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Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid)

shazza 3shazza 3 Posts: 197
in Problem solving
hello. I have two of these plants in clear pots that need repotting due to the roots growing underneath of the pots. Unfortunately, I've been unable to find clear pots in any of the garden centres where I live. We just don't have that many garden centres left here anymore. My only option is to buy online, however I feel that I will probably pay more for delivery than the pots actually cost. I've read that these plants prefer clear pots to other pots and I'm not sure what to do now. Any suggestions ???
thanks
shazza 

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Clear pots aren't essential as long as you know how to look after the plant properly. I'd just use a clay pot or an opaque plastic one with extra holes for now and keep an eye out for a clear pot locally to change it into later. They photosynthesise a bit through the root but as long as they have healthy leaves they won't miss it. Or you could try a Kocedama style planting project and see how that goes.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • shazza 3shazza 3 Posts: 197
    if they are not in clear pots, how do you see if all the excess water has drained away properly ?? i though that's why they needed clear pots ?  
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Clay pots are porous so as long as the media is free draining and you know how to water properly then there's less risk of excess water. There's always pros and cons though https://orchidbliss.com/terracotta/ 

    If looks aren't a problem then you can always cut up a plastic bottle to make a clear pot.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • shazza 3shazza 3 Posts: 197
    I use special orchid compost that's more like bark than traditional compost that helps to drain away the water. what is kocedama style planting that you mentioned in your first reply ??? 
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited March 2023
    The need for clear pots is so that the roots can contribute to photosynthesis and moisture & food uptake.  The orchids don't need a big pot, so if the roots coming through the bottom make the plant unsteady, just trim them back.

    Also, an established plant will have many aerial roots waving about outside the pot, with relatively few inside the pot.

    Regarding watering, I water my phalaenopses (rain water of course, or in extremis dehumidifier or clothes-dryer condensate) once a week, leave for about an hour, and then drain the cache-pot.  You have to look to see the drained water.  With a special orchid pot, the drainage holes are raised a tad and any small excess is no problem.

    With a clay pot, the roots will cling to the surface and you will have difficulties next time you repot.

    I make my own compost, approx 2:2:1:: very porous bark from a chamaecyparis I felled : hydroleca (porous fused clay) : coir
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • shazza 3shazza 3 Posts: 197
    ok thanks for all the replies
    shazza
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    In basic terms the Kokedama technique makes a pot out of moss so it mimics the natural habits of the plant. There are loads of guides which can explain it better than I can. Have a look here https://orchidbliss.com/kokedama/
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    There was a good recent video on the RHS YouTube in case it helps further 
    https://youtu.be/a7Sge6p5FEI
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
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