Ceramic Display Pots

[The Orchid Kid]

I have all my plants in plastic pots, but want a few ceramic display pots to put the plastic ones inside.

I had some issues recently with orchid outer pots that I sat my plastic ones in. The problem was the fit was so good it kept any air out. The net result was that the roots could not breathe and the medium would stay wet a long time.

So what I am after is pot that has holes in to allow more air in and around my plants. A bit like these...4" Ceramic Orchid Pots

I am UK based so local suggestions are the ideal.

thanks

[silken]

I'm sorry this isn't local to you but our Home Depot's sell this exact looking pot for just a few dollars. I thought it must be a mistake the first time I found them. I'm assuming you don't have Home Depot or Walmart which also has some. Possibly a similar type store in your area. Those are easy to find here.

[The Orchid Kid]

We have Asda that is owned by Walmart I think, but those kind of pots I have never seen in the UK, sadly.

[Stray59]

Have you tried making your own? Find a good outer pot that you like and get a masonry drill bit that is made for drilling through ceramic tile, concrete, etc. - they are not that expensive or you could borrow one if you know someone who works in such construction.
If the pot is glazed on the inside, you will need to ship the glaze where you want the hole - just take a center punch and lightly tap it with a hammer until you have just broken through the glaze.
Put a little water in the pot to act as a lubricant for the drilling and to disperse the heat build up - place the spot you are drilling flatly on a piece of wood for support and so that you don't drill through into your floor (I have drilled a hole in my floor a couple of times).
Then start to drill - put a medium pressure down on the bit - you don't want to "break through" the pot, but to drill through it - take your time and slowly let the drill grind it's way through. If you are careful you can do this with minimal damage to the pot.
Once you get good at this you can drill any ceramic pot so that it will drain.
Steve

[The Orchid Kid]

That's a good idea Steve. I had pondered it, but I might make more of a mess. Maybe I'll try it on some cheap pots first...or my Dad is a joiner, so I reckon he would be ideal to help, being handy with a drill. I reckon joining a few holes up and then using my dremel I could get some pleasing shapes that are not simple holes.

Still on the look out for ready made ones though, so UK orchidphiles (is that a word?!) lemme know if you know anywhere.

[cbuchman]

I've often used good looking terracotta pots and put additional holes all the way around with a masonry bit and electric drill. Patience is needed - drill to fast and the pot cracks. I've been quite satisfied with this low cost approach.

[AnonYMouse]

I want to add to Stray and Carries posts.

When I drill holes in ceramic, I immerse the pot in water. 1.) as a coolant 2.) keeps mess to a minimum.

Drill a pilot hole first. Reduces chances of knocking out big chunks.

Keep in mind, not all ceramics are equal. Terra cotta is very easy to drill. I had another type (sorry, don't know all the types of clays and aggregates) that took at least 1/2 hour to drill a pilot hole in 2-3 mm of material (my teeth were worn down to nubs. I kid but it was hard on the arms and back).

[The Orchid Kid]

thanks for all these tips, what a cracking forum that I can post such a specific query and get such generous replies!

[JamesEG]

I know this is an older thread but I might be able to offer some help. I've been looking for the same thing (although I don't actually have an orchid yet, new to all this but I like to be prepared) I'm not sure if it's exactly what you want but I have come across this website:

lcceramics_pedestal_jardiniere- gallery

The pots look good and have the gaps/holes to allow air flow in the pot. Unfortunately, the website does not actually sell the pots, although on the saleroom it says 'saleroom coming soon', so I'm guessing that they will be on sale soon. You could always send them an email to find out.

I also found these, it's on eBay... and they have just round holes but they still look good I think --> Royal Botanical Gardens Kew Orchid Pots | eBay

Hope that helps

[lornaheath]

Hi to you Orchid Kid,

I have the ideal perfect Pot for you. It gives you complete Freedom for the Roots. Lets the air in, the water out and as much freedom as the roots want.

I am too new to be able to put any pics on here yet and I don't know if I am allowed to put my website on, so I won't. Don't want to get thrown out on my first day.

Please message me for the details and all your worries will be solved in a magical way.

Lorna
x x x