When taking care of an orchid plant, you must consider many things, such as light, watering, and temperature. Many people don’t know, but the right orchid pot for orchid plants is as important as the other growing conditions.
Choose pots and potting media if you want your plants to be healthy and beautiful. It should be made for orchids, and like anything, orchid enthusiasts quickly discover all orchid pots have advantages and disadvantages.
Some pots are purely ornamental, and some are functional. The most common being plastic or clay (terracotta) pots. In our guide, you can see why you need indoor orchid pots, what size pot you’ll need, and which will be the best orchid planter pot to grow orchids in the home.
By the end, it will be much easier to choose orchid pots after our quick reviews. In addition, growing multiple orchids with the best orchid pot set recommended here will also be a breeze. (Learn How To Use Water Beads For Plants)
Why You Need a Good Orchid Pot
Most orchid gardeners use clear plastic pots with drainage holes to make it easier to observe the orchid’s roots.
The benefit of these transparent containers over ceramic pots goes way beyond their visibility.
Clear plastic containers allow you to quickly put the orchid into other decorative containers while also monitoring the orchid’s roots for rot, pests, or overcrowding.
Look for a container or pot with various drainage holes on the sides and bottom of the container, such as slats or cut-outs.
The best orchid pots feature enough holes for airflow and drainage.
Another common orchid pot is made of plastic mesh, which is cheap and straightforward to use.
The clay counterparts more than make up for the lack of style in the plastic net pots.
These pots aren’t exactly cheap, but they add a lot of elegance to orchids. Clay pots’ only drawbacks are their weight and lack of ventilation.
When compared to conventional pots, some pots are relatively shallow. These containers have an enormous base and are ideal for orchids with a lot of top growth. Tall narrow shapes are great for orchids with long roots.
There are many different orchid pot designs available at garden centers and online, including the ones listed below:
Net Pots Or Basket Insert
These containers are typically made of black PVC plastic with a bigger diameter mesh hole for additional airflow. So it’s more of a mesh pot than a net.
Basket Inset Pots are like mesh pots, except they sit within another container, like a more decorative pot. They’re also helpful in ponds and hydroponics, but they’re great for growing orchids.
If you wish to use them in a more decorative post, they should have a tapered bottom (V-shape), which allows them to sit right inside the decorative container.
Transparent Plastic Pots
To allow light to reach the roots, transparent orchid pots are employed.
Thanks to its see-through materials, you can monitor your plant, ensure it’s growing appropriately, and keep on top of any root rot issues before they arise.
Clay or Ceramic Pots
Orchids can be presented in clay and ceramic glazed pots for a more decorative and stylish presentation. However, your pot must have two essential features.
Alternatively, you can use a plastic or mesh airflow pot insert, but make sure there is enough air gap between the inside wall of the ceramic pot and the plastic air pot to allow for good airflow.
Orchids despise sitting in wet soils; therefore, you need good drainage orchids desire.
You can use a ceramic container with a tray or saucer to catch water run-off, or you can use an air pot slightly raised inside the container. (Learn What Does A Plant Need To Survive)
Whether plastic, clay, or ceramic, your orchid pot must be large enough to comfortably house the plant while also allowing airflow and water run-off, which brings us to the next area.
Top Orchid Pots Reviews
1. rePotme Slotted Clear Orchid Pot
Some of the nicest orchid pots on the market are made by RePotme. This model pack comes in a set of 3′′, 4′′, 5′′, and 6′′ pots and the chances of multiple colors.
These colorful plastic orchid pots are ideal for cultivating small orchids both outside and inside the home.
The plastic is durable and UV-resistant, so you have a set of 8 pots that can last you for years. Rather than round holes, the pots offer slots for air flow and can influence good growth along with the full height of the pot.
The side and bottom vents offer optimum drainage for your orchid, and even with colors, your plants can enjoy all the sunlight they desire.
Pros
- 4 color options are available
- Set containing 8 pots, 2 of each size
- Sturdy
- Great value for money
Cons
- The smallest size may be suitable for short term use only
- No saucer or outer pot for stability
With a guide of just under $22, you have great value for money with 8 pots available. While colored, the transparent pot is still effective; you may need to pop it inside a terra cotta pot once your plants mature.
2. Orchid Pots with Holes Indoor Clear Plastic Plant Pot Set
If you want something basic and practical, this pot from Elit Orchid is the way to go.
It’s made of a strong, transparent plastic that makes it simple to see if the roots are healthy just by looking at them. You don’t have to touch the pot at all.
The clear pot measures 5.5 inches in diameter and is made of strong material. There are multiple holes on the sides that are small enough to keep everything inside the pot yet big enough to offer ideal airflow to the roots.
The bottom of the pot contains holes that let the excess water drain out and is slightly raised so that the water does not stagnate at the bottom.
This way, the roots will have enough moisture to make them healthy, but not too much that they would rot.
Pros
- Clear plastic so you can see roots and water levels
- Plastic feels durable and looks great
- Lots of drainage holes
- Larger yet fewer ventilation holes make the appearance nicer
Cons
- No drip tray
- The small orchid pot size could be too small
- Lightweight, so they could fall over
It is a cost-effective product with a guide price of a little under $12 for a pack of four. Because of the small size, you may need to repot your orchids sooner rather than later.
