Silicone Treated Clay Pots

[zomorph]

I really like the look of the Mandel Pot sold by ikea ( I tried to put a link in this post but the site kept blocking it) The description says that it is silicone treated and they are water proof. The reason that I am looking at clay pots is because I prefer them over plastic ones because they breathe more, but I really hate the look of the traditional terrcotta cone shaped pots.

Any idea if this pot is going to act like a plastic pot and not "breathe" like a regular clay pot?

[judith_arquette]

My guess would be that if it's treated with silicone and waterproof it's not going to provide any air flow and "breathe" the way an untreated clay pot would...

[Hiester]

Originally Posted by judith_arquette

My guess would be that if it's treated with silicone and waterproof it's not going to provide any air flow and "breathe" the way an untreated clay pot would...

Agree.

[Subrosa]

Need to find GoreTex pots..........

[Orchid Whisperer]

I looked "Mandel pot drainage" photos up and these pots don't seem to have drainage holes. You could drill your own holes but the sides will still not be breathable.

There are terracotta pots that are not the traditional shape. Have a look online.

[WhiteRabbit]

There are clay orchid pots, azalea pots, and bulb pans - all of which are quite suitable for most orchids, and not the usual "flower pot" shape - they are shallower, and the bottom of the pots are only slightly narrower than the rim. They can be more difficult to find - especially the larger ones (over 6"). I do sometimes see larger clay azalea pots around, tho (more so than the orchid pots or bulb pans). I also use plastic azalea pots and bulb pans. (Don't be afraid of plastic pots!)

[zomorph]

Thanks everyone for the info!

Originally Posted by Subrosa

Need to find GoreTex pots..........

What are GoreTex pots?

[cbuchman]

I too prefer clay pots, and have learned some techniques that have helped me. Especially for smaller pots, use a masonry drill and enlarge the hole in the bottom. I often find that the small bottom holes can get clogged with potting media and so the pot fills with water resulting in root rot.

I've also been having some success using net pots that I place inside a clay pot. This allows me to extract the net pot to examine moisture, root health etc, but I get some additional humidity around the root from the clay pot. I also get the weight of the clay pot to hold the net pot where I put it. If the net pot doesn't reach the bottom of the clay pot, so much the better - I can put the clay pot in a saucer of water for added humidity which really helps in the winter months when everything is indoors.

I must say it is very satisfying to see roots poking into and out of a net pot!

Also consider using a small piece of screen to cover the hole in the bottom of the pot - It helps with the clogging issue and also discourages "critters" from coming into the pot from the bottom. (Since I summer my orchids outdoors, I have to watch for this, especially before I bring everybody back inside for winter - the last thing I need is a "bug bloom" in my sun room!)

I agree with the above - I suspect that the silicone coated clay pots won't provide the breath-ability you are looking for.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Carrie, I also use the net pots as a sort of "root basket" inside of other pots. Since it is not a tight fit, there is extra air space around the pot, regardless of the type of pot.

I do find that roots extending from the net pot do "stick" inside the clay pot, but this is no worse than just using a clay pot "without a net". I may try using the net pots inside plastic pots in the future, especially when things start moving indoors this fall.