Which is better to choose a pot for orchids

Indoor orchids are gentle, moody plants that need to be taken care of. First you need to choose a pot for the orchid.

Choosing an Orchid Pot

Things to consider when choosing

An orchid is an epiphytic plant, it does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil. When choosing a planting capacity, consider this.

Pots for orchids should have the following properties:

• active aeration of the root system and substrate;
• good outflow of moisture;
• safe and easy extraction of the massive root plant system, which often goes beyond the tank through drainage holes;
• the ability to maintain the required temperature for underground part of the flower.

Size requirements

A pot of the appropriate size is selected for the orchid.Given the natural feature of the flower, it needs a slightly cramped flowerpot. Under such conditions, the flower will bloom faster than in a volumetric flowerpot.

The parameters of the pot suitable for the orchid:

• diameter and height should correspond to the size of the neck;
• choosing capacity for the flower, take into account that its root system fits completely in it;
• when replacing the flower, choose a flowerpot 1 cm in diameter larger than the previous one.

Plastic

Almost all varieties of orchids that you can find in a flower shop are sold in transparent plastic containers. Such an orchid pot has several advantages:

• This is a budget option.
• Through plastic containers you can see how the root system develops and how the substrate dries, which eliminates the risk of overfilling or drying out the roots .
• Good plastic pots for orchids and the fact that in them the roots do not grow to the walls. The flower is easily removed if transplantation or division is necessary.
• The roots receive full daylight, this is one of the main conditions, because the root system of almost all types of orchids photosynthesizes.

Grow , indoor plants develop and bloom in such a pot for a long time, so do not rush to transplant them.If you need a pot of a different type for an orchid, pick it in size: if there is a lot of space, the plant will spend all its strength on filling the voids with roots.

From clay (ceramic)

Moisture and breathability are the main advantages of the clay pot for orchids.

They are of two types:

• glazed;
• glazed.

Ceramic unglazed flowerpots are used for planting plants that grow on the ground in the natural environment. This will be the best solution for growing such species. Growing in such a capacity, the plant roots will fully breathe, and the moisture will not stagnate.

The second option is less practical. Despite the elegant and attractive appearance, glazed ceramic flowerpots are treated with special glaze, which prevents the full circulation of air and moisture permeability. In such a pot, the phalaenopsis orchid and other varieties of this exotic flower cannot be kept for a long time. Otherwise, the roots of the plant will rot and it will simply wither.

Therefore, such flowerpots are not suitable for planting and growing these flowers. An exception is the glazed pot for orchids, in which there are holes around the perimeter.

Advantages

Give preference ceramic containers

If you don’t know which type of container you want to choose – ceramic or plastic, do not hesitate, give preference to ceramics, and always unglazed.

A plastic pot is unstable, so adult plants growing in it often fall. The ceramic container provides good stability for the flower.

Unlike a plastic flowerpot, the ceramic pot for Phalaenopsis orchids does not heat up in the sun, which means it prevents the risk of drying out and burning of the roots.

Disadvantages

This container also has some disadvantages:

• the roots of the plant quickly grow on the porous surface of the flowerpot, which often leads to injury during transplantation and propagation ;
• there is no way to monitor the state of the roots, and also to regulate them according to liv;
• salts penetrating the walls of the flowerpot reduce its porosity, which negatively affects the state of the container and the root system.

In addition, such a flowerpot is more expensive than a container made of plastic.

Glass

Glass pots for orchids are used as decoration. They put plants in plastic pots.You can choose an orchid pot made of glass to your liking, the main thing is that it is 2-3 cm larger in diameter of the plastic container.

The main advantage of glass flower pots is the ability to monitor the condition of the root system and adjust watering it. Water is poured from a watering can along the edge of a plastic container. The liquid flows to the bottom and seeps through the holes, dropping to the very bottom. The plant nourishes the required amount of moisture and evenly distributes it throughout the root system.

It should be understood that such a pot for Phalaenopsis orchids cannot be used for planting, since it is made with a molded bottom – without drainage holes.

