I'm sure you've heard it before...

[My Green Pets]

Thanks for following up! Good to hear the news.

[The Orchid Boy]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

Why would a clear pot make any difference?

Then I don't guess if it is dry or not. For me, it really does make a huge difference.

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by The Orchid Boy

Then I don't guess if it is dry or not. For me, it really does make a huge difference.

I find that the weight of the pot (and its contents~!) is a better indicator of how wet it is, not what it looks like. I can usually tell if something needs to be watered just by picking it up - even with my eyes closed!

I do prefer clear pots myself but that's because I want to see the roots grow. Rarely do I buy things that are clear so sometimes I have to go a while with the black or green ones.

[Mellee]

Well, clearly I'm no expert, but it seems to help me see any moisture pockets and determine watering needs, and helps sunlight penetrate to the roots, which I hear they like...

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by Mellee

Well, clearly I'm no expert, but it seems to help me see any moisture pockets and determine watering needs, and helps sunlight penetrate to the roots, which I hear they like...

Some orchids (like Phalaenopsis) have roots with chloroplasts and perform photosynthesis, some do not. It really depends on the type.

[Mellee]

Yes, mine is a Phal. So I guess that's why it was recommended to use the clear plastic pot. It is working.

[james mickelso]

My intent in asking is that weight is a much better indicator of moisture content. I try and get folks to learn what constitutes watering needs by other than sight. If you take the time to learn how to properly water your prizes you won't need clear pots. Just looking at your orchid, picking it up, noticing the little inuendos, will go a long way to growing prize orchids. And it is easy to do. I'm not against clear pots at all. But they can be a crutch.

[Mellee]

You may see that I originally began with a rotting orchid potted in soil. The Orchid sitter took me at my word about the 1x week and so even if it was wet, he watered. I get your point though, I can now tell, just by lifting the plastic pot out of the decorative pot that is is dry...by weight. Good tip!

[Mellee]

Okay, now we have sprouted a flower bearing (I hope), stalk. The plant seems to have gone into a rest since. Does she need some food, perhaps? Please advise, I am more anxious than I was when my cat had kittens!!

[james mickelso]

Most orchids are very slow growers. And even slower when it flowers. I have a noid that has been sloooooowwwwwwllllllyyyyyy growing a flower spike. It started last year and is just now producing flower buds. It grows a little, then stops for awhile, and then grows some more. Here's a couple of pictures. The first was from around august and the last two were yesterday. Did I say slowly? Phals grow slowly and produce buds even more slowly. But once bloomed......well, I think most flower for months and months. Worth the wait.