Clear Pots?

[lovzmychids]

I have been seeing a lot about using clear pots to keep an eye on the root color, but I am not sure if I understand.

The Orchid's I have are in a container and then placed in a larger stoneware pot with rocks so they can get the humidity.

Am I suppose to put them in a clear plastic pot and then into their stoneware pot or am I suppose to set them in a rock tray and let the roots be exposed to the sun?

Also I wonder about this with my Cymbidium (Semiterrestrial) Am I suppose to let the roots be exposed to the sun? Will they not burn?

I am sorry if this sounds silly but I am just a beginner.

for any help,

L

[Ross]

Depends on the kind of orchid, I'd say. I try to grow as many of mine as possible in clear pots for the reason you state. My big Phal is in sun (sun gets to roots) as the roots will try to photosynthesise if possible (they grow in trees in nature). Most of the Paphs, Masdies, etc. that are in clear pots sit behind other plants that shade the clear pots as they don't like hot roots. Since you are only wanting to keep track of the roots, I'd suggest keeping the pots shaded. The outer pot is for esthetics only. Most plants should have air freely circulating around the pots.

[SamandAnne]

Hi...yes, often when people suggest clear pots, it s to be able to look at the roots to determine root health or to see problems as they start. It can also help you tell when to water, based on whether the root surface has become dry down in the pot or if they lower reaches of the roots still have moisture even when the top surface roots are dry. People put these clear pots into stoneware just because stoneware pots are decorative, and then just pull out the clear pot periodically to look at it.

There are clear pots with several drainholes at the bottom, vents on the side, and/or a raised inner section so that the orchids get air to their roots, too. I just got these for phals to help me have a better idea when to water and to be able to see root problems quickly.

I don't have experience Cymbidium specifically to be able to say whether the clear pot would to be in the stoneware to not burn or not...but I'm sure others on the board could tell you.

[lovzmychids]

Ross + SamandAnne,
Thanks so much for the in put.
L