Orchid Pots for Phals

[labyrinth1959]

I want to get some new pots for repotting my phals. I'm leaning toward the clear plastic pots because I would like to be able to see the root growth. I have some questions for the experienced growers. Would you suggest slotted pots; pots with only vent holes in the bottom; would you drill a lot of holes in the sides? I notice that there is pot available that looks particularly interesting called a dual oxygen core pot. Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

[estación seca]

It depends on what your climate is like and how hot/humid your growing area is. Faster drying due to lower humidity/higher temperature, fewer holes in pots.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Do you have a hydroponic store near you? All those dual oxygen core (DOC) pots are is a hydroponics net basket set inside a clear plastic pot. At the 5-inch size, the baskets are much less than a dollar each (lets say 75 cents). The clear plastic pot can be just a clear deli food container with holes drilled or punched into it (free). Or, my local Lowes sometimes sells clear plastic pots (probably less than a buck at that size).

My point is that you may be able to get the same thing for a lot less money locally if you look around.

I sometimes "Windows"-shop on Repotme (that is where I saw the DOC pots), but their high prices keep me from buying.

[H.L]

It depends on your watering schedule. I tend to be heavy handed on watering, so I have my pots drilled as many holes as possible at the side and button. I plant my big orchids in those 10kg honey buckets by drilling many holes on it. I believe as long as it is food grade container and thoroughly cleaned, it is safe for my orchids. No need to buy those expensive pots. Orchid growing is an expensive hobby.

Also clear pots are definitely recommended because most orchids are epiphytes. Their roots perform photosynthesis. Extra airflow is beneficial as long as we keep up with the humidity.

Good luck with yours!

PS: I grow phalaenopsis.

[Ray]

There is no single answer that covers all. Your goal should be to meet the needs of your plants through an appropriate combination of pot, potting medium, growing conditions, and your watering habits. Then, if you consider that a change in one of those five parameters will lead you to change others to compensate for-, or take advantage of that change, you can see that you have lots of options available.

It should also suggest that "one size does NOT fit all," and that just because something works well for one individual, it has no bearing on whether it will work for you.

[bil]

These are what I like to use. They are about 35cm wide, and about 15 cm deep. I plant the phals in coarse (2") bark that has been sieved, so there is no fine stuff in there.
They are watered three times a week. It's impossible to overwater them like that.

[Leafmite]

I do not have many Phals but the ones I have are in basket pots (medium-red lava rock). I have grown them in clay pots, too, but I like seeing the roots.