Pots: transparent vs opaque

[Royal]

Just my two cents:

While the roots of epiphytic orchids have the ability to photosynthesize, I'm not convinced that clear pots translate to better root growth due to increased photosynthetic activity. It's possible, but I'm a skeptic.

I understand how in nature, the roots may dangle in the open air and receive ample light. But not all of the roots receive light, and some are so crowded and shaded by ferns, broms, moss, algae, etc. that the roots exist in near darkness - like an opaque pot. I've had plants that love to put out aerial roots, and some that grow right down into the pot. Opacity of the pot has never been a factor, and I get Cats to fill both kinds of pots with roots (usually down near the bottom). Also, some propagators have described a benefit from a darkened medium and found that epihpytic orchid roots sought out an opaque medium more readily than the same medium minus the dye, stain, or charcoal. I'm not sure I buy into this anecdotal argument either, but it would seem to contradict a benefit from root light exposure.

Having said all that, I do prefer clear pots. Being able to monitor root growth, and more importantly moisture level and media, has improved my culture which, in turn, has improved my root growth. Again, I may be wrong, but I believe that we would be taking a leap by confusing the ability to photosynthesize with a preference for it.