Clay or plastic

[mimigirl]

I am carefully reading and noting watering and potting media requirements for all of my orchids. But i dont see any reference in the articles about type of pot to use. Does it matter if clay or plastic?

[Suzanne17]

I much prefer clear plastic so I can see roots and media. Also, I'm a bit of an over-waterer. I've heard others who tend to underwater like clay pots because they retain water.

[Ordphien]

Clay pots also wick moisture out, as well as absorb.
They can dry a media quickly if you so wish.
This can be great with cooler growing orchids. As the evaporation keeps the roots cooler.
I personally use plastic as I can set that in a decorative pot, and repot and water with ease

[MattWoelfsen]

I use plastic--lighter and easier to repot plants because the roots don't bond with plastic. Ironically for my cool loving orchids, I put my plastic potted plants in terra cotta pots.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by Suzanne17

I much prefer clear plastic so I can see roots and media. Also, I'm a bit of an over-waterer. I've heard others who tend to underwater like clay pots because they retain water.

Actually, it's just the opposite. Clay will "breath" so it dries faster than plastic. The "breathability" of clay allows the inside to dry out more evenly than what would happen in plastic. Clay is better for that but plastic is great for people who overwater...if they use clear plastic...because it allows them to see condensation w/in the pot so they can better tell when it's time to water vs waiting a bit longer.

I prefer clay for anything that likes to dry between waterings and/or those plants that are large and top heavy and plastic for anything that likes to have more consistent moisture.

[Fairorchids]

In order to water all plants on same schedule, I use a mix:

Plastic for those that should not go dry between waterings (Paphs, Phrags, Cymbidium & all seedlings in 3" pots or smaller).

Clay for Cattleyas, Dendrobiums & Lycastes.

Plastic net pots or baskets for Vandaceous.

[MattWoelfsen]

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

In order to water all plants on same schedule, I use a mix:

Plastic for those that should not go dry between waterings (Paphs, Phrags, Cymbidium & all seedlings in 3" pots or smaller).

Clay for Cattleyas, Dendrobiums & Lycastes.

Plastic net pots or baskets for Vandaceous.

As usual, excellent advice, Fairorchids! I did not realize Dendrobiums grow well in clay. I'll have to try that.

[Suzanne17]

Originally Posted by katrina

Actually, it's just the opposite. Clay will "breath" so it dries faster than plastic. The "breathability" of clay allows the inside to dry out more evenly than what would happen in plastic. Clay is better for that but plastic is great for people who overwater...if they use clear plastic...because it allows them to see condensation w/in the pot so they can better tell when it's time to water vs waiting a bit longer.

I prefer clay for anything that likes to dry between waterings and/or those plants that are large and top heavy and plastic for anything that likes to have more consistent moisture.

Wow, I wrote my reply late at night and I knew something was wrong about it. This is the reason I put all of my Tolumnia in clay...so they would dry before nightfall.

[cbuchman]

I generally use clay or even net pots placed in a clay pot for stability.

One other consideration when I choose: I use plastic when the orchid is very sensitive to salt build up. Clay does absorb salts from the water, fertilizer etc. You often see it as a white film on the exterior of the clay pot. For many orchids, this isn't a problem as you can leach it out. However some (like my Phrags) are salt sensitive. So they are better in plastic.

I also use clay for orchids that like to be consistently moist. For example, I have a couple of Cochleanthes. Cochleanthes have no pbulbs or other water storage mechanism, so they need a constant supply of moisture. I am having very good luck with a very open media (tree fiber, large chunk perlite with large orchiata bark) in clay pots. the pot is then placed in a saucer with 1/4" water in it. The clay wicks up the water and maintains even moisture. It seems to be working well as I have multiple new growths. I'll let you know when I get it to flower

That said, I've been experimenting with net pots and really love what they offer. The downside, is that you have to adjust your watering habits as they dry quickly. The upside is that you have something a little closer to the way the plant grows in nature, so they respond well.

They key is to choose based on the plant's needs and adjust your care to provide the appropriate moisture.

[mimigirl]

Cbuckman that is an intriguing method. Which other varieties have you potted in clay and set in a saucer? I bet i have a few that this might work. Thanks.

---------- Post added at 09:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:43 AM ----------

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to reply. I can use all the help i can get.