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Orchids need specially designed pots to show off and stay healthy.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
A traditional pot retains moisture, but for orchids to thrive, they need air.
“Youre mainly looking for aeration at the roots, saysTylor Rogers, co-owner of Arium Botanicals.
A well-aerated pot typically has side slats or drainage holes on the sides.
Credit: Amazon
Think of a kitchen colander or a hanging fruit basket.
Epiphytic roots want to grow out and crawl over something versus stay contained, Rogers says.
Avoidpotting soilat all costs with orchids.
Credit: Lowe’s
It smothers or drowns out your orchids root system by compressing it over time.
What We Researched
Our list of the best orchid pots prioritizes aeration and drainage.
We made sure our picks included a range ofmaterials, sizes, and styles.
Credit: Food52
Dont forget to water the surface once in a while to flush out the roots.
Along with using the wrong pot or potting medium, inconsistent watering is another common orchid growing mistake.
Orchids are a true Goldilocks plant; it requiresjust-right conditionsfor aerationandhydration to be at its best.
Credit: Amazon
Each sleek and sturdy pot features a self-watering design.
The consistent moisture also means consistent drying time for your growing mediumanother box ticked for orchid root health.
The matching drainage tray is sold separately.
Credit: Ferm Living
Theallen + roth Clear Orchid Planteris a no-frills pot, but dont underestimate it.
While it may be low priced, its design is thoughtful.
It allows for a fantastic check-in.
Credit: Anthropologie
Thats because the color of an orchids roots tells you a lot about the health of the plant.
Unhealthy roots are going to look soft and mushy and brown.
Just be aware thatits matching clear saucer is sold separately.
We named theSIN Cenote Hanging Planterour best splurge orchid pot because of its craftsmanship and effortlessly modern aesthetic.
The handmade planter features oversized aeration holes, a nod to natural swimming holes found in the Yucatan Peninsula.
We can imagine orchid roots scrambling through them and over the sides.
Because the pot is handmade, it may take a few weeks to ship.
You also have a few things to consider functionally.
Because its an indoor hanging basket, there is no bottom drainage hole.
Any extra air is going to be better than none, Rogers says.
Even if its on a microscopic level, its still allowing extra airflow, Rogers says.
In addition to the porous material, theHomArt Rustic Terra Cotta Potalso has aeration holes polka-dotted around its sides.
Your potting medium might slip through thicker gaps, and there is no matching drainage tray.
Orchids are commonly grown in baskets because of the stiff yet airy construction.
Typically, you see orchid baskets made of wood or bamboo, like thePanwa Hanging Orchid Basket.
But the basket that we named our best large pick is made of glazed ceramic.
Each ceramic basket is handmade, and you might see that delicate touch in its wiggly weave.
The vessel is shallower than other orchid pots.
Is there a growing benefit to using a square orchid pot over a cylindrical one?
The answer is no its a purely aesthetic choice.
TheLinnea Fruit Basketcan hold an orchid just as sweetly as it can table snacks.
There are four different colors available so you could choose the one that best matches your style.
These plants will all benefit from being planted in an airy orchid pot, too.
That said, its a good idea to size up your pot slightly to increase airflow.
Youre going to notice that [orchids bought from big-box stores] are growing in moss packed really tight.
Take that out and open it up to allow the roots to grow out.
Material
Orchid pots come in a variety of materials including plastic, terra cotta, and ceramic.
Plastic is a popular choice for orchids, especially clear plastic pots.
Terra cotta is a porous material that benefits orchids because it offers more air flow.
Ceramic pots tend to be more decorative and sometimes lack drainage holes.
Your Questions, Answered
Where can you buy orchid pots?
Others, like theallen + roth Clear Orchid PlanterandLinnea Fruit Basket, can be found at Lowes and Anthropologie.
Youll also find orchid pots at most specialty nurseries and local plant stores.
Can you use a pot without drainage holes for orchids?
Rogers recommends sphagnum moss or kiwi bark, because theyre both well-aerated mediums that dont compact.
Orchid bark is an excellent and widely available growing medium, too.
For added aeration, try adding looser moss in the mix.
you might also buy a proper orchid pot with aeration holes and place it inside a large decorative pot.
Who We Are
Kate Puhalais a writer and gardener based in Portland, Oregon.
Puhala has also written about tomato cages, weed killers, and gifts for gardeners.
