Maya Ellison
Orchid pots are usually made of plastic, mesh, ceramic, or terra-cotta, with the former being lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. Plastic pots are also advantageous due to their transparency, which allows growers to monitor the roots and determine if the plant needs watering. Additionally, drainage holes in the plastic pots help prevent overwatering and root rot. For those who wish to create their own orchid pots from plastic food containers, it is recommended to use a soldering iron to melt holes into the containers, allowing for proper drainage and airflow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic food containers, plastic cups, glasses, clear snack or soup containers, deli containers, plastic vinegar bottles, plastic bags, plastic liners, plastic pots, mesh pots, ceramic pots, terra-cotta pots |
| Tools | Soldering iron, hot screwdriver, knife, scissors, drill |
| Steps | Clean the container, add holes, place a plastic bag inside the pot, roll down the edges, put orchids inside the bag, arrange flowers, squeeze sphagnum moss to remove excess water, fill gaps with moss, roll up plastic bag edges, stuff into the pot, finish with top dressing |
| Maintenance | Remove the orchid from the pot to water it, lift the inner liner out of the outer pot, soak in water or water top-down, allow drainage, replace top dressing when watering, remove excess moss, trim dead leaves, aerial roots, and pseudobulbs |
| Tips | Use clear plastic pots to monitor root colour and moisture levels, choose a container slightly larger than the previous pot, use multiple orchids in a single pot by keeping them in their plastic liner pots, use deli containers for semi-hydro pots, use taller and thinner containers for better wicking |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right container
Size
When choosing a new orchid pot, opt for a container that is slightly larger than the previous one. As a general rule of thumb, the top of the pot should be a third to half the height of the orchid. The pot should ultimately be about the same size as the tangled mass of roots. Avoid using pots that are too large, as they will be filled with excess planting media, which can retain too much moisture, leading to overwatering and root rot.
Drainage
Drainage is essential for the health of your orchid. Orchids require oxygen to survive, and excess water must be able to escape through drainage holes. Choose a container with a large number of drainage holes proportional to the size of the container. Sidewall holes are particularly beneficial as they promote water drainage and encourage air movement around the plant's root system. If using a decorative pot without drainage holes, place the orchid inside a plastic pot with drainage holes before setting it inside the decorative pot.
Material
Orchid pots come in various materials, including plastic, mesh, ceramic, and terra-cotta. Plastic pots are lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. They are also available in different colours and levels of opacity. Clear plastic pots allow you to monitor the moisture level of the potting media and check the colour of the roots to determine if your orchid needs watering. Terra-cotta pots are porous, allowing for air and water movement, but they may require more frequent watering as the media dries out faster. Mesh pots are ideal for humid environments, while woven fibre pots resemble how orchids grow in nature, allowing for easy air and water passage.
Shape
Consider the shape of the container, especially if you plan to use a clear plastic pot. A taller, thinner pot generally wicks water better than a shorter, wider one. This is important for semi-hydro pots, where drainage holes are placed on the sides 1 to 1.5 inches up from the bottom, creating a small water reservoir in the base.
Reusability
If you're concerned about the environmental impact of using plastic food containers, look for containers that you can reuse multiple times. Avoid containers that become brittle or break down after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Some people have had success with plastic vinegar bottles, which they thoroughly clean and drill holes into.
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Making holes for drainage
There are several ways to create drainage holes in your plastic food container. One common method is to use a drill with varying sizes of bits, starting with a small bit and gradually increasing the size until you reach the desired hole diameter. This technique helps prevent the plastic from cracking. It is recommended to drill slowly and use tape over the drilling area to further minimise the risk of cracking.
Another option for creating drainage holes is to use a soldering iron to melt holes in the container. This method is useful for creating holes at specific heights, such as when creating a semi-hydro pot with drainage holes positioned 1 to 1.5 inches from the bottom. However, it is important to note that plastic containers with holes may become brittle after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
For those without access to power tools, a hot screwdriver or knife can be used to create random holes in the plastic food container. This method provides flexibility in hole placement and size, but it may not be as precise as using a drill or soldering iron.
When deciding on the placement and number of drainage holes, it is important to consider the size and shape of your container. The holes should be positioned to allow for effective water drainage, with a sufficient number of holes relative to the container's size. Remember that orchids prefer tight living quarters, so the container should not be too large, as excess planting media can hold too much water, leading to over-moist conditions for the orchid roots.
