It is often not possible to grow orchids naturally onto a branch as houseplants. To ensure that the aerial roots still receive enough light, the plant pots are made of transparent plastic. However, this precaution is a waste of time if the transparent plant pot is placed in a flower pot made of dark ceramic. Read here how to solve the problem with glass.
What characteristics should an orchid planter have?
An ideal orchid planter is transparent to provide the aerial roots with enough light. Choose clear or frosted glass, optionally colored but translucent, and with a platform for the culture pot to avoid waterlogging.
These features characterize the ideal orchid planter
The majority of orchids are not rooted in soil, but rather sit on branches in the crowns of rainforest trees. Since this form of cultivation is rarely practical in living rooms and winter gardens, the aerial roots are in a transparent plant pot filled with a substrate made of pieces of pine bark. To ensure that the light supply is not interrupted, the planter should be translucent and have the following properties:
- Clear or milky glass, preferably recycled glass with decorative inclusions
- Optionally colored and still translucent
- With a platform on the bottom of the pot for the culture pot
In a conventional glass planter, orchids are threatened by waterlogging. Here, excess irrigation water collects on the bottom of the pot and causes rot on the roots. Therefore, please choose a transparent flower pot with a curved base. This creates a distance between the plant pot and the water level. This property also proves to be advantageous because the evaporating water locally increases the humidity, which the orchids are very comfortable with.
Patented ceramic pot as an alternative to glass
Where a transparent glass planter does not comply with the design wishes, a patented ceramic pot is an alternative. Several holes are punched into the walls of the flower pot so that enough light can still penetrate to the aerial roots. A matching ceramic coaster catches excess water. Unfortunately, so much innovation comes at a price. At just under 70 euros, a patented Denk orchid pot is quite expensive.
Tip
A flowerpot made of fragile glass for your orchids is not the only ideal solution. With the Orchitop, specialist retailers have an innovative culture system that is not only unbreakable, but also ensures an adequate supply of light and air. The plant pot also functions as a planter and consists of a rod system made of food-safe, transparent polycarbonate.
