Different clear pot

[bballr4567]

Ok, none of the places around here carry a clear plastic pot that would work for the older orchids I had. I wanted to go with the clear so that I could really get down the watering and not over or under do it.

So, I got two gatorade bottles, cleaned them out really good with bleach, let them dry and repotted the bigger phals. I made air slits in them, 3 in each about 2" long and 1/8" wide. Also punched a quite a few holes in the bottom.

I lined the bottom with some rocks and then repotted with moss as I hadnt got the orchid mix I ordered yet.

This should be ok right?

[Phal grower]

I would think so. Moss is always a bit tricky though so be careful.

[bballr4567]

Yea, its in there loosely for right now. They are being replanted tomorrow in some specific orchid mix from hausermanns.

[Merlyn]

Josh, I just posted a thread you inspired me to do ! "Homemade pots & how to make holes". Check it out !

Sphagnum moss is fine, the trick is to water it when the top gets crunchy. Unless it's a Bulbophyllum. They like it a bit wetter than that and probably some others.

[bballr4567]

Good info Chryss.

[tucker85]

I think your pots should work well as long as they aren't too large for the plant. I've become a big fan of clear pots over the last couple of years. Phal roots grow towards the light so the roots wind up against the plastic which has two advantages. It places the roots near the slits in the side of the pot so they get air and it makes them visable so that the grower can determine when to water. When the roots are green there's still moisture, when they turn white they're dry. I use the root color and the weight of the pot to determine when to water and it's worked really well for me. Good luck.

[Vanda lover]

I like to add Styrofoam peanuts to the bottom of the pot. It makes good drainage and a little air to help it dry quickly.

[tucker85]

I think your pots should work well as long as they aren't too large for the plant. I've become a big fan of clear pots over the last couple of years. Phal roots grow towards the light so the roots wind up against the plastic which has two advantages. It places the roots near the slits in the side of the pot so they get air and it makes them visable so that the grower can determine when to water. When the roots are green there's still moisture, when they turn white they're dry. I use the root color and the weight of the pot to determine when to water and it's worked really well for me. Good luck.

[bballr4567]

Yea, they are the mid sized bottles. The two I put in it are doing pretty good now with tons of new root eyes on one.

[DelawareJim]

Try quart take-away soup containers. Whenever we get Chinese, I always get a quart of Wonton soup. It comes in this great 5 inch wide x 6 inch tall clear plastic deli container. Drill a couple of 1/4 inch holes in the sides for Phrags or semi-hydroponic or in the bottom for regular pots and your good to go.

Besides, they're much more rigid and better looking than flimsy water or juice bottles.



Cheers.
Jim