Clay Pots vs. Plastic Pots

[NewGrower]

Hello everyone!

I am currently using both clay and plastic pots (with drainage holes of course!) and I am curious if there are advantages or disadvantages of using either of these! Also I think it would be cool to hear about what everyone is using

I know there are other ways to pot up orchids (baskets, mounts, etc) but I am more curious about plastic and clay pots

Thanks everyone!

[Daethen]

I use both. Clear plastic is nice for the phals so that you can see if there is still moisture in the pots and know when to water. I like the clay for the top heavy plants and for my masdevallias. For the masdies, clay wicks the water out and therefore cools the root zone during hot weather.

[NewGrower]

I have noticed a lot of the water gets pulled out of my little water trays faster on my clay pots... Would you think that clay pots would be better for keeping the roots more moist? I am thinking the clay pots dont seem to dry out as fast IF they are in trays with a little water (with my version of s/h) but w/o they dry super fast! The plastic pots it doesnt seem to matter as much...

[kmarch]

I use plastic except for those plants I have mounted.

[syndywindy]

I use both although I have been switching quite a few over to the clay pots. especially for my catts as I am repotting using lava rock and it's sturdier for that.

[Leafmite]

Recently, I switched from clay to plastic net pots. Plastic pots didn't work well for me because they didn't allow the roots to breathe but the clay pots were too heavy, I couldn't see the roots, and when repotting, the roots stuck to the clay. My orchids preferred the clay over the plastic and a few probably prefer the clay over the net pots because the clay holds a little moisture but all are doing well with the net pots and I like seeing the roots (though I'll have to be very careful not to break them when moving pots). If my orchids had done well in clear plastic pots, I would have stayed with them.
Leafmite

[Leafmite]

Synda, I love lava rock. It has made growing orchids so much easier for me. Hope it works well for you, too! Good luck!
Leafmite

[RebelCowgirl]

Thank you for this post NewGrower, I was wondering the same thing. I have 3 in clay pots, 1 in Vanda basket, 2 in plastic, and 2 in repottimes Oxygen Core Dua Orchid Pots.

[Ray]

The choice of clay or plastic can be for any number of reasons.

Plastic pots tend to be less expensive; especially if you mail-order them and have to consider shipping cost.

In a plastic pot, essentially all of the evaporation of moisture is from the top surface, slowing it compared to clay, which wicks moisture through the pot wall for evaporation.

In drier environments, clay may be chosen to cool the pot a bit, as that extra evaporation can induce some evaporative cooling, allowing you to grow plants that might be "too cool" for your environment otherwise.

A clear plastic pot might offer advantage to plants with chlorophyll in their roots, and it certainly allows the easier monitoring of moisture level, medium condition, and root growth.

[Linus_Cello]

Also, if you wanted to make more holes/slits for more drainage or more circulation in the media, it's easier to do with plastic pots than clay (which will likely shatter).

Another consideration is if you are re-using pots, it's easier to clean and bleach/disinfect plastic pots than clay.

[koshki]

I found that as I've become a better orchid grower, I have become comfortable using a wider variety of pots. My preference is still to use clear plastic pots or net pots so that I can see the roots (I get excited about seeing new roots growing too!). But I've also learned enough about watering that I am now comfortable using clay pots for certain orchids, such as my new catts. Aside from being heavier, which helps balance the weightier catt plants, I think it is better suited to them because of their need to dry out between waterings. I think plastic would hold in the moisture too long.

I also use plastic baskets, mounts and wood baskets. It all depends on the orchid!

[Orchidementia]

I grow outside in an area that is in drought half the year. I also grow a lot of cool-growers that prefer excellent circulation at the roots (and some that don't care that much). I also grow in a spot that gets a lot of air movement - that is, breeze to high wind. For all those reasons, I use clay: for the breathability; the evaporative nature; and for the weight.

Another nice thing is that they can be put in the dishwasher and dunked in a bleach solution for reuse; they're also not made of petrochemicals.

[koshki]

You run clay pots through the dishwasher??!! Great idea...heads outdoors for dirty clay pots...

