Do All Orchid Varieties Need Pots With Holes: The Answer
No, however, your orchid may not grow as well or bloom as well. This is because the holes in an orchid pot facilitate unrestricted airflow around the roots of your orchid, which is required for a healthy plant.
What kind of container is best for orchids?
An orchid should ideally live and grow in a plastic or terra-cotta grow pot. “Pots for growing orchids must have drainage holes or slits in the container to ensure your plant doesn’t get soggy, wet feet,” says Turner.
Do orchids like big or small pots?
Most orchids require a 4, 5 or 6 inch pot. There are seedlings and miniatures that require smaller pots, older specimen plants and some genera (Cymbidium, Phaius, large Cattleya) that often require 8 inch pots or bigger but the majority of orchids sold in groceries, box stores, florists and the like are not these.
Should I remove the plastic wrap from my orchid?
Be sure to remove the net or tape once you have brought your plant home to avoid new growth from getting trapped and damaged. Additionally, if your plant has a thin colorful plastic or foil wrap surrounding the pot, it is best to remove these wraps. Orchids are epiphytic and their roots need air flow.
Can I repot an orchid in regular potting soil?
According to plant specialist Harmony Corelitz, “Orchids are epiphytic, so their roots need a lot of aeration and drainage. They aren’t typically grown in actual soil; instead, they need to be grown in sphagnum moss or a mix of bark.”
How do I keep my orchid blooming?
Caring for Your Blooming Orchid Plant
Make sure you keep these orchids away from harsh sunlight exposure and sources of heat. Water your Phalaenopsis orchid in the morning. Be careful not to wet the flowers of your Phalaenopsis orchids if you’re watering it in the sink.
Can I cut the air roots off my orchid?
Orchid air roots shouldn’t be trimmed as they are part of the system the plant uses to absorb nutrients and water. Trimming the aerial roots could cause the plant to struggle or even die due to disease or inability to absorb sufficient water and nutrients.
How often should orchids be watered?
How often you water an orchid depends on the species and the environment they’re kept in, but, on average, most orchids can be watered once a week to every 10 days. Just be careful not to oversaturate them. “In general, orchid plants need much less water than the average consumer would think.
