Potting: Does a ventilated ceramic pot require an inner plastic pot

[Markey-P]

I know nothing - but I am a dead keen beginner.
I have bought some lovely orchids - they are root bound in cheap non-ventilated plastic pots. I have bought some lovely ventilated ceramic pots (see pics).
Can I re-pot them directly into these ceramic pots or should I first pot them into a ventilated plastic Orchid pot then put them into the ceramic pot?

[DirtyCoconuts]

So those are Dendrobiums and they do not need the extra spacer you describe as long as you use an appropriate medium for your environment and watering style

[Roberta]

They certainly can be potted directly into the decorative pots. But... think long term... at some point you're going to want to repot. If roots cling to the pot surface, that may be not so easy, those are lovely pots. So if you pot them into those ventilated plastic pots and then drop into the decorative pots, you preserve the pretty pots. Either way works - Dendobiums like those don't tend to become large and potbound quickly. But you do want to think ahead to what the situation will be two or three years down the road.

[Markey-P]

Thank you Roberta and Dirtycoconuts for your help.
Stuff to think about
As I only bought them 2 days ago I will let them sit for a while and then I will do something - I dont know what. They will be tight (there are two of them, you can almost see the second in the photo) they are tight already. But the plastic pot they are in has no ventilation at all, and I am finding it difficult to find holey pots the right size.
Decisions!!!!

[Roberta]

You definitely will want to get them out of those flimsy pots (and out of what looks like rather soggy sphagnum moss) , but do take the time first to find something suitable so that you don't have to disturb them a second time. A few days or weeks one way or the other won't hurt.

You really don't need side ventilation particularly, you want good drainage holes, and select a medium (such as bark) that will provide air and drainage. When you water, you want to do it thoroughly so that water runs through the pot - which flushes the root zone, and pulls air into the pot. And then as it dries between waterings, more air gets pulled in. Orchid roots really want "humid air" rather than "wet" and so that's the goal.

If your local garden supply shop doesn't have a selection of plastic pots, there's always the 'net.

[WaterWitchin]

I'd use an inner pot, just to make repotting easier. You don't necessarily need the inner pot to be ventilated, as long as it has drainage in the bottom of the inner pot. I'd just use a clear inner pot.

[realoldbeachbum]

Markey I am a newbie to growing orchids, so take everything I say with a grain of salt! I repot everything in ventilated clear plastic pots, then place the plastic in the decorative ceramic pot. This way, I can monitor the roots much better. (I am a root fanatic...been mentored by these folks on OB: If your roots are not healthy, your plant won't flourish.) Good luck growing. ROBB

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Markey- If you feel the need to have more ventilation in the plastic pots, you can always drill or cut (very carefully with a razor knife) more holes in the plastic.

[Laurie G.]

I know this is a late response, but if you’re looking for good orchid pots in all sizes, check out Kelley’s Korner Orchid Supplies and RepotMe. They will ship to you, or if you live in the eastern USA, Kelley’s Korner will bring your order to the winter orchid shows for you to pick up for no extra charge (in fact, they give a 10% discount for pre-orders to be picked up at a show).