Choosing a flower pot for ordinary houseplants, the only thing we usually take into account is the size and taste preferences. This principle does not work with Orchids. You need to know certain rules of care to make orchids please you with its beauty. One of the main rules is the choice of an orchid pot which serves as a certain pillar. In nature, Orchids grow attaching roots to tree trunks, but this method of cultivation is not suitable in domestic conditions because of dryness that leads to dry roots. On this occasion, the florists have provided a variety of containers, a wide range of which is presented at Getpotted.com.
Nowadays there is a large variety of planters for orchids available. So there is always a choice in which pot to plant your Orchid. There is no strict binding of material to the type of Orchids. Every planter has its pros and cons. Quite often in the photo, you can see Orchids growing in traditional transparent plastic, glass, ceramic pots and even wicker baskets. Let us consider in detail the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Plastic pots are multifunctional, so they are perfectly suitable for beginners. Moreover, they can have different colors and sizes that allow you to choose an orchid pot to your taste preferences.
Advantages:
- Plastic pots have numerous drain holes on the bottom or sides that allow air to enter the container easily;
- Roots do not adhere to the smooth surface of the walls;
- The material is warm and helps to avoid overcooling of roots.
- Plastic pots retain moisture better than any other pots.
- Transparency allows the flower to get the required amount of light, that is very important because the roots are involved in photosynthesis;
Clay pots aren’t quite suitable for growing Orchids. Let’s consider its peculiar properties.
Advantages:
- Clay pots have excellent circulation of air and humidity; this ecologically pure and porous material breathes, the substrate dries well and the moisture does not stagnate.
- They provide continuous preservation of cold that the roots of Orchids like so much.
- Clay planters are characterized by firmness, so you shouldn’t be afraid that the flower will overturn.
Disadvantages:
- Clay pots have rough structure of surface, in which the roots are accustomed to grow;
- Porous surface makes the process of watering quite difficult, as the moisture evaporates quickly.
An adequate substitution for clay planters is ceramics.
Advantages:
- In addition to all the above advantages, ceramic planters hold the moisture well.
- Owing to the coating, its walls are smooth and the roots do not grow in it.
Disadvantages:
If clay and transparent pots are warm, ceramic ones, on the contrary, are cold. During the winter it is better not to keep them on the windowsills, otherwise, the stress is guaranteed to flowers.
What’s the planter for Orchids supposed to be?
The florists advise to exclude ceramic and clay pots when choosing a pot as they have a large number of disadvantages, which were mentioned in the article earlier.
Plastic and glass containers for flowers will be an excellent option, as they provide the necessary amount of light for the root system.
The criteria for choosing a great pot for Orchids:
- An orchid pot should have the transparency required for the roots that grow well with a great amount of light;
- Presence of drainage holes on the bottom and sides of the container for better air circulation;
- The size of the flowerpot should coincide with the size of the root system;
- A very large container will damage the flower;
- A very small container will prevent the roots of the plant from growing, and therefore prevent its development;
- A medium-sized planter is perfectly suitable.