[NewGrower]

Yes I have found I am starting to prefer clay pots to plastic but I have about equal plants in both ... Thanks for everyones imput! I love it

I have been using lava rock and I am finding my plants are much happier... a lot harder to over water and easy to handle (and doesnt rot and get all icky...haha)

[Shannara]

I prefer clay because my orchids would blow over if they were in plastic. I also need the water to wick quickly out of my pots and plastic holds moisture longer than I need it too. The only probem I run into is during repotting. I usually have to shatter the old pot and leave the bits that are sticking to the roots on there. I have a couple plants in baskets or net pots that are hanging. I do like how you can see the root system with the clear plastic pots though. You can see problems developing in the pot much easier.

They both have their advantages and disadvantages for sure.

Shann~

[Orchidementia]

Originally Posted by Shannara

I prefer clay because my orchids would blow over if they were in plastic. I also need the water to wick quickly out of my pots and plastic holds moisture longer than I need it too. The only probem I run into is during repotting. I usually have to shatter the old pot and leave the bits that are sticking to the roots on there. I have a couple plants in baskets or net pots that are hanging. I do like how you can see the root system with the clear plastic pots though. You can see problems developing in the pot much easier.

They both have their advantages and disadvantages for sure.

Shann~

I grow mostly different alliances than you do - a lot of den and zygo/max alliance, and I mount a lot of stuff (not zygos, obviously) - buf I've found when repotting even catts and others that have grown to the walls of pots that if I really give the plant and pot a good soaking (to the point where the pot 'sweats') I can almost always get them out without shattering the pot. I almost always have to cut off plastic grower pots, but I can get a seriously overgrown sobralia out of clay without losing roots or the pot! Your plants are no doubt bigger and older than mine, but I thought I'd mention it just in case!

[Shannara]

Originally Posted by Orchidementia

I grow mostly different alliances than you do - a lot of den and zygo/max alliance, and I mount a lot of stuff (not zygos, obviously) - buf I've found when repotting even catts and others that have grown to the walls of pots that if I really give the plant and pot a good soaking (to the point where the pot 'sweats') I can almost always get them out without shattering the pot. I almost always have to cut off plastic grower pots, but I can get a seriously overgrown sobralia out of clay without losing roots or the pot! Your plants are no doubt bigger and older than mine, but I thought I'd mention it just in case!

Thanks for the tip! I will try that next time. I recently had to bash one out of a 6" pot and found a mountain of ants! Soaking might have tipped me off those little buggers were in there!

So do you just pull them out after soaking or do you use something flat to slide down inside the pot and pop the roots off the wall? I am going to pick your brain on your repotting methods...lol.

Shann~

[Orchidementia]

Originally Posted by Shannara

Thanks for the tip! I will try that next time. I recently had to bash one out of a 6" pot and found a mountain of ants! Soaking might have tipped me off those little buggers were in there!

So do you just pull them out after soaking or do you use something flat to slide down inside the pot and pop the roots off the wall? I am going to pick your brain on your repotting methods...lol.

Shann~

Most of the time, a good soaking and a little gentle wiggling is enough. Once in a while, I do what I do for removing a plant from a mount - after the soak, I slide a blunt-edged knife (like from a set of flatware, or even a butter knife) under the the adhered root. The more soaked the pot/mount and root are, the easier it is.

(PS I have to say I'm flattered to be giving the Queen advice! )

[koshki]

Ok, I'm still a newbie, but I have had success using my small paring knife to get roots off pots, both clay and plastic. After a REAL good soak, I slide the blade down the inside of the pot in an area I'm pretty sure there are no roots, then I move the BACK side of the knife along the pot for an inch or two...then remove the knife and wiggle the roots. Repeat as needed. I haven't cut any root this way, and haven't left any behind on the pots, either. The thin blade seems to slide right in.

[Daethen]

I do the major soak as well, but I use a plastic plant tag. It gives enough to not injure the roots and will flex with the contour of the pot.

