It is often not possible to tie orchids to a branch as a houseplant in a natural way. The plant pots are made of transparent plastic so that the aerial roots still receive enough light. However, this precaution is a lost labor of love when the transparent plant pot is placed in a flower pot made of dark ceramic. Read here how to solve the problem with glass.
Orchid roots need light
These properties characterize the ideal orchid cachepot
Most orchids are not rooted in soil, but sit on branches in the crowns of rainforest trees. Since this form of cultivation is rarely practicable in living rooms and conservatories, the aerial roots are in a transparent plant pot, filled with a substrate made of pieces of pine bark. So that the supply of light 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 yet translucent
- With a pedestal on the bottom of the pot for the culture pot
In a conventional glass planter, orchids are threatened by waterlogging. This is where excess irrigation water collects on the bottom of the pot and causes the roots to rot. Therefore, please choose a transparent flower pot with a convex bottom. This creates a distance between the plant pot and the water level. This property also proves to be advantageous, since the evaporating water locally increases the humidity, which the orchids like very much.
Patented ceramic pot as an alternative to glass
Where a transparent glass cachepot does not conform to the design requirements, a patented ceramic pot is an alternative. Several holes are punched into the walls of the flower pot, so that enough light can 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.
tips
A fragile glass flower pot for your orchids is not the only ideal solution. With the Orchitop, the specialist trade has an innovative culture system ready that is not only unbreakable, but also ensures a sufficient supply of light and air. The plant pot also functions as a cachepot and consists of a rod system made of food-safe, transparent polycarbonate.