
Choosing dishes for keeping orchids, each grower chooses his own approach. Some people prefer to grow the plant in blocks or in a closed system, while others choose a pot.
When choosing a suitable vessel for an orchid, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
- The container should contain a sufficient number of drainage holes so that the roots of the epiphytes can breathe freely.
- The transparent material of the pot is more important for ease of care, as it allows you to control the dosage of watering, observe the condition of the roots and the phase of development of the plant.
- Orchid loves capacity according to the size of the root system. If the roots of the plant are healthy, then when transplanting take a larger container with a margin for growth. Sick flowers with damaged roots need a close-up pot, since a large amount of substrate will lead to stagnation of moisture and decay of the roots.
- Which one to take the pot depends on the type of plant. Phalaenopsis prefer transparent containers, for a vanda it is better to choose a glass one, ordinary ceramic containers are suitable for epiphytes with pseudobulbs.
Advice! To create additional aeration of the roots, in plastic pots, you can make holes in the lower and side parts using a hot rod, soldering iron or drill.
A variety of pots for orchids
Humidity and temperature in the pot and around
Epiphytes do not tolerate overmoistening of the root system. Therefore, choosing a container for the flower, you must make sure that there are drainage holes on the bottom and bottom of the dishes. In the absence of such holes, it is worth carefully monitoring the humidity of the substrate. Stagnation of moisture can lead to mold on the roots of the orchid and its death.
In the absence of air circulation in the root system, the upper shell of the roots begins to rot and the plant does not receive the necessary amount of moisture and trace elements.
Advice!If the air circulation is insufficient, then a small fan can be installed near the flower.
The correct temperature regime is maintained thanks to the material of which the pot is made. It should not contribute to overheating or hypothermia of the root system.
Some vessels for orchids are equipped with an automatic watering system, which allows you to control the moisture of the substrate of the plant. Such a self-irrigation system is suitable when it is not possible to devote much time to the plant, for example, during a vacation or a business trip.
Clear plastic pots
Mostly, orchids in plastic transparent pots for transportation come on sale. Such a container has several advantages:
- This is a budget option and it’s easy for the seller to monitor the watering of the plant through transparent walls;
- epiphytic roots practically do not stick to plastic and, if desired, it is easy to remove for reproduction or transplantation;
- the root system of most orchids synthesizes light as well as the leaf of a plant, so a transparent container will provide access to the roots of light rays.
The advantage of plastic containers is that they can make additional holes on the walls or bottom of the container yourself. It is perfect for a flower. The disadvantage of such a vessel is that it is very light and unstable. To avoid overturning the plant, it is enough to choose a stable flower pot for orchids.
Advice! A plastic pot with a drainage system on the bottom and sides is an ideal way to grow phalaenopsis.
In addition to ordinary white plastic pots in a flower shop, you can choose a flowerpot made of plastic, which is suitable for the interior of your home or office, of any size or color, it can be either transparent or matte.
Orchid in a transparent plastic pot
Clay and ceramic pots
Compared to plastic containers, these types are more stable and aesthetic. The porous structure of the material gives the necessary moisture and air exchange to the root system, but at the same time it is the reason for the development of flower diseases. Over time, the roots stick to the surface of the pot and, if desired, transplant the plant, they are injured, which leads to damage to the orchid. Also, moisture during watering evaporates through the pores and leaves salts harmful to the health of the plants on the walls.
For reference! In the flower shop you can find two types of ceramic containers designed for epiphytes. They can be glazed or unglazed.
For safe plant care, it is better to choose pottery with a glazed inner surface, then the roots will not be able to grow to the surface.
When choosing a glazed dish that looks attractive, do not forget about the presence of a drainage system, without which the plant will not survive for a long time. An important moment when choosing a pot made of ceramic is the shade of the container itself. The best option would be light tones of dishes - this will help protect the plant from overheating of the roots in the summer at elevated air temperatures.
Ceramic Orchid Pots
Flowerpots made of ceramics or clay are more suitable for terrestrial orchid varieties. Having bought just such a pot, the plant will feel as close as possible to the natural habitat.
Glass pots
In glass flowerpots, the orchid looks quite aesthetically pleasing. Such containers are quite practical in terms of benefits for the root system of the plant, as they provide a good amount of light to the roots.
But among gardeners, opinions about the use of this particular material for growing plants were divided. On the one hand, this method helps to retain moisture in conditions of low humidity, but on the other hand, a closed container without drainage is a bad option for a plant.
Due to the accumulation of condensate on the walls of the flowerpot on the roots of the orchid, green algae grows. Replacing the substrate will help to get rid of this problem 2-3 times a year.
Attention! To care for orchids in glass flowerpots is only possible for experienced gardeners who can control the moisture level of the substrate.
For beginners and amateurs, it is better to choose glass vessels in which there is at least one hole for the circulation of air and moisture.
Hanging planter
Creating conditions resembling natural for a plant is quite difficult at home. This can be done using decorative vessels - planters. An ordinary pot with a plant is placed in such containers; more often than not, there are no additional holes for the outflow of water in them, so you can hang the pots on the wall and not worry that water will drip onto the interior items during irrigation.
There is a wide variety of pots:
- plastic, can be with or without holes, transparent and matte;
- glass;
- ceramic;
- baskets made of wood, plastic or metal.
All of them are suspended using ropes, fishing lines, cables or mounted on supports or stands.
Attention! Hanging transparent flowerpots for orchids are more suitable for small plants, as you will have to remove them from the flowerpots during the care process.
Most often, mini and midi orchids are placed in the pots, but some lovers of indoor plants are ready to contain large specimens in this way.
Fancy Orchid Pots
Recently, flower growers are increasingly choosing the Corona plastic pot for orchids for their green spaces. It is a through structure of flexible transparent plastic rods. The twigs arranged in a circle have small gaps to hold the soil. A special double tray is included with such tanks, which can be used to create drainage; the presence of special fasteners allows you to hang the plant in a pot.
Pot Crown for Orchid
This type of container has a large number of advantages, including providing light for photosynthesis, good ventilation, and the original style of the product.
Despite the advantages, there are some disadvantages of such a pot. Through large openings of the container, the substrate can spill out into the pan and then the roots will grow through the pot. For the same reason, moisture evaporates much faster and there is a need to create additional conditions for water retention. During transplantation, problems may occur associated with damage to the root system of the flower, as the roots can grow through the walls of the Corona.
For reference! A crown for an orchid with a pallet is suitable for plants whose roots take active steps in photosynthesis.
DIY Orchid Pot
To give originality to the vessels in which orchids are grown, inventive flower growers are ready to make flowerpots with their own hands. It can be wicker baskets, flowerpots from gypsum of a fancy form. Some people prefer to plant the plant in ordinary large coconut. There are a lot of options for creating a homemade pot - it all depends on the creator’s imagination.
Homemade Orchid Pot
Such home-made constructions have one significant drawback - a rough surface to which roots can grow, which will cause problems when you need to transplant a plant.
Growing an orchid at home is an art, as a result of which a grower receives a spectacular flower. A properly selected pot is an important point in caring for the plant, which will ensure health and full development.
