Elegant, fragile exotic orchids attract attention with their beauty and do not leave anyone indifferent. Caring for them is not as difficult as it may seem to many. Most importantly, you need to choose the right pot for the orchid.
Orchids, types of orchids
Conventionally, all these flowers can be divided into two groups (species). The first type is the most common - it is epiphytic orchids. Under normal natural conditions, they grow directly on trees, branches of fallen trees and stumps. The second type includes lithophilic orchids. They prefer to settle on rocks and stones, i.e. in any area with rocks and stones.
The following orchids are among the most common, beloved, and widely bred flower growers : Dendrobium (Cypress shoe, the most cultivated), Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, Polistachia (one of the oldest), Paphiopedilum (growing in the Himalayas), Aerides, Beallaria, Cumbria, Milton Wanda, Ludisia and many others.
Most of them are well grown indoors as well, subject to certain special conditions for caring for these delicate and surprisingly beautiful plants. Choosing the right vessel for the flower is especially important. Which orchid pots are better?
How to choose a pot?
To make the place of residence at home for the orchid comfortable and convenient, you must do this in accordance with all the rules. First of all, in order to determine which pots are needed for orchids, you need to remember in what places this flower grows in nature in order to arrange the conditions closest to them at home.
Orchids usually cling to a variety of supports created by nature itself - the trunks of various trees and rocky rocks. Their roots are well ventilated (
photosynthesis takes place in them
). In this regard, the orchid will be comfortable in a transparent and maximally transparent air and water pot.
Pots for orchids. Which orchid pots are better?
Today, ceramic pots are very popular. But they are not suitable for orchids, since ceramics pass the air very poorly and the water in it stagnates. In addition, in such pots it is not visible what the state of the root system is, and this is the first necessity when growing orchids.
There are several options. Each grower must decide which pots are needed for orchids.
You can use glassware.
Orchids are very convenient to grow in transparent plastic pots.
An ideal option for these delicate plants is a wicker pot, especially if it is made with natural materials.
There are also plastic blocks (new items). They are equipped with lattice walls convenient for orchids.
Plastic pots
The best of all options is the use of clear plastic pots . Why?
Firstly, you can make any number of holes for root ventilation in it. This is necessary to prevent an excess of moisture (otherwise the roots rot) and for oxygen to reach the roots.
Secondly, such a material perfectly transmits the sunlight necessary for the photosynthesis process in the roots.
Thirdly, the affordability for all gardeners and a variety of shapes and colors for selection to the interior design of the room.
Glass pots
Glass pots look more effective. But they are more expensive. And the penetration of sunlight into them is better.
However, there is a significant drawback in them - the inability, if necessary, to make additional holes for the best option for ventilation. Thus, in such pots it is difficult to provide the orchid with an optimal moisture supply regimen.
In which pot is it better to plant orchids after processing? Perhaps in transparent plastic.
Orchid Processing Rules
If you find the answer to the question which pots are needed for orchids, you can safely do transplanting and planting a flower.
When transplanting a flower as it grows in a new pot, some rules must be observed:
1. To simplify the removal of the flower from the pot, it is necessary to mash the dishes in order to facilitate the removal of the plant from the container without any damage. If it is impossible to do so, it is better to take out the flower by cutting or breaking the pot. It is better to get rid of the old substrate and capacity.
2. Carefully cleanse the roots. The condition of the roots can tell a lot about the health status of the flower. If the roots are thick and highly intertwined, then the orchid is in perfect order. True, it is not easy to separate the substrate and unravel the fragile ball from the roots. It will take a lot of time and patience. With a small number of roots, it is worth considering: this means that the flower is possibly sick or weak.
3. Perform root treatment. Trim rotten and dry pieces, clean from ingrown bark. This can be done easily and quickly, if you first lower the roots of the orchid in warm water with potassium permanganate for 20 minutes. Cleaning can be done without taking the roots out of the water. If it is not possible to remove the entire bark, you can leave it to prevent damage to the entire root system. Tools (knife or blade) must be disinfected with alcohol. Also treat the places of cuts (activated carbon, garlic solution and alcohol-free antiseptics).
4. Removal of old leaves and dry peduncles. This is most conveniently done as follows: cut the leaves along the shared vein and gently pull the ends in opposite directions. Remove dry peduncles, leaving a small lump about 1 cm in size. All sections must also be disinfected (here you can use iodine with green).
Drying and planting
Drying the plant takes at least 2 hours to “heal” all the wounds. Before drying, wipe off excess moisture on the roots and branches with a paper towel.
Before transplanting into a new soil, you need to decide which pots are needed for orchids.
At the bottom of the pot put a little drainage, also disinfected. Set the flower exactly in the middle. Deep digging it is not recommended.
Cover the upper roots slightly with bark.
In any case, when growing this beautiful exotic flower, you must always remember the features of its growth in the natural environment.