[jpyerry]

Last year, when I started growing plants for the first time, I used to detest plastic pots. My rationale was that plastic had chemicals and might leach into the soil. As such, any plant I got would be immediately repotted in either a terracota or ceramic pot. My opinion has changed much since then.

I started to use plastic pots again when I started growing carnivorous plants and when I started growing vegetables. I found that the terracota pots would wick away way too much moisture, which led to increased waterings; and, those that received a lot of waterings the exterior of the pot would get covered in mildew/mold (which was gross). Planting in ceramic was far too costly to be potting every tomato/pepper/spice plant I was growing, so I started using plastic.

When my interested in carnivorous plants began I did a great deal of research and found that net pots are best for Venus Fly Traps, Drosera, and Nepenthes; for Sarracenia plastic pots in a tray of water; for Pinguicula regular plastic pots; and for Cephalotus tall plastic pots. I have potted them all according to these preferences.

Now, as for orchids, I use clear plastic pots nearly exclusively. I do pot some of my smaller specimens in net pots, particularly if I want extra aeration at the roots. As for the net potted plants, I keep plants in these only until the are large enough to move to the clear plastic pots. The main reason I like the clear plastic pots so much is that I can really see everything going on at the root level. I will admit that at the moment my favorite activity with orchids is observing the roots, I mean blooms are great and I feel triumphant when I get spikes and blooms (although currently I only have one earned bloom under my belt), but it is so exciting after repotting seeing a lone root peek through the fresh media and then others until the entire inner surface area is covered in whitish-green loveliness, it is great. And, you know what they say, the key to healthy orchids is healthy roots.

Anyway, enough rambling. I realize I have made an about face concerning plants and plastic pots. At present, the only plants I use terracota with are succulents, cacti, and any plant calling for a drier media, the few plants I have potted in ceramics will remain there until I have to repot, but my orchids and my carnivorous will be in plastic pots for the foreseeable future.

[orchids4me]

I use both and found if using sphag as a media clay pots are better for a few reasons weight, even drying and air circulation... Works better also for the ones that need to dry between waterings like Catts, and Dens. Especially top heavy ones but if I need to hold moisture longer like the babies in such tiny holes in pans which are plastic and repotted seedlings growing out of the pans with holes smaller pots dry much faster in the first place so plastic there works well especially if they aren't suppose to compleatly dry out between waterings. It helps me with my nutty schedule keep up in this situation
So it really depends on you and your watering habbits but most of all adapting those to the cultural needs of the plants and the envoronment you keep them in as well....

[PaulB]

I've used both, but prefer the plastic, For my cymbidiums, which are in trees and sharing planters with other plants, I use the classic black nursery pots- one and two gallon size. They are pliable and just giving the pot a gentle squeeze all around will loosen the clinging roots and the plant pulls out easily. I've used clay, which is heavier, but if they topple, you have a cracked or broken pot. Clay also wicks out the moisture faster. Another thing about the clay, is the salts and junk leaching out of unglazed or bisque pots. Doesn't seem to hurt the plant, but I still don't like it.
If using the classic bisque clay pot, at least paint the inside first with a couple of coats of sealer. Works well against drying out too quickly.

[vanda_obsession]

I was never successful at plastic pots, I prefer to have them in clay pots with holes in the sides and on the bottom, or in baskets.

[Andrew]

Most of my plants are in plastic pots. They're cheap, easier to repot without breaking, in Australia at least there's a lot more choice in design, no problems with algae or efflorescence and the slower drying is an advantage under my conditions. I do use some terracotta for orchids that need to dry out faster than what I can achieve in plastic.

Orchidementia's comment about petrochemicals has got me thinking. I wonder what the respective environmental impacts of plastic (emissions from petrochemical production etc) vs clay (emissions from firing and higher fuel use for transport, etc) are. Maybe I should be growing more orchids on live hosts and sustainable mounts.

[ArtGeekMark]

Lately I have been repotting everything to clay, mostly glazed fancy I admit haha but some unglazed too, and we've put all our bulbophyllums and one of the catts in hanging woodslat baskets. I have a few mounted hanging also, but all but one mount are miniatures.

