Pots- opaque vs. clear

[KarlBrown74]

I've been doing a bunch of reading on s/h and one thing that has been unclear is the reasoning between using opaque or clear pots.

Does replanting an orchid grown in clear with green (photosynthesis) roots on the outside of the root ball cause issues? (No longer exposed to light)

I understand clear makes it easier to see solution levels, but are there other reasons?

[Ray]

That's the only real reason for clear (translucent) pots. Plants with chlorophyll in their roots can photosynthesize there, but it's not necessary.

The primary reason for using opaque pots (or putting the clear ones in a cover pot) is to inhibit algae growth, which is just an aesthetics issue.

[BettyE]

I grow in all clear pots now. I love to see the roots & the level of liquid in the pot...BettyE.

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by Ray

That's the only real reason for clear (translucent) pots. Plants with chlorophyll in their roots can photosynthesize there, but it's not necessary.

The primary reason for using opaque pots (or putting the clear ones in a cover pot) is to inhibit algae growth, which is just an aesthetics issue.

I ditto! And, as I posted somewhere, remember, with clear pots, only the roots near the outside of the pot receive light, all the others do not.

I think I still use some clear pots for my Phals only because I have so many.

[KarlBrown74]

Originally Posted by JMNYC

I ditto! And, as I posted somewhere, remember, with clear pots, only the roots near the outside of the pot receive light, all the others do not.

I think I still use some clear pots for my Phals only because I have so many.

Thank you for all the replies!

This was my main concern, is it detrimental to an orchid that has roots that have adapted to light, turned green & processing chlorophyll when you repot later and put the roots in the dark?

I like the idea of being able to see and monitor the conditions of the roots with clear.

I haven't tried s/h yet, but plan on using this method soon, and researching as much as possible first.

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by KarlBrown74

Thank you for all the replies!

This was my main concern, is it detrimental to an orchid that has roots that have adapted to light, turned green & processing chlorophyll when you repot later and put the roots in the dark?

I like the idea of being able to see and monitor the conditions of the roots with clear.

I haven't tried s/h yet, but plan on using this method soon, and researching as much as possible first.

I think, given we are each unique, also, our growing conditions, this is very individual specific.

I also think making sure air gets to the medium matters, again, hence official clay orchids pots are slotted, which is why using my hot knives, I try to emulate that re the plastic pots I use for my Phals.

"Listen" to the individual plants! They will "tell you" when they are happy, and, the more you learn, if they are not, why.

[Optimist]

I don't like the plastic pots because they are made of a material no orchid knows. I prefer the breathable terra cotta pot with slits in the side. I have very few phals. And they are mounted with crowns well above the pot so photosynhtasis can happen. Also, they are mounted in lava rock bark mixes, so there is terrific drainage. They grow outside and sometimes have one rain storm per night, hard enough to bring down branches. So far, no problems or incidents.

Keeping the crown high, and the leaves tilted so no water can build up seems important.