The real queen of indoor flowers is the orchid. Today it is at the peak of popularity. Pots with these diverse and exotic colors can be found in every third house. They are loved for their long flowering, delicate smell and luxurious clusters of buds. But in the content they are whimsical.
Flower description
The most common type of home orchid is phalaenopsis. Also on sale are more rare, for example, dendrobium. It is almost impossible to grow an orchid from seeds at home without special equipment. You can independently acquire a young plant, and with proper care it will delight the owners for many years.
Dendrobium
Home orchids need close attention. They require special conditions, proper watering and timely pruning. The plant is quite whimsical and susceptible to stress. Orchids need diffused sunlight and approximately the same temperature constantly. For the proper development of the root system, air access is needed. Before choosing a pot for an orchid, you need to remember all the features of growing a flower.
Pot Selection Criteria
Orchids are usually sold in thin plastic containers. They can last a short time. After the first flowering, the plant is recommended to transplant. The root system of orchids is well developed, so the transplant does not cause any problems. Of great importance for the further development of the flower is the pot.
Conditions to support:
- temperature condition;
- root aeration;
- outflow of moisture.
They are vital for such a capricious flower as an orchid.
Temperature
The pot must maintain an optimal temperature for the root system, avoiding overheating or excessive cooling. This means that in critical situations, the walls of the pot must retain the necessary heat for some time. The comfortable temperature for the orchid in the daytime is 23 ° C, at night 15 ° C.
Root aeration
When wondering which pot is needed for an orchid, it should be remembered that the roots of the flower need air access. Do not be scared if the roots grow up, climbing out of the pot. And even more so, do not push them inside or cut them off. This is a natural state of the plant, since the orchid is from the tropics, its aerial roots are intended for additional support and nutrition. Through the roots, the flowers receive moisture and nutrition.
For your information! It is convenient to track the moisture content of the plant by aerial roots. If there is a need for watering, then they acquire a pale green or silver-gray color.
Moisture
Proper watering and optimal humidity are a guarantee of the correct development of orchids. In case of violation of one of the conditions on the plant, various diseases can develop and pests start, because of which it will wither. The pot must ensure the outflow of excess fluid, while at the same time allowing the roots to accumulate the required amount of water.
Important! Do not allow moisture to accumulate, as this can lead to rotting of the roots and the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Types of pots
Orchid pots are produced in various styles. They differ in the material of manufacture. The most common:
- glass;
- transparent
- double.
In fact, the types and materials of which the flowerpots are made are much larger, but they are less common than the main ones.
Glass
Orchid pots made of glass look stylish and organically fit into any interior. But, unfortunately, they are only suitable for professional gardeners. In a glass container, it will not be possible to ensure a normal outflow of moisture and aeration for the roots. Experts will be able to monitor the optimal watering, but for fans it will be quite difficult.
Glass Orchid Pots
The advantages of this type of pots also include resistance. A tall orchid (flower in a pot) needs fixing of roots and a trunk, otherwise it can easily turn over and be injured. Glass containers are heavy, so they provide reliable support even to the most spreading specimen. In addition, glass perfectly saturates the root system with sunlight.
Transparent
Flowerpots for orchids, made of transparent plastic, will be a real salvation for beginner breeders. Tropical flowers need constant sunlight, as the roots of the plant are involved in photosynthesis. Through transparent plastic, it is easy to see problems in the root system. Also, by the color of the roots, you can determine when the plant needs watering.
Important! An orchid cannot be grown in the open sun. The rays coming to the roots must be scattered, otherwise you can bring the flower to death.
The disadvantages of transparent plastic pots include their lightness, as a result of which the orchid is unstable. To prevent overturning, you can put such a pot in an orchid pot. It will also help protect the flower from overflow.
Double
This view is also made of transparent plastic and combines a pot and a flower pot. It is more stable than the previous version. Also, a double pot helps to further diffuse sunlight, provides a drain of water and monitoring the root system.
Double plastic pots
Double pots can combine several types of material. For example, the inside can be made of plastic, while the outside can be made of metal or wood. Such flowerpots are unusual in their appearance, as well as reliable and practical.
Other species
Is it possible to plant an orchid in an opaque pot - a question that is often asked by beginners who do not have experience in growing these tropical beauties. Yes you can. Any orchid, even the most seemingly unsuitable container for this purpose, is suitable for orchid cultivation. Professional flower growers grow plants in ceramic, wood, metal, rubber, cement flowerpots. A garden pot is also used for these flowers. There are wicker planters and even knitted. Orchids transparent for orchids are also popular. The main condition for growing in unusual containers is the observance of the necessary criteria: moisture, air, sun. So the question is, is it possible to plant an orchid in an opaque pot, there is an answer: if there is no experience in growing, then it is not worth it.
Orchids in flat bowls
Size options
The size of the orchid pot is of great importance for the proper care of the flower. A large container for the plant is not needed. Often, inexperienced flower growers, seeing a large number of aerial roots, tend to transplant an orchid into a more voluminous pot. No need to rush with this, as the root system feels great in cramped conditions.
Also, when transplanting, you do not need to choose a large flowerpot. To the question, in which pot to transplant an orchid, there is a definite answer. You need to pick up a pot in diameter larger than the previous one by only 1 cm.
Note! Large flowerpots are used if it is necessary to make a flower arrangement, combining several plants in one place.
DIY pot making
Orchids in flowerpots created by your own hands will look wonderful. They can be made from an empty plastic container. If you approach this issue with intelligence and imagination, you can get a real work of art.
Orchids in wicker boats
Pot size
Starting to create an exclusive flowerpot, you must first determine its size. It must be remembered that too large can lead to an overdrying of the root system, in a small flower it can be crowded, which will also affect the proper development of the plant.
It is best to focus on the size of the pot in which the flower was before transplanting, and make it 1-2 cm larger.
Important! If it is planned to plant several flowers in a homemade container, then you need to take care of the internal separation of the root system. This is necessary if plant transplantation may be required in the future. When orchids are separated, the roots intertwined among themselves can be damaged.
Materials of manufacture
You can make orchid pots from different materials. The easiest and fastest is to make holes in plastic containers for food. In order to avoid organic decomposition, the future pot must be scalded several times with boiling water.
Adherents of eco-style can make pots from natural material: wood, coconut shell, stone. When transplanting orchids, a good drainage layer should be provided. This will not allow the roots to grow to capacity.
To create a pot, you can use various construction waste: plastic or metal pipes, shtaketin, nails. An important point in the manufacture of orchid containers is the ecological connection of parts.
Important! Glue can not be used, since toxic fumes can harm the plant.
If a decision is made to cast a pot of cement or gypsum, then at the time of manufacture it is worth making holes for aeration and outflow of moisture. After complete drying in this material it will be almost impossible to drill them.
What to consider
When a container for orchids is done with your own hands, it is necessary to provide for the observance of the conditions for flower growth. Holes for moisture, air and sunlight must be present in sufficient quantities. Sharp edges and stitching protrusions are not allowed. This will ensure safety not only to the plant, but also to the owner. And most importantly, do not make the pot too bright and catchy, otherwise attention will shift from floral beauty to man-made.
Due to the wide range of possibilities, flowerpots for orchids can be not only an addition to an exotic flower, but also a separate element of decor. It all depends on the taste preferences and possibilities of the grower.
