Decorative Pots?

[mrk135]

Hi All!

I have 2 phals, 2 dens, and 1 cymbidium. The phals and 1 den are potted in the clear plastic with slits. The cymbidum and other den are potted in green plastic with no slits. I like to place the plastic pots in more decorative pots, and just take them out for watering. Is this o.k. to do, or will it affect the air the roots are getting? They seemed to weather it fine this past year, but I am wondering what you think.

Thanks,
Michele

[Sabien]

Hi Michele,
All my plants that are in bloom are in decorative pots. It doesn't only look better, but it also gives the plant some space for possible superfluous water after watering and, if need be, you can put some clay pellets in at the bottom for extra humidity.
Of course, the plant is in a plastic pot with holes at the bottom. This plastic pot goes into the decorative pot.
I haven't had any problems with roots or over- or underwatering so far. Several of my phals have air roots that grow over the pot, but that's just the way the plant grows.
I would replace the pots without slits. Extra water cannot get away and I think you could drown the plant. Well, I know I would because I tend to give a lot of water.
Rgds,
Sabien

[articuno75]

Mrk135~ It's okay to put your Dens into another pot for decoration. This won't effect your plant. Water as usual and be sure to drain well before placing into the decorative pot. I have several Dens and Phals that are in plastic pots and then decorative pots as to "keep them in place" so that they don't fall over. You can do this will your Cyms too.

[mrk135]

Thanks Sabien & Jenny ... it's nice to know I had the right idea.

Sabien, thanks for the advice on replacing the pots without slits. This didn't sit well with me either. I assume I should wait for the proper time to repot each one.

Michele