Finding the right pot for your orchid is key to keeping the plant healthy andproducing bloomsfor years to come.
Of course, you want a pot that complements your orchid and your living spaceandprovides the right growing conditions.
Heres our guide on what to do.
Most orchids are epiphytes in their nativejungle-like environments.
Orchid Pot Design
Orchid pots are primarily designed for excellent drainage.
Whenplants are watered, excess moisture should be able to flow freely out of the orchid potting mix.
This is normal activity for a great orchid container.
Look for an orchid pot with many small drainage holes in the bottom.
Orchids and houseplants are most oftenkilled by overwatering.
Plenty of Air Flow
Agreat orchid potmay have holes on the sides of the container.
These sidewall holes promote water drainage and encourage air movement around the plant’s root system.
This air movement mimics the wind and breezes that constantly flow around an orchid’s root system in nature.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the selection.
As long as the pot has many drainage holes, it is likely a good pot for growing orchids.
Different types of material have some advantages.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular.
Terra-Cotta Orchid Pots
Porousterra-cottaallows air and water to pass through the walls of these stone-like pots freely.
Their porous nature means orchid media will dry out faster, so you’ll likely need towater more often.
Terra-cotta pots are especially popular with orchid enthusiasts.
Clear plastic pots are popular with some orchid growers.
In nature, orchid roots are often exposed to light, and clear plastic pots mimic these conditions.
These types of pots are beneficial if you are prone to overwatering your orchid.
A clear plastic pot makes it easy to see if the potting media is moist before watering.
Ceramic Orchid Pots
Ceramic pots decorated with colorful glaze or artwork make lovely additions to any room.
When watering, remove the orchid from the ceramic pot to allow excess water to drain.
These basket-like containers loosely hold orchid roots and potting media, allowing air and water to pass through easily.
Mesh pots are best in humid environments to ensure plants don’t dry out too quickly.
Best Size for Orchid Pots
Orchids grow best in tight living quarters.
When choosing a new orchid pot, look for a container slightly larger than the previous pot.
Ultimately, the pot should be about the same size as the tangledmass of roots.
Orchid Repotting
Orchids benefit from repotting every one to three years or so.
The potting mix will break down over time, preventing it from physically supporting the plant and providing nutrients.
Also, healthy, actively growing orchids will produce fleshy new roots and outgrow their pots.
How to Repot an Orchid
Repotting an orchidis simple and takes just a few minutes.
Avoid repotting your orchid when the plant is in bloom or budding so you don’t stress the plant.
Here are the quick steps.
Plants and Gardening FAQ.
New York Botanical Garden.
An Orchid FAQ: How to Repot.
Orchids: Potting and Dividing.
New York Botanical Garden.
All About Orchids: Repotting.
“Indoor Orchid Care.