3. YIKUSH Orchid Pots with Holes 7 inch 5 Pack Clear Orchid Pot Plastic Plant Pot Flower Pots Outdoor and Indoor Use
Yikush’s orchid pot has everything. Because it is made of clear plastic, it is perfect for checking if the roots are healthy – you can always see them without taking to check your plant out. It has slits on the sides and numerous small holes at the bottom to provide proper water drainage. In addition, the roots will be exposed to sufficient air in this manner.
The top diameter is 5.51 inches, and the height is 4.13 inches. So that water does not collect beneath the pot, the center of the bottom is slightly raised.
It’s an excellent pot for orchids and any other plant that requires air and light for its roots.
Pros
- Material is durable and sturdy.
- The material feels like it is made from quality ingredients.
- Effective drainage system.
- The bottom edge is raised to allow excess water out.
Cons
- Lack of weight means it could topple if housing tall plants.
- It needs a drip tray, saucer, or outer pot added.
- Plastic is translucent not transparent.
With a guide price of just under $16, you get lots of value for money for a five-pack of pots.
You could find this is the right pot to meet your needs.
4. Clear Orchid Pots with Holes Plastic Flower Planter 5.5 inch
The clear pots category includes the Truedays orchid pot in a set of four. They are 5.5 inches in diameter and 4.3 inches in height.
They are tall enough, not too tall, to make the plastic pot unstable.
The pots are transparent, with 18 holes and 12 slots in the bottom that allow the water to drain.
The bottom is slightly raised to prevent water from stagnating at the bottom, and there are 28 small oval holes on the sides that allow for optimal airflow so that the roots may breathe correctly.
The Truedays are ideal for long-term use, and it’s easy to reuse for other plants that require air and light to keep their roots healthy.
The pots are easy to clean, yet they lack an outer pot for decoration.
Pros
- Clear plastic means you can check the roots and if plants need water.
- The pot has 30 slots for ventilation so the orchid roots can breathe.
- Small slots stop growing medium, falling out, and making a mess.
- Good value for money
Cons
- Not stable for a mature plant and will need support or an outer pot.
- Not visually appealing
- Plastic is prone to cracking
With a guide price of a little under $10, you get a set of four pots you can use anywhere besides for your orchids. The plastic pot is versatile yet may not last indefinitely.
5. Meshpot 8 Inch Plastic Orchid Pots with Holes, Decorative Planter Pots for Indoor Outdoor Flower Plants
Meshpot’s orchid pot comprises an inner pot, a white outside pot, and a drip tray.
It has an inner diameter of 8 inches and a height of 8 inches, making it ideal for both small and tall plants due to its size.
The inner pot features a net design that allows the roots to breathe and provides the nutrients that the plants require to be healthy and beautiful.
The holes in the bottom of the white pot allow for proper draining and prevent the outer pot from getting stagnant at the bottom.
It is made of durable plastic that will last for many years.
The components are all white. The holes allow the roots to grow outside the inner pot without damaging it when the plant grows bigger. (Find the Best Garden Storage Shed)
Pros
- Suitable for various sized orchids
- Won’t topple over with top-heavy plants
- Effective inner pot offers lots of air circulation
- The inner pot can be removed for more light and ventilation
Cons
- The inner pot isn’t transparent
- Hard to remove roots if repotting
- Outer pot plastic doesn’t feel high-quality
With a guide price of just under $20, you get a complete kit that could be the right pot for your needs. All you need is your potting mix, plant and water.
Best Orchid Pots Buying Guide
Consider the following features before selecting a new pot for your orchids.
Size: When selecting an orchid pot, make attention to the dimensions. A minimum width of 4.5 inches and a minimum height of 4.5 inches are required for your orchid pot.
The ideal size for repotting an orchid is a pot with a 5-inch height and a 6.5-inch lip diameter. The flower stem can get more support from the deeper growing medium.
Shape: Orchid pots are available in a variety of shapes. When looking for a decorative pot, consider one that complements your home’s design and décor yet doesn’t distract you from your orchid’s visual appeal.
Drip Trays: For the most significant results, look for a model at the garden store that comes with a drip tray or a matching saucer.
Drip trays prevent water from overflowing and stop insects and pests from snacking on your orchid when watering.
Air Vents: Orchid roots require air circulation to thrive and start the blossoming process. On the sidewalls of pots, look for air vents. These offer air circulation around the roots, which promotes growth.
Drainage Holes: The best pot will have a large drainage hole to prevent the growing medium from becoming waterlogged when watering.
Root rot is caused by waterlogged roots, harming or killing them. Therefore, a well-draining potting medium is also recommended. Note: a terra cotta pot can soak up moisture before your plant has a chance to drink.
Clear Plastic Pot
The most popular pot for orchids is the clear plastic pot for many orchid growers.
Clear plastic pots allow you to view the roots of your orchids, allowing you to determine whether they need to be watered or whether they are still wet. You may also easily determine whether or not the plant requires repotting.
