Repotting in glass bowl with bark/charcaol/rock

[hot77girl]

I have purchased several new orchids; and large glass containers with large opening at top; Since many say phals and others love glass for root light, I am going to give it a go. I am going to put small aquarium rock at bottom, then charcoal layer, then the bark. Finally the plant...anyone else have success with this?

[bil]

Originally Posted by hot77girl

I have purchased several new orchids; and large glass containers with large opening at top; Since many say phals and others love glass for root light, I am going to give it a go. I am going to put small aquarium rock at bottom, then charcoal layer, then the bark. Finally the plant...anyone else have success with this?

Well, in all the epiphytic orchids I have, the roots can't wait to burrow into the moss on their mounts. They head towards the dark every time, and never towards the light, so I really don't think they have green roots to photosynthesise, but rather to avoid light so they are tucked away in the media where the moisture and nutrients are.
Be careful not to keep the roots too moist.

I like having mine on mounts so that they dry out really fast.

[jkofferdahl]

Do those glass containers have drainage? If not then I think you'll have trouble keeping your plants alive.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I agree, if there is no drainage hole, expect trouble. Also a concern that you say the containers are large (usually the smallest container that will accommodate the roots plus a little growth are best).

Clear containers are not at all necessary fpr orchids. The roots may photosynthesize a bit, but this is far outweighed by (1) the photosynthetic function of he leaves and (2) importance of keeping the roots healthy for their main function, whch is nutrient and water uptake.

Most people that like clear pots prefer to be able to see the roots to determine when to water. I use opaque unglazed terracotta pots, and never have a problem figuring out when the plants need water.

[AnonYMouse]

Also, pretty clear containers means algae growth.

[Optimist]

Also since charcol is a dark color, through the glass, any sunlight passing through will create an inferno. Dark color plus glass equals passive solar energy.

[estación seca]

There are frequently photos in interior design magazines of orchids potted this way. While it is possible for an experienced grower to keep them alive, I think the plants in the photos are regarded as decorative arrangements that will eventually die.

[bil]

Originally Posted by estación seca

There are frequently photos in interior design magazines of orchids potted this way. While it is possible for an experienced grower to keep them alive, I think the plants in the photos are regarded as decorative arrangements that will eventually die.

True dat.

If you want something artistic, mount it on a piece of that aquarium wood they sell in fish shops.

[Subrosa]

I totally disagree that Phalaenopsis can't be kept long term in vases without drainage. I would rethink the choice of media however. I know someone who grows them very successfully in vases filled with large landscape pebbles. He waits until the roots are silver, fills the vase with lukewarm tapwater and lets the plant sit for 15-20 minutes until all the roots are nice and green and then pours off the water. When the roots turn silver he repeats. I think the ticket for success is using larger chunks of inorganic media to provide good and permanent air space in the root zone. All that said, drilling a hole in glass isn't that difficult with the right drill bit, a trickle of water, a good thick piece of glass to drill and the proper mindset.

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

I totally disagree that Phalaenopsis can't be kept long term in vases without drainage. I would rethink the choice of media however. I know someone who grows them very successfully in vases filled with large landscape pebbles. He waits until the roots are silver, fills the vase with lukewarm tapwater and lets the plant sit for 15-20 minutes until all the roots are nice and green and then pours off the water. When the roots turn silver he repeats. I think the ticket for success is using larger chunks of inorganic media to provide good and permanent air space in the root zone. All that said, drilling a hole in glass isn't that difficult with the right drill bit, a trickle of water, a good thick piece of glass to drill and the proper mindset.

Well, that makes one then. It's POSSIBLE to grow an orchid is a lot of different ways. However, I would still urge extreme caution. Without a lot of holes drilled into the glass there will still be no air CIRCULATION within the roots, which makes it a playground for bacteria and fungi. I like pretty things, but only if they function properly; a glass planter just won't.