Therefore, if you have a question, which ceramic or glass pot for an orchid is better when planting or transplanting, give preference to the first option.

Today, there are glass pots of various colors, shapes and sizes on sale. . Most often they are used for growing Fiji orchids, phalaenopsis and other small plants.

Leuchus system with automatic irrigation

The modern market for such products offers another convenient and decorative option for planting orchids of any kind – lechuza.

The set of such planting pots includes several components:

• cache-pot of lechuza;
• separator;
• soil lechuza-pon;
• automatic watering system.

Principle of Operation

The separator installed in the cache-pot is filled with substrate, then the plant is planted. The first two weeks it must be watered superficially until it takes root. Then pour water into the tank to the full mark. Further, the automatic watering system itself will take care of the plant’s needs for moisture.

According to the device, such containers are different: some provide for lower watering of the plant through the roots, others – for moisture to leak out on the sides of the substrate. Some systems additionally have a special drainage, which provides an even supply of water – expanded clay or polystyrene.

A double flowerpot with water tanks, from which the plant consumes moisture, provides effective and balanced soil moisture. In this case, the risk of drying out and waterlogging is excluded. Therefore, in your absence, the plant will not suffer from drought or overflow, and will retain its healthy and decorative appearance.

DIY handmade containers

You can make a pot yourself

Some flower growers manage to make flowerpots on their own from improvised materials. You can make such a capacity easily and without special knowledge from several materials.

Made of glass

Indoor orchid grows well in a glass container that you can make yourself. This capacity is perfect for growing a large vanda orchid, which has massive and long roots. The main condition is compliance with the rules of irrigation, because in such a pot there are no drainage holes. The roots are placed just above the bottom of the vase.

Pour water into the vase and leave the plant for 20-30 minutes to drink. We noticed how the root turned green on the plant – this is a sign that the plant has received the necessary dose of water and it is time to drain it.

Glass is not the most successful and suitable option, as it does not allow moisture and air to pass through. Therefore, many flower growers advise using other materials for the manufacture of planting containers.

Coconut

This is an ideal flower pot for growing small (miniature) species. Natural material will provide good air circulation and moisture permeability.

To make it yourself, you need one fruit. Cut it in half, drain the coconut milk, then carefully peel the coconut flakes with a sharp knife and make several holes in the coconut half.

Lower the root system into the container, pour the voids with a mixture of moss-sphagnum and small-fraction pine bark. You can hang such a small flowerpot on your terrace, balcony or in any other convenient place.A coconut planter will be a great addition to your interior.

Lack of a pot – the roots will easily grow through the drainage holes, growing into a rough surface. This will create a problem in the process of transplanting and propagating the flower, since it will be problematic to separate them from such a surface without damage.

Made of plastic

The most affordable material is plastic. For the manufacture of plastic containers, you can use any container made of plastic of any color. But it will be more correct if you choose a transparent container for mayonnaise, sauce or yogurt.

Using a screwdriver, drill or any other tool, make several holes in the bottom of the container and in the walls.

For To improve air exchange in the middle of the bottom, you need to insert a plastic cork from under the champagne. A flowerpot concave at the bottom will ensure even distribution and aeration of the roots.

A transparent flowerpot can be placed in a large glass pot or equipped with a flat tray with pebbles or expanded clay. So you will provide flowers not only with full growth, but also with development in a decorative container.

Corzie s

Production of a container made of different materials -. stainless wire mesh, bamboo, plastics or wood

To eliminate the risk prirastanie roots, an inner surface made smooth. At the bottom, the roots are placed, sprinkled with a substrate. The voids are covered with sphagnum moss.

When growing a plant in this way, do not forget about regular and frequent watering. Because moisture in the trellis pot will evaporate quickly.

If you don’t have such materials at hand, you can use commercially available mesh baskets.Before planting the plant, make several holes in them to drain the water and ensure good breathability.

Conclusion

The containers for planting this plant are made of different materials, and it’s easy to choose the right one . When choosing, pay attention to the peculiarities of cultivation and the external data of the oridea. Its further health, development and flowering will depend on this.