Friday, October 23, 2009

Orchid Pots




Choosing the Proper Orchid Pots and Orchid Mix
by Chairil Amin Umar




  


You don’t have to  be disappointed if you see your orchid plants are not growing well as others you've seen in the garden center. You will find definitely what your flowers require in order for them to flourish, usually it will take time. Many of them rely on the potting medium chosen, the volume of your pots and even the material the pot is made from. With some basic know-how you'll soon be producing thriving orchids, bursting with color and fragrance, because It isn't as difficult as it looks like.

Choice of Pot
You will find a lot of choice of orchid pots to choose from in any gardening store. But for orchids there will only be a few specific types suitable for your hobby.
  • Plastic Pots :
    The ideal pots for indoor use are plastic ones. The clear and transparent color of the pots won't hold too much heat from the sun either. The pot made from clear polythene is even better as light can penetrate right to the roots.
    • Terracotta Orchid Pot :
      Terracotta pots are much heavier than their plastic pots, terracotta pots can resist the weather and are the ideal choice for growing orchids outdoors. If you take this one, there must be at least one drainage hole in the base as this prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged.
      • Ceramic Pots :
        If you wish to use ceramic pot, that’s all right the ceramic pot is better for growing indoor. There are many shapes and colors if you are interested in using ceramic pots.
        • Baskets :
          The baskets are the best choice for orchids that have hanging flowers or for sprawling varieties with heavy roots. Their design can make penetration of the compost and roots, besides they are great for air circulation. The choice is up to you.

          Potting Your Plants

          Starting to repot your orchids just as soon as you buy your new orchid pots but this isn't a good idea. Sometimes some varieties prefer pot-bound conditions, because it is the thick root system that feeds and nourishes the plant. They will bloom much better, as under potting will actually be more beneficial to your orchids. Once there is insufficient room for air circulation around the roots, you should prepare about moving to a larger pot. A few orchid plants may only need repotting once every few years and others will never require re-potting at all.


          When you need to repot your orchid, fill up the container with two thirds of potting mix and place the plant on top with the roots widely spread. Place the growing tip in the center and pack additional growing medium tightly around. When the packing is enough firm,   you will be able to turn the container upside down without the plant falling out.


          Choosing Your Potting Mix

          You will find many varieties of growing medium available in the orchid store. The first thing that you have to consider is to select one strong enough to provide sufficient structural support for the growing roots but it should also allow sufficient air to circulate through the mix and around the roots. Most orchid roots should not be permitted to remain wet for more than a few days, but they can survive to cruel weather.
          The success you have in growing splendid flowers bursting with brilliant color and fragrance depends on the potting mix you choose. A combination of inorganic and organic materials are the best potting mix, and these are available in three grades - coarse, medium and fine.


          • Organic Choices :
          Coconut Husks - Ideal. Light in weight and holds water well. Good value but may decay faster.
          Osmunda Fern Fiber - Difficult to find but offers great drainage and decays slowly.
          Pine Bark - Inexpensive and popular. Rots slowly but may not hold water well at first.
          Redwood Bark - Good at holding water and doesn't decay quickly.
          Sphagnum Moss - Provides good air and water retention. Pot should be packed loosely.
          • Inorganic Choices :
            Alifor - These consist of tiny pieces of clay. Offer moderate drainage and don't decompose.
            Charcoal – An excellent choice.  Decomposes slowly and absorbs toxins.
            Lava Rock - Heavy but has good drainage and doesn't decay.
            Pearlite - Lightweight and doesn't decay easily. Absorbs water well.
            Turface - Used with Pearlite. This is heavy and might  be expensive.
            Vermiculite - Absorbs water well and aids air circulation around the root.


            If you had been more experienced in orchid planting, soon you will understand which materials are best for your particular needs. Once your confidence and ability grows, you might even want to try making up your own potting mixes by combining several of those mixes listed above!




            Posted by at
            Labels: , , , , , ,

            No comments:

            Post a Comment

            Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)