How To Choose Right Pot For Orchids Plants

Choosing the right pot for orchids is crucial. There are mainly four types of orchids varieties. We have to select orchid containers according to the plant behavior and climate circumstances.

Depending on the material, size, and design, we can choose a wide range of pots on the market. The majority of the orchids are epiphytes. These plants are natively growing on the stems of the trees. 

Therefore plants roots are regularly exposed to winds, rain, and lights. Each orchid species has its unique traits and requirements. For orchids to thrive in their natural environment, they must be provided as many of these traits as possible.

Therefore, the correct pot mix and the right orchid pot are essential to select. Things that you should consider before buy containers to make your orchid happy.

How to choose orchids pots.

Material.

Container material is also a critical factor. These tropical climate plants prefer to grow on a less moisture-retaining soil mix. Breathable pots are more beneficial to the plant. Therefore your container material positively affects the orchid plant growth. 

On the market, we can see that several types of materials. The best materials are Terracotta (clay), wood, cement, plastic. 

Ventilation. 

The orchids’ pots must be well aerated. For this, pots should have holes. Though, well-ventilated not necessarily means that they have holes around the pot. If the pot is made out of porous materials such as terracotta or clay is a good solution.

Drainage. 

Good drainage essential. Orchids do not like to sit on a high moisture substrate. Make sure that the pot has suitable drainage holes at the bottom is more important. High moisture can lead to orchid root rot and increase fungus activities. This can end up orchid die.

Plant stability.

Maintain plant stability. Some of the varieties grow taller. Therefore your container should have enough weight to be stable.

Maintain potting mix temperature. 

Container material should support to maintain proper temperature level in the orchid potting soil. In natural habitats, these plants grow in warmer and dry locations that do not expose to high temperatures.

Light.

Orchids’ roots need light to thrive. In the native environment, these plants’ roots expose to partial sunlight. Make sure that your plant root receives enough bright light.

Size. 

It is essential to select the right size orchid pot. If the container size is too small for the plant, its growth reduces. If the pot is too big, plants’ roots struggle to find fresh air and light. 

Transparency.

Since orchids require larger particles potting soil, the container should support quickly check the substrate moisture level. Orchids do not like to grow in high moisture potting mediums. It can lead to orchid root rotting. However, it is not recommended to expose orchids’ roots to the direct sun.

Best material type for orchids pots.

Plastic pots.

Mainly we can find two types of plastic orchids pots. They are regular pots that have slightly thick walls and mesh plastic pots. 

Orchids can be grown in plastic pots in areas, where high moisture and cold regions for most of the year. Due to the holes in the plastic mesh containers, water is not retained in the orchid (mixture).

These pots have more holes so that the water is easier to drain and the air is easier to move between the plant and the environment.

Also, the air holes in the plastic mesh container allow the water to evaporate, making the medium easier to dry. Water retention never occurs in these containers.

These containers can be purchased at meager prices and can be easily carried around.

Clay orchids pots.

These clay flower pots are best suited for dry zone areas as they retain moisture in clay pots for a long time. Terracotta pots are breathable; therefore, they can easily absorb the orchid potting soil’s excess moisture. 

These pots add more beauty and appearance to the orchid plant and add more market value. However, with proper watering, terracotta pots can use high cold regions without much effort. 

Clay pots’ disadvantages are these pots can be affected by bacteria, algae, or mosses. However, if you carefully maintain these tropical plant, you should not worry about.

Woods pots.

This is another best orchids pots type. Generally, these containers are made out of lightweight slats. Since It is made of slats, so air blends well with the root system and potting mix. Also, wood is a breathable material; therefore, it can easily absorb the orchid potting soil mixture.

When you choose such wood orchid pots, always check your potting medium particles size. Some materials can easily fall out of the pot. At that time, you can use a mesh pad bottom of the pot to protect the orchid potting medium.

Ceramic pots.

This is another good alternative container for orchids. Ceramic pots walls apply a glaze. Therefore they are not breathable pots. Therefore it is not supporting to absorb the orchids potting mix moisture. 

However, these pots have a nice aesthetic look. 

Hanging baskets for orchids.

This type of orchids pots supports the growth of the plant. Since orchids take nutrients that they require to grow from the air. Hanging pots orchids plants aerial roots can easily capture nutrients and moisture from the air.

Advantages of transparent pots for orchids’ good view of the substrate and maintain orchid soil humidity. The disadvantage is the low weight of the pot; therefore, pots can easily move around with slight winds.

Do orchids need pots with holes?

Yes, orchids are a tropical climate plant it requires a dry potting medium. Therefore orchids pots require good drainage holes. Not only that, these tropical climate plants prefer mesh containers that easily blow air inside the potting mix. Orchids absorb nutrients and moisture from their aerial roots.

What is the best container for orchids?

The best pots for orchids are plastic mesh pots, woods pots made out of slats, or pots with good aerial holes around the wall of the pot. These containers help the air blending between the aerial roots and the potting mix.