Best pot for repotting orchids
 

I consider myself a beginner, even though I've had orchids for several years. I need to buy some new pots and I'm wondering if someone would recommend the best type of pot for repotting orchids? Has anyone tried the Oxygen Core Dual pots - if so, do you recommend them?

I haven't used those pots but I know of people who have used them successfully. Before recommending a type of pot it would be important to know the type of orchid, growing conditions (indoor, outdoor, greenhouse, windowsill) and what kind of growing medium you plan to use in the pot.

If you're doing Phals, Dens, Catts, Oncs, Milts, and Mltnps, a clear plastic pot is good.

If you're doing terrestrial orchids - it depends.

As Tucker85 says, it would be best to know your watering habits, and also take into consideration in what part of the country you're in. Pennsylvania conditions are a lot different than Florida's for instance.

Pennsylvania temps are moderate, and the sun is also moderate, as opposed to the searing heat of the midwest. Probably watering once a week would be sufficient, unless the temps to into the high 80's or 90's, like they have this summer. Then daily would be necessary.

If you like to water a lot, then clay pots would work for you. If you can only water once a week, than clear plastic pots would work. If you can only water on the fly, than plastic pots with a lot of sphagnum would work. If you like to grow in baskets, and can water every day, then baskets are the way to go.

Your own watering habits will determine what type of pot is best.

i agree with what has been said above.

im also from PA. where in PA are you? the susquehanna orchid society annual show is coming up, and it would be a good opportunity to get pots without having to pay for shipping.

i just use whatever i have on hand, and the orchids dont seem to mind. but keep in mind that with clay you will have to water more often than plastic. and clear is good so you can monitor roots, but if you have pots the right size that arent clear? by all means use them!

Thanks, everyone, for your answers.

I try to water weekly and mist once or twice a day, more for the mounted plants. I think I will try the clear pots. It would be interesting to be able to see the roots. I often pull the plants up out of the pots (which may not be a good thing :blushing:) to see how the roots are doing.

Bob, I live in northeast, central PA. It would cost less to pay shipping than to drive to Lancaster, but thanks for letting me know about the Susquehanna Orchid Show. I might try to go next year. I've been to the Philadelphia Flower Show (where I got my first orchid), but never to an orchid show.

too bad your not closer! im in the harrisburg area, so lancaster is kind of a drive more me too. but since i belong to the society, i kind of need to go, plus i will be submitting an exhibit. our meetings are in mechanicsburg, if that would be close enough for you to join :)

I think Mechanicsburg is over an hour away from me, but thanks for the invitation. I'm going to try and find a group closer to home. Our local fair is in two weeks and they have a huge horticulture building. I'm hoping I can get some information there.

I've been using ceramic orchid pots that I've found on Amazon and through Repotme.com for most of my orchids. However, my 3 terrestrials (2 Phaius' and 1 Cymbidium) I do not use them as they prefer pots that are much larger and being in plastic (phaius) or clay (phaius and cymbidium). I will say that if you want to decorate the pot you use, you could buy a pot that will hold your other pot so it's somewhat hidden inside.

Minda, there are a number of ways to "skin the (potting) cat". As has been said, you need to do an assessment of your overall culture - pot (how it affects evaporation), the medium (moisture-holding ability and "breathability"), your ambient temperatures, humidity, air movement, and light intensity, your watering habits - and how they can be adjusted to meet the needs of the plant.

I'm in PA too (Bucks county), and while my primary focus is semi-hydroponics, I also use and stock clear plastic pots, Air-Cone pots, ecopots, and for plant/culture combos that really like to breathe, EcoWeb pots.