Most of us love keeping exotic orchids in pots to brighten up our windowsills. But because these sun-loving beauties have some unique needs, your standard flower pot might not actually be the best home for them. To keep your orchids thriving, there are a few key features you should look for in a container. Here’s the lowdown on picking the perfect pot.
Aerial roots need their daily dose of light
Orchids are pretty unique because their aerial roots do more than just soak up moisture from the air—they actually produce chlorophyll by absorbing sunlight. This is why orchids crave bright spots in your home. It’s also why they usually come in those clear plastic grower pots. Most people just pop that clear pot into a decorative outer planter for looks, but you have to be careful not to block out all that vital light!
What to look for in an orchid planter
When you’re shopping for a decorative outer pot, you want to make sure those roots can still “breathe” and see the light. A great orchid planter should have:
- Plenty of room (it should be at least twice as large as the clear inner grower pot).
- A solid bottom (no drainage hole in the decorative outer pot itself).
- An internal “step” or pedestal to keep the inner pot raised above any excess water.
Why standard pots usually don’t cut it
Your average garden-variety flower pot often misses the mark for orchids. The biggest issue? They usually don’t have that built-in reservoir space at the bottom. Without that extra room for drainage, your orchid risks sitting in stagnant water, which is a fast track to root rot.
Orchid window boxes: A stylish alternative
If you want to make a statement, try a specialized orchid window box. These are elongated planters designed to hold several orchids side-by-side. Many of these are made from a slightly translucent or “frosted” material, which allows light to reach the roots while looking sleek on your windowsill. It’s a great way to create a lush, tropical display.
The Orchitop: A game-changer for orchid lovers
If you’re looking for something truly specialized, check out the Orchitop. These aren’t your typical solid-walled pots; instead, they feature a “picket fence” design made of vertical rods. This allows maximum airflow and light to reach the roots from all sides, while the rods are spaced just closely enough to keep your chunky orchid bark from falling out.
The best part? You plant your orchid directly into the Orchitop, so you can ditch the clear plastic liner entirely.
The Orchitop system includes a matching saucer that you fill with expanded clay pebbles (LECA) or similar materials. This catches any runoff and creates a humid microclimate that mimics the orchid’s natural rainforest home. It’s basically a spa day for your plants!