If the roots are bright green, it means they are wet. So, the plant doesn’t need watering. On the other hand, if the roots arOn the other hand, if silver Y, they are dry, the plant needs watering.
You can easily place your orchid inside another pot to make them more stable if they are top-heavy, as clear pots are pretty unstable.
Terracotta Pot
Terracotta pot is another very popular pot. This type of pot is cheap and offers stability to the plants. If your plants are sitting in a humid and wet place or you tend to overwater them, then terracotta pot should be your choice. This helps the roots and the potting material dry adequately.
Because you can’t see the roots of orchid plants in terracotta pots like you can in clear plastic pots, you need keep an eye on them.
Terracotta pots may cause you some troubles to repot. Especially Phalaenopsis orchid roots usually will be attached to the pot, as these plants like to cling.
Ceramic Pots
Ceramic pots are more expensive than plastic or terracotta pots, but they are available in virtually any shape, color, or style.
You can choose between a ceramic pot with holes on the bottom and a ceramic pot with holes on both sides.
Because the plastic pots can be disguised, these pots can be utilized as secondary pots.
Make sure the holes in a ceramic pot with holes on the side aren’t too big. You don’t want any of the bark or potting area to fall off. (Learn How To Repot A Venus Flytrap)
Clear Glass Pot
Like clear plastic pots, clear glass pots might be beneficial to your plants. The roots are easily visible, allowing you to quickly determine whether or not the plant requires watering.
Because most glass pots lack drainage holes, you must be careful about the type of orchid you choose and how you plant it. Also important is the potting media.
Clay pellets in glass containers help keep the roots moist, but don’t let them sit in water because the clay pellets absorb extra moisture.
If your orchids are smaller, place them in a taller glass container, but don’t cover them because this will make the environment too humid for them.
As the Phalaenopsis Orchids don’t like tall containers because of the high humidity, pot them in a shallow glass container.
Decorative Pot
Decorative pots are typically simply but, unfortunately, good.” But unfortunately, most decorative pots have a poor or non-existent drainage system, which leads to root rotting and infections.
Double Potting
Double potting is possible for the orchids and is the most preferred potting style. Usually, the growing pot is a clear plastic pot, which you place in another decorative pot.
Hanging Basket
You can hang your orchid plants in a hanging basket, such as the Gro Octagon cedar basket. It is a space saver method; also, it can be unique and original.
Orchids grow with or without a potting medium in hanging baskets.
FAQ
What are the best pots for orchids?
Clear plastic pots with decorative outer pots are ideal for cultivating orchids. Light and air can reach the roots thanks to a transparent inner plastic pot with extra holes.
Because orchids are epiphytes, their roots require more oxygen and light for photosynthesis and respiration.
Do orchids prefer clear pots?
Clear orchid pots are beneficial to the orchid and the gardener. The leaves of most plants are used to identify the orchid.
Do orchids like big or small pots?
Most orchids require large orchid pots with holes. A 4 1/2 or 6-inch pot will be the perfect pot size for matured plants.
Seedlings and miniatures require smaller pots, although some types, such as Cymbidium, Phaius, and large Cattleya, need a large rustic orchid pot of 8-inches or bigger.
Should orchid pots have drainage holes?
All pots, not just clear plastic orchid pots, must have drainage holes. Roots that are constantly in contact with water will rot and die, eventually killing the plant.
Why are orchids planted in clear plastic pots?
The clear orchid pots allow the orchid roots to absorb sunlight as though growing on the side of a tree. As a result, the roots can provide energy to the plant, unlike when they are sat in decorative pots such as ceramic orchid pots.
Should orchid roots be exposed?
Orchids with exposed aerial roots are easily identified. Those roots will shoot up into the air from the pot. Once you see them, you’ll want to clip them. (Read Terra Cotta Pot Fairy Garden)
How do you know when your orchid needs repotting?
Repot Orchids every year or two as the orchid’s roots push out of the clear plastic orchid pot.
How do you keep orchids blooming?
Anyone who grows orchids can water with three ice cubes once a week and fertilize orchids once or twice a month with a balanced houseplant fertilizer mixed to 50% strength.
Should you mist orchids?
Never mist these plants when you grow orchids. Doing so increases the risks of fungal or bacterial disease.
Are used coffee grounds good for orchids?
Coffee grounds make excellent fertilizer for orchids and African violets.
Do orchids like window sills?
Orchids are growing in windowsills like East- or West-facing windows to get here; they receive some light in the morning and afternoon.
Do orchids like to be root bound?
Orchids enjoy being root-bound, yet you’ll need to be repotted once the potting mix has broken down every couple of years to maintain healthy roots.
Why does my orchid grow leaves but no flowers?
When you grow orchids that don’t flower, the reason is often insufficient light.
Final Verdict
Many orchid pots may appear the same design when made from plastic and have holes. However, it was clear the pack that ended up as the winner, the rePotme Slotted Clear Orchid Pot, would make it to the top for many reasons.
Value for money was a top reason as eight pots are in the pack.
Besides this, there are various sizes, so you can easily use these to repot your orchids and then use the smaller pots again.
It doesn’t take long to realize the rePotme is the best orchid pot you can get.