[ArtGeekMark]

And I think I will try the unglazed clay for my two remaining alive (har har) masdevallias then, thanks!

[Orchidementia]

Originally Posted by Andrew

Orchidementia's comment about petrochemicals has got me thinking. I wonder what the respective environmental impacts of plastic (emissions from petrochemical production etc) vs clay (emissions from firing and higher fuel use for transport, etc) are. Maybe I should be growing more orchids on live hosts and sustainable mounts.

I have taken to mounting anything that will take it, but I grow a lot of zygos, which don't like being mounted at all. I do recycle the plastic grower pots ... I do what I can!

[Mira-Claude]

I tend to prefer clear plastic post because I don't have too pull out the plants to see the roots... And as I tend to be an heavy waterer it is kind of important for me to be able to monitor.
In case where the plants are too heavy, I will sometimes put the clear pot in a clay pot!
But otherwise I am partial to plastic and net pots when needed!

[NewGrower]

Wow I love all the imput! Thanks guys!
My plants are in a little bit of both but I have a feeling most will end up in clay pots, my plants seem to be liking them

[Orchidementia]

Originally Posted by ArtGeekMark

And I think I will try the unglazed clay for my two remaining alive (har har) masdevallias then, thanks!

Terra cotta pots and sphagnum moss is a good combination for masdevallias, especially those grown inside, where it tends to be drier (I grow mine outside, since I live in a coastal area suited to them, and our nights are humid).

After killing my first three or so, I thought these were difficult, but then got a healthy one that put up with me, and now that I've got the hang of it, they grow like very interesting weeds!

[11Orchid126]

It also depends on how often you want to water. For me, I wouldn't be able to keep up with the clay pots which dry out very quickly. I need plastic pots, which allow me to go almost a whole week without watering. It also depends on your growing medium. I've adjusted my medium for the plastic pots and weekly watering, and that suits my schedule and my arthritis.

[ARodney]

I use everything. Clay, plastic, clear pastic, plastic net, basket, mount, and driftwood. My chids are outside year round so I try everything. You guys will be surprised to know I have my phals potted in clay in a mix of bark, LECA, perlite, lava rock and bits of spag. The reason is the rain. If it rains everyday, the roots will not stay wet and rot. If it doesn't rain, I can hose them down.NewGrower, every orchid grower has learned threw trail and error. Getting advise from expererinced growers helps but remember, what works for them may not work for you. The mixture for my phals was a mix I made from the advise three different growers who retail orchids gave me. One uses perlite in his mix the other LECA.

[Orchidementia]

Originally Posted by ARodney

I use everything. Clay, plastic, clear pastic, plastic net, basket, mount, and driftwood. My chids are outside year round so I try everything. You guys will be surprised to know I have my phals potted in clay in a mix of bark, LECA, perlite, lava rock and bits of spag. The reason is the rain. If it rains everyday, the roots will not stay wet and rot. If it doesn't rain, I can hose them down.NewGrower, every orchid grower has learned threw trail and error. Getting advise from expererinced growers helps but remember, what works for them may not work for you. The mixture for my phals was a mix I made from the advise three different growers who retail orchids gave me. One uses perlite in his mix the other LECA.

That is so true! As I said in my post, I use clay because it works for me and my plants where I grow them - I hope I didn't imply I thought it was the only way! Just A way! My studied and learned opinion is the way that keeps 'em alive and gets 'em to bloom is the only right way!

In my post I left out my dumb reason for using clay pots: I like how they look

[koshki]

Originally Posted by Orchidementia

In my post I left out my dumb reason for using clay pots: I like how they look

I don't think that's dumb...everything we do about growing orchids is because various aspects of it give us pleasure. Hey, the way I figure it, most of them are out of bloom more than they're in, so liking how they look in their pots should be just as important!

[Amblnc38]

It depends on the plant and how much water it needs. For my plants that need more moisture I use plastic. For plants that want to dry out completely before watering I use terracotta. The Terracotta dries out faster.