What kind of pots are good for orchids indoors?
Pot Selection: Clay or plastic pots are ideal for orchids as they allow for good drainage. Make sure the pot has holes at the base. Many people assume that this pot is unnecessary, so they discard it and place the orchid in a decorative plant pot. While this may seem reasonable, it’s not quite the intended practice. The plastic pot of an orchid actually serves a purpose! It helps your orchid thrive and stay healthy.Orchids should ideally be grown in plastic or terra-cotta pots with drainage holes to prevent soggy roots. When choosing a new pot for your orchid, select one that is just one inch larger than the current pot. Clear plastic pots are preferred because they allow for inspection of the potting medium and roots.Most orchids do prefer shallower squat pots, as their roots don’t like all the moisture retained in deep pots and they just don’t need the depth anyway as their roots spread out, not down.While orchids prefer a small pot—weaving their roots through the compost as they grow—they eventually run out of room. That’s when their roots push the plant up above the rim of the pot or reach out into the air, looking for breathing space—a sure sign that it’s time to re-pot.Orchid Planters By adding the ice cube to the base of the plant (just under the leaves) you can ensure a lovely slow trickle of nutrients going directly to the plant and not the planter medium.
What’s the biggest mistake when repotting orchids?
Common Mistakes These often use a lot of chunky bark, not only to hold some water but to stabilize the plant so it doesn’t tumble out of the container. Using a regular potting mix, on the other hand, can create an environment that’s too wet for the orchid. Good Water Drainage It may seem like the water is flowing out of the container too quickly, faster than the roots can absorb. This is normal activity for a great orchid container. Look for an orchid pot with many small drainage holes in the bottom.To water, just plunge the whole pot in tepid water for 10 seconds once the large fleshy roots have turned silver. This is enough to turn the roots green again. All orchids can be watered in this manner – wait until they are slightly dry.Most houseplant orchids like bright light, but not direct sun, such as on a north- or east-facing windowsill. They like regular watering and misting, preferably with rainwater or boiled water rather than tap water.After you have re-potted your orchid, it should be watered thoroughly. For the first couple of weeks af- ter repotting, fertilize when watering with Better-Gro® Better-Bloom® Orchid Fertilizer, which is high in phosphorus and will stimulate root growth.
Do orchids need sunlight?
Dendrobium Orchids Dendrobiums prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate more direct light than Phalaenopsis. They do well in east- or west-facing windows, where they receive a few hours of softer morning or afternoon sunlight. If placed in too little light, Dendrobiums can become leggy and produce fewer flowers. The secret to success in growing orchids indoors is choosing plants that are best suited to the growing environment. Most orchids fail to bloom because of inadequate light or temperatures that are too consistent. Test the light.Most orchids need bright but indirect light, as too much sunlight can scorch the leaves. Keep them on an east- or west-facing windowsill from spring to autumn, but move your orchid to a south-facing windowsill for the winter months, when light levels are lower.Nearly all orchids should be grown in half to full shade. If moving from a greenhouse, give them one step down for sun exposure. If they are full sun plants in the greenhouse, put them outside in part-shade.Most houseplant orchids like bright light, but not direct sun, such as on a north- or east-facing windowsill.
Do you water orchids from the top or bottom?
Watering Orchids Based on Their Roots Velamen color indicates water needs: dry velamen is white or silvery; freshly watered velamen is green or mottled. Orchids can be watered from the top or bottom. Mounted plants will need more water than unmounted plants. Overwatering. Be careful not to overwater your orchid. Most orchids require water once a week in the summer, and once every two weeks in the winter. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.Repot spring through fall. Do NOT repot orchids that are in bloom no matter how much they seem to need it; they will lose their flowers. Wait until they have finished blooming and new growth appears.Avoid over watering as this can lead to root rot. Position your orchid in a bright windowsill facing east or west. Weekly feeding with a fertilizer designed for orchids. Repotting in fresh orchid mix when your orchid stops blooming.It may be preferable to pot your orchids in a utilitarian pot and drop it inside the decorative pot for presentation. Be careful with decorative pots without drainage holes so as not to let the roots stand in water. Many orchids prefer the shallower bulb or azalea pots to the taller standard sized pots.
What does an orchid look like when it needs to be repotted?
Your Orchid Has Outgrown Its Pot Once you notice your orchid’s roots seem too crowded in its current container, it’s time to repot your orchid. If you see roots beginning to grow from the plant stem or start to crawl over the side of the pot, it’s a telltale sign your pot has become too small. While orchids prefer a small pot—weaving their roots through the compost as they grow—they eventually run out of room. That’s when their roots push the plant up above the rim of the pot or reach out into the air, looking for breathing space—a sure sign that it’s time to re-pot.Over-watering is the most common problem associated with poorly performing orchids. Symptoms can look very similar to those of under-watered plants because it often rots the roots and therefore prevents them from taking up adequate amounts of water.You can use plastic or terracotta (clay) to repot your orchid. Clay lasts for many years and can be used over and over. A benefit of using clay pots is that the clay dries out the medium faster, which may help avoid rot in the inner root system.Aside from looking good, orchids also clean up toxic fumes. In particular, the plant reliably absorbs xylene, toluene and formaldehyde from the air, creating a healthy indoor environment.