Decorative Pots for Orchids

[anna1029]

Since this was my first purchase of an orchid ever, I bought it in a pretty decorative pot. so it will look pretty on my counter. Now I wonder if I did the right thing. My question is, does it need to drain? I watered it once, since it felt dry, but no water was dripping out of the pot. Is it OK for the water not to drain or will the roots rot? I have a white Phal orchid. Right now I guess it's in full bloom. There are 10 flowers on it on 1 spike and 1 more bud, which will hopefully bloom soon.

[fred]

may be you would like to post a pic of your orchid

Its a must to have a drain hole the orchid will stay to wet and yes you will get root rot.

[anna1029]

Ok. Hopefully it will work. On one of the pictures I have a paper towel under the pot, since after I watered it, no water came out, so I thought it will take a while. But the paper towel was completely dry.

IMG_1544.jpg

I hope this works

[anna1029]

since for some reason I couldn't attach more than one, here's another pic.






Sorry, they are so huge, I'm new at posting pic's

[fred]

your plant looks in very good condition.

thanks for the pic.

Is that all moss or is there bark under the moss ?

as moss will hold alot of water.

the pics are fine

[anna1029]

It looks like it's all moss. I assume bark would be like wooden chips? As I just went to look at it, I feel so silly. The orchid is actually in a small plastic green pot, that is just sitting inside the decorative pot and the water drains down to the bottom of the decorative pot.

The woman at the shop told me to mist it with water every day, but after reading many comments on the forum I decided not to and will water it once a week. I do want to try the skewer method, but I'm afraid when I insert the skewer not to go through the root. Can that happen?

[pikespeak62]

I used to work in an orchid store.
Have you checked to see if ..under the moss...the orchid is in a plastic pot?
Is so, remove the moss, water the orchid in it's pot, let it drain, and put it back in it's ceramic container.
Reposition moss.

[fred]

yep good tip there.

that explanes why there is no water seen.

but dont worry because now you know.

you can use the skewer just insert the skewer gently into the pot if you hit on of the roots you will feel that if so try another spot.

[anna1029]

Thank you so much for all the help. I really hope that I will have this orchid for a while and it will bloom again for me. These flowers are so beautiful.

Thank you again.

[fred]

you are most welcome.

i am glad we could be of some help.

orchids sure are alot of fun

[Sharyn]

Those are beautiful pots and a very lovely orchid. If the water is not draining, you will have a rotted plant very quickly.

Personally, I'd be reluctant to repot while you have such beautiful blooms. Eventually, you can repot it in a square plastic container and then place it inside the ceramic pot. The trick will be to control the water right now with no drainage holes in the pot. You can place a bamboo skewer in the pot and check for moisture. When you water it, I'd place some newspaper or paper towel over the top, hold it securely with your hand and tip it upside down to drain out the excess water. Others here may advise a quick repot.

Now, the other option is a crazy woman with a tool in her hand! If you have a decent drill, get a bit (I think it's carbide bit - one for drilling into glass, small diameter). Get another crazy friend to the hold the pot & drill at least one hole in the bottom of the pot. Wear safety glasses. A small bit should be able to penetrate the ceramic and give you drainage. It takes time and you can't hurry the process. I'm not making this up. I make lamps out of interesting wine bottles (which my brother gladly supplies) and I go through quite a few bits. Oh..........a woman and her toolbox - priceless.

Well, I just posted this and found that you discovered the plastic pot. However, I'll leave this post incase any of you would like to know of one of my many other hobbies - running around with a drill.

[fred]

this is a bit much like work for me

but yes very good idea with the drilling of a hole.

a woman and her toolkit

I wont touch that one

go girl

I gave my wife a drill and she built a dog house and when she was finidhed she put me in there

[anna1029]

Another question. When I water the orchid, how much water does it need? A little, a lot, completely soak it? Sorry for all the questions, but this is my first orchid and I don't really have a green thumb

[Sharyn]

Anna: I would remove the plastic pot from the ceramic vase. Take it to the sink and pour water on it thoroughly on top of the bark. Let it run out the bottom holes and then do it again and let it drain in the sink. Water your plant early in the day so the leaves & crown area will dry out. Once the plant has drained, stick it back in your decorative pot.

When you insert the skewer into the bark, wiggle it gently near the center of the plant. Leave the skewer in the pot until the next time you check it. Then, carefully try to put it back in the same spot. You'll damage less roots that way.

[kmarch]

Anna,

It osunds like you sould use some basic culture info for Phals. There is a culture sheet on this forum or you can get one form the American Orchid Society website at www.aos.org

Pikespeak's suggestion to take the plastic pot out of the decorative pot, water it then replace it is ideal. No need to risk damaging your pretty decorative pot.

Take your pot to the sink and pour water into it until it runs freely out the bottom. Let it set for a minute or two to drain and it's good to go.

Someone above mentioned repotting. Don't worry a bit about repotting until all your flowers are gone. Do read the culture sheet as there is a useful part on repotting but we usually don't repot orchids while they are in bloom so you have a while before you have to think about that.

Enjoy your Phal!

[jerrymeola]

One thing that is missing from this thread is an understanding that the plant requires more than just drainage to avoid root rot and do well.

The plastic pot is high in the decorative pot so that even if water collects it is far away from the roots.

Even bringing it to a sink and draining before replacing, while better, is not enough.

Plant roots need AIR CIRCULATION to thrive. The drainage holes do more than just drain water it allows air to circulate up over the roots. To a large extend this is to keep alive the beneficial microbes in the potting mix. It is these microbes that are symbiotic with the roots encouraging growth.

This is why 'Orchid Pots' have slits on the side. The water will drain out the bottom of any pot but the slits allow more air to enter evenly.

Even drilling holes in the pot will not allow air to enter if it is flat on a table or a towel under it.

I like the pot and grow several orchids with less than optimum air circulation, but I realize the risk I am taking and it is worth it to me. You may decide to make the same decision.