Phal potting options

[dadsorchid]

So Im looking to re pot, I have been reading about clear plastic or clay. Which one would be better?

[Jennyfleur]

Well, clear plastic lets you keep an eye on the roots, the water level and lets the root photosynthesise (just as they would clinging to a tree). Clay pots will be opaque and so won't offer these points. However, they will dry out quicker as the pot absorbs some water which then dries and so might be better if you are prone to over-watering. I've always used plastic pots but some people prefer clay - it's up to you in the end to see what works in your conditions

(Maybe someone who use clay can tell you more benefits)

[Orchid126]

It depends on your watering habits, as Jennyfleur says. If you like to water often, then the clay would be good. If you can't get around to watering that often, then plastic would suit you better.

[val_and_graham]

Adding to Jennyfleurs point, another benefit of a clear pot is that it allows you to fully view any algae build up throughout the depth of your (bark) compost -this will be usually visible as a green growth. There is nothing stopping you pot your orchid in a clear pot, and then just like those russian nesting dolls, you could stack the plastic pot inside a more visually appealing (clay) pot - getting the best of both options!
Let us know what you decide

[Wolfe4372]

i actually do a pot inside of a pot inside of a pot. sounds weird but the first pot is clear plastic and the second is clay so i can pull it out and look at the roots. the third pot is a much larger fancy pot with gravel in it, so it looks nice and acts as a humidity tray.

[grasshopper]

I prefer to pot in clear pots and nest them inside a prettier/clay pot. One, I like being able to see the roots and new root growth. And two, the clear pot allows me to see any moisture inside the pot. If I see bright green roots and moisture on the pot walls, I do not water. If I see lighter green/silver roots and dry pot walls, I water. So far, this "system" has worked for me and I have not over-watered an orchid in a long, long time.

[BobInBonita]

Most important thing is what Jennyfleur said: do what works for your conditions.

It's a deeper question than just plastic or clay, because the kind of media you use inside the pot modifies the effect of the pot. Example: a more moist medium with sphag in it will hold more moisture longer in clay and much longer in plastic.

Have to disagree with the comment that plastic inside of clay gives the best of both. The roots will not photosynthesize and they will not dry out any faster than a plain plastic pot - it is only a visual thing.

After all that - the third option is to use wooden slat baskets. I line mine with window screen so I don't loose any medium when watering. They give even more aeration and faster drying than clay. When roots grow through the slats, they are exposed to light and will photosynthesize.

But it all stills goes back to what Jennyfleur said - in different words - it's what works best for YOU and YOUR conditions, and what YOU like the looks of.

[Call_Me_Bob]

i agree with everything above.

what i do is i use mainly clear plastic pots. when one is in bloom and i want to display it, i wil stick the plastic pot inside another, so it pleases the eye. it also helps stabilize the whole plant