Growing directly in clay pots v. plastic pots

[peeweelovesbooks]

What, in your opininon, is the advantage of growing orchids directly inside a clay pot versus growing one in a plastic pot? Is it purely an aesthetic preference or does growing in clay pots result in a healthier orchid, all things being equal?

[smweaver]

If it's a plant that likes to stay relatively moist (say, for example, pescatoreas or cymbidiums), then I prefer to use plastic. All of the cattleyas, on the other hand, along with the brassavolas and rhyncholaelias, go in clay. Either way, I think keeping your orchids healthy is more a result of everything else you do for them (correct amounts of light, water, etc.) than what type of pot they're placed in.

[bodaciousbonsai]

Hello, I have been growing orchids for the past 13 years and just figured out the watering regiments for growing in both plastic pots vs terra cotta.
Cattleya & Dendrobiums - I like Terra cotta pots because the plants like to dry out quickly between waterings due to the pusedobulbs and canes water storage capability. But make sure you do your research this can vary between different species.
Masdevillas & Paphieopedliums - I use plastic pots, they hold water for longer periods of time. but I allow them to approach dryness then soak em. Masdevillias only have leaves for water storage and usually have fine root systems. Paphieopedliums have thicker roots with fine root hairs. I never pack the medium to tightly for the reason of root rot in both genera. I feel that air flow around the roots of any orchid is a must for the plant to thrive. Again do your research!!! this can also vary depending on the species.
I cant stress the fact enough in order to have beautiful flowering orchids in the home is to either kill them or do your research. I hope this helps

[isurus79]

Clay pots 'breath' by having a very porous structure and so dry out more quickly than plastic pots that do not 'breath' because they are not porous. You can overcome the inability of plastic pots to allow air flow around the roots by cutting holes in the side of your pots, which is what I do!

[ronaldhanko]

In addition to what's been said, I like clay pots for the extra humidity they provide. I'm convinced that under lights and in non-greenhouse environments the ability of a clay pot to breathe and to absorb moisture helps considerably with humidity.

[paulemar]

Just another minor point for clay pots is the additional weight. This can be an advantage over plastic when you have a top heavy plant.

Paul

[HDCochran]

Two other thoughts. Plastic pots allow you to see condition of roots, medium, etc. It's easier to remove roots from plastic surface than from terra cotta surface.

[Lilavati]

I use clay pots, both glazed and terra cotta, with all my orchids for several reasons (though if they come in plastic they stay there until spring repotting):

1. I think its more attractive
2. Clay is MUCH heavier and thus much more stable
3. I am much more likely to overwater than underwater, and so clay, especially clay with holes, suits my style
4. Clay raises the surrounding humidity

However, many people are equally devoted to plastic! And clay, particularly the fancy glazed clay, is much more expensive, and it breaks.

[breeindy]

What about the green moss/mould stuff that grows on terracotta? doesn't on plastic. I only use plastic and still seem to be watering a fair bit so i better not try clay.

[Jkelee]

Hey, I use 99% Clay now. Because I was with plastic, I lost soooo many of my chids do to rot. And I had cut holes/slits galore into those plastic pots!

I switched everything to Clay, with Lava rock just this summer. Maybe some seedlings with a tiny bit moss, but mostly lava rock. And some seedling in tiny 2" net pots, with Lava, maybe moss. And keep them ALL outside in my chid hotel.

And OMG, I can't believe the difference of getting them all out of the plastic pots, and in that clay/lava. Or Net pots and lava! I was just out there tonight, and blown away by the new growth and Roots, and spikes/blooms!! On the chids I've had for YEARS, with NO LUCK!! Until I switched their pots out, and got them out in my hotels!

Oh, and I have load of chids mounted too! They LOVE that too!

Good luck with yours, and happy growing!!