Plastic pots or Clay pots

[flhiker]

I have noticed that they put plastic pots inside of clay pots. Is this better or is it economics for growers? Do I repot the same way or just use clay?
Thanks

[dennis]

i do it on my brassia's to keep them from falling over. thats the only reason that i know of as far as preference i like clay looks over plastic. i know alot like the clear plastic so you can see what is going on. I also use nice glazed pots for the ones i bring out for display and give to my mom to enjoy. if it wasn't for price i would probably go with all glazed myself

[Charles]

Plastic pots also have the ability to shed all fertilizer. They do not hold moisture themselves and you can see how wet your potting medium is through a clear pot. Some like plastic baskets for vandas due to the fact that plastic does not rot like wood or husk. It can hold bark and other medium without having the rot issues itself. I have recently made the switch myself. I still like clay and wood, but plastic dresses up nice when displaying and is easy in between.

[PuddleMonk]

In hard water areas, stick with glazed or plastic. Clay pots become clogged with salt and minerals very quickly. I prefer the look of clay but sadly cannot use it here. I've actually spent more on decorative glazed pots than the plants themselves but they tend to make my non-plant-loving wife much happier since they look so much nicer than plastic.

Richard

[lore_tex]

I like the clear plastic pots so that I can keep an eye on the roots, but I also use clay pots for some of my phals. When I repot next time though, I'll use the clear plastic ones instead.

[markr]

Originally Posted by flhiker

I have noticed that they put plastic pots inside of clay pots. Is this better or is it economics for growers? Do I repot the same way or just use clay?
Thanks

You can make either work. I personally find plastic more convenient, especially transparent pots. I much prefer the look of clay pots though, like most people. There are some circumstances where you'd want to use a porous clay pot, such as for orchids that like cool roots (such as Disa) or for potting large plants in humid areas where large plastic pots won't dry out fast enough. Plastic also slightly increases the risk of overwatering, but it's easier to tell if you plant needs water with a plastic pot too (by weight or appearance if it's transparent).

Putting plastic pots inside of clay pots is really just an appearance thing. I do it when I want to display an orchid.

[CodiMN]

On a few of my phals I have them potted in clear plastic (so I can see what's going on), but then have those in glazed taller pots to act as a water/humidity catcher. I water my phals once a week in the shower, let them drip dry a little, fertilize and then put them back in their glazed pots. The glazed pots help to collect any other dripping water (I don't have them sitting on a humidity tray). Also helps keep them from tipping over when they are dry/lighter weight.

[Ross]

I use almost exclusively, plastic water-lily pots/baskets. The mesh openings are small and fine bark particles don't fall through so quick. Never use glazed and sometimes use clay, depending on the plant/species.