How to Grow Orchids in Pots
Orchids are a family of plants with thousands of species. They have very distinctively shaped flowers that can be a variety of colors, and are becoming increasingly popular as gift flowers.
Currently, they are found almost everywhere in the world, but are very important in India, Madagascar, China, and the Himalayas.
Here’s how to grow orchids in pots so you can have plenty of orchids in your home.
– Pots
The vast majority of orchids are epiphytes. This means that they are species that live in their natural habitat by anchoring themselves to rocks or trees. So if you bury your orchid in a pot of soil , like any other plant, you will most likely end up killing the plant with root rot.
The choice of pots for orchids is very important, since in addition to the traditional clay pots, there are other types of pots especially recommended for these plants. Orchids generally use small pots, but there are exceptions, such as orchids that need larger pots to accommodate their large root systems.
These are the most recommended pots for orchids:
Transparent plastic pots: They are the best for orchids that photosynthesize through their roots, and also for those whose roots tell us when to water because they allow us to see their root system without having to manipulate the plant.
Wire mesh pots: They allow the roots to breathe better, and are designed to be easily hung high, both for aesthetics and to place the plants where they receive more sunlight.
Wooden pot: Made of special rot-resistant wood. Its design also leaves small holes that improve root respiration and container drainage. It is recommended to cover the interior walls with a layer of moss before adding the substrate.
Of course, we can also use traditional ceramic pots or special pots for orchids, which are available in specialized stores.
– Substrate
Ideally, a mix consisting of 1 part perlite, 1 part medium quality charcoal, and 4 parts fine, medium or coarse grained coconut husks or fiber or spruce bark.
Coarse mix: It is especially recommended for large varieties such as Cymbidium.
Medium mix: Recommended for species such as Cattleya and Phalaenopsis.
Fine Mix – Used more for Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Oncidaceae and basically any plant that needs more moisture due to its small root system.
