phal pot and humidity

[buffalo]

How much humidity do phal like?
What kind of pots best Clay orchid pots, clear plastic pots??

[kiki-do]

I think all orchids love at least 70% humidity, but they don't always get that. I grow alot of phals here in Maine, and seldom give them enough humidity, but they still love me and thrive.
The pot question is just a preference thing. I have orchids (and yes, phals) in both clay and clear plastic. I love the clear plastic, cause I can see how the roots are doing and when the plant is getting dry to water. But clay pots are prettier, help keep my phals from being too wet, and are more solid, so they hold the plant in place better should there be a wind gust. And I honestly think phals love clay as they just seem to have roots coming out all the holes and they love to hang on tight.

[Judi]

I agree with kiki, it's all about preference. I mostly like to use clear pots with drainage slots in the sides as well as on the bottom of the pot. This way I can monitor what's going on in the pots, then I put many of them in a larger clay pot which is more stable than plastic. I make sure there is plenty of space for air circulation between the plastic and clay pots. Large phals need clay pots because they are really top heavy, but they are hard to repot without breaking the pots when the roots start wonderng through the drainage holes. I use a bark medium for all my chids not sphag.

[Anthony]

I mostly use plastic pots which I then "embed" in a another plastic pot which is sitting in a decorative pot (for example a big transparant vaze filled with moss, sand, etc.)

When I want to check if I need to water him I just take out the pot where the phal is in.

[Louder Than Hell]

I use clear plastic so I know when to water, otherwise that may be a problem for not experienced orchid lover as me. Also rots clinch to clay and may be difficult and traumatizing to transplant the next time.
By the way clay under the sun can get really hot, just to remind that

[jkhom]

I also like plastic pots, so that I can see what's going on with the roots. I put the plastic pots into clay for the weight and aesthetic value.

[Ray]

One should balance their flower-pot "preferences" with the rest of their culture!

For example, if you are in a very humid part of the globe, a plastic pot might be too restrictive of evaporation, so clay might be better, especially if the readily-available media components tend to hold water well and restrict air flow, or you like to water a lot.

By contrast, a plastic pot might be "just the ticket" for dry areas, for open media, or lazy waterers - or combinations thereof.

Oh yeah. Don't forget the needs of the plant in that equation!

[buffalo]

I'm trying to up the humidity by placing them on small glass bowls with water on the bottom and the phal sitting above the glass bowl leaves. No wet feet
I also have one sitting above a betta fish bowl.
I'll see how they like that