Oxygen core pots

[MJ Orchid Woman]

Has anyone done head to head assessment of oxygen core pots versus standard clear pots? The increased aeration of roots seems appealing but they are much more expensive than a standard clear plastic pot. Are they worth the extra cost?

[Dante1709]

I don't really see why regular net pots can't be used, since what I've found when I google "oxygen core pot" looks like a net pot put into a clear plastic one.

[Ray]

Oxygen core pots appear to be nothing more than a net pot inside of a regular pot - not a bad idea; certainly not worth the prices that vendor applies to them.

Another alternative is the Air-Cone pot, or simply invert a small net pot in the bottom of a regular pot.

[LovePhals]

I have them and my plants do very well in them, I am sure my poor oncidium would have died and I placed in an oxygen core pot and is now doing very well after 2 years and hope to see flowers again. I don't think it's the only reason it is doing better now but it is very happy in the pot. roots are growing out of all the netting and the outer does provide some extra humidity. I think the reason for the price is a new idea others don't have. Although, I myself don't think it to be a ridiculous price.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I agree with Dante & Ray. From a local hydroponics supplier, I can get small net pots for just a few cents each. turn one upside down, stick it in any pot you like, you have an air cone pot.

For big pots, it is possible to stack air cone pots two deep to give a taller air core.

All that said, if $$ is no object, there is nothing wrong with the air cone pots.

[MattWoelfsen]

Rands Air Cone pots are very inexpensive compared to the thread's Oxygen Core pots.

Oxygen Core Pots: 3.75" = US$3.04 (picture from Repotme.com)



Rands Air Cone Pot: 4" Pot= US$1.25 (picture from FirstRays.com)

[mimigirl]

Air cone pot looks interesting. How would you compare that to using a clay pot?

[merkity]

I have found that strawberry baskets are wonderful, free and easy to cut when the time comes. especially in the case of an orchid with wide flat roots...

[NYCorchidman]

I am not a fan of both of those types.
The reason is simply because the roots get severely damaged at the time of repotting.

I mean, you can get around it by carefully cut the plastic part into pieces, but why would I do that when I can just use other pots without so much hassel?

The best pot, as far as the drainage is concerned, at the ones with mesh bottom. I'm not sure if that is the term, but this pot comes in green, black and even semi-clear version, but all are square.
I wish they had it in round shape, but oh, well.

Anyways, this pot has the best drainage.

Any orchid supplier website usually carry them.

[campchi]

If you want cheap clear pot, you can always recycle the 1L soda bottles...they work just as great. Cut in half and invert the cap top to the bottom part..get some holes for air, then you are done.