Using decorative outer pots
 

I know it's best to use plastic pots and I am switching to all clear pots. The problem I have is that on plants with tall bloom spikes, then tend to tip over easy so I use an outer clay or decorative pot to keep them standing. I also have them on a bed of pebbles for humidity.
My question - is it best to take the plastic pot out of the outer pot or does it make a difference?

First of all, welcome to OB! :)

Using an outer pot is perfectly fine, as long as you don't leave any water standing in the bottom. After watering it's always good to either let the plant drain well before putting it back in the outer pot, or check the outer pot after an hour to remove drained water.

As for plastic, it's not necessarily 'best'. For Phals in particular clear plastic pots are great, but many orchids do well in clay pots. It's more a question if the clay dries out the medium too quickly for you or not.

:welcomeflowers: Glad you found us!

I have a number of orchids potted in plastic pots, but set in a clay or ceramic pot for stability - I even now have one that is potted in a clay pot, but beginning to grow over the side a bit, and in spike and bloom, set into a slightly larger clay pot to keep it upright for the time being.

If the outer pot has drainage holes there shouldn't be a problem - if it does not, make sure to take the plant out for watering, and allow it to drain for a bit after watering before putting it back.

Thank You Camille....
Some of the outer pots don't have a drain hold so those I probably should not use.
Since I am using the pebble humidity trays, I was a little concerned about the water wicking back up into the clay pots, is that OK?
Im a bit concerned about over watering since my first few orchids met with their demise from me over watering them,.
I have done more studying since then but still trying to be cautious about the moister issue.

Also, Im getting to to different orchid types so is there a good orchid care chart that shows all the care needs of each specific orchid type? I have a hard time remembering which one has what needs.
Thanks!

Create an excel spreadsheet adapted to the info you want. That will help out.

As far as wicking water back to the plant, we call it it s/h or semi-hydroponics. And yes, for some species, most actually, it's great! But it takes patience and practice to learn the technique as with any orchid growing method. Orchids not accustomed to s/h or that amount of moisture will often suffer until they get used to it, so be forewarned.

If you are using just pebbles then there shouldn't be an issue. It's if you are doing s/h there might be a problem. Though clay pots do absorb moisture.

Is a phal in a clay pot with holes okay?

I use glazed ceramic decorative pots as my weighted holders and they work great. Not sure where you are located in the world, but go to amazon.com and look for orchid pots. You should see some of the decorative ones I'm referring to . They have holes on the sides as well as a drainage hole and a drainage tray that holds some run-off water.

The info I have read says that you never want the roots to touch the sides of a glazed pot. I was wondering though since some have slits in the sides, is it better for air flow if you don't have the plastic pot covered. I've seen the terra cotta orchid pots with holes, are those just as good as the plastic ones?...at least they don't tip over.

Hello and welcome.
Using an outer pot without holes is not a problem as long as there is an air space between the wall of the decorator pot and the planted pot and no water stands in the bottom.
Joann