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Ensuring opacity for algae prevention
When making an orchid pot from a plastic food container, ensuring opacity is an important step to prevent algae growth. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this:
First, understand why opacity is necessary. Algae need light to grow, so by blocking the light from entering the plastic pot, you can prevent algae from forming. This is especially important if your orchid pot will be exposed to sunlight, as algae will form on the sides of clear pots when placed in sunlight.
Next, choose an opaque outer pot. Select an outer container that is made of opaque material, such as ceramic, or choose a darker-coloured pot like brown or white, as these colours reflect more heat. Ensure that the outer pot is slightly narrower at the base than the plastic inner pot to allow for proper drainage.
Alternatively, you can modify your plastic food container to make it opaque. This can be done by covering the container with an opaque sleeve, such as an old sock, or painting the outside of the container with opaque paint. Another option is to place the clear plastic pot inside a cachepot, which is an outer container specifically designed to block light and prevent algae growth.
Additionally, you can treat your plastic food container with an anti-algae solution. Dilute solutions of Physan or bleach can be used periodically to prevent algae build-up. Alternatively, you can pre-soak the container in a pond algae killer solution, agitating the water to help remove any algae.
Finally, consider the trade-offs of opacity. While opacity prevents algae growth, it also makes it more challenging to monitor the moisture levels and root development of your orchid. Clear pots allow for easy inspection of the roots and potting medium, helping you determine if your plant needs watering or if the roots are healthy.
By following these steps and understanding the importance of opacity, you can effectively prevent algae growth in your DIY orchid pot made from a plastic food container.
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Using a soldering iron to melt holes
Orchid pots require holes for ventilation and drainage. A soldering iron is a useful tool for creating holes in plastic containers that you want to repurpose as orchid pots.
Firstly, you will need a soldering iron. These can be purchased for under $10 on Amazon. It is worth noting that soldering irons do not work well on metal, so this method is best for plastic food containers.
Before you begin, it is easier to create holes in the container before it is filled with dirt or moss. However, it is still possible to melt holes when the container is filled.
Next, decide where you would like the holes to be in your container. If you are using a clear plastic container, you may want to consider placing the holes where you can observe the orchid's roots.
Then, heat up your soldering iron and carefully melt holes in the plastic container. Be cautious when handling the soldering iron as it will be hot.
Finally, you can fill your new orchid pot with sphagnum moss or another growing medium of your choice. Remember to water your orchid carefully, as overwatering can be an issue.
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Checking the size of the container
When making an orchid pot from a plastic food container, checking the size of the container is crucial to ensure the orchid has enough space to grow and thrive. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for checking the container's size:
Firstly, it is important to understand the general size requirements for orchid pots. Orchids typically grow best in tight living quarters, so the chosen container should be only slightly larger than the orchid's previous pot. As a rule of thumb, the ideal pot size should match the tangled mass of the orchid's roots. Pots that are too large can retain excess water, causing the roots to remain wet and potentially rot.
When selecting a plastic food container, consider the height and width that will best accommodate the orchid's root system. Taller and thinner containers often wick moisture better than shorter and wider ones. Aim for a container that is about one-third to half the height of the orchid, except for Dendrobium orchids, which thrive in smaller pots.
It is also essential to ensure the container has enough space for drainage holes. Orchid pots typically have holes on the sides to promote water drainage and air movement around the roots. These holes can be added using tools like a soldering iron, a hot screwdriver, or a drill. Plan for holes that are approximately 1 to 1.5 inches up from the bottom of the container, creating a small water reservoir at the base.
When checking the size of the container, also consider the number of orchids you plan to pot. If you intend to pot multiple orchids in a single container, you will need a larger container to accommodate the additional root systems. However, it is important to avoid a container that is excessively large, as it may lead to overwatering and root rot issues.
Lastly, the size of the container can impact the orchid's exposure to light. Clear plastic pots are popular as they allow light to reach the roots, mimicking natural conditions. If using an opaque container, ensure it is not too large, as it may block light from reaching the roots.
By carefully considering these size-related factors, you can choose an appropriately sized plastic food container to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing orchid pot.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any plastic food container to make an orchid pot, but clear containers are best as they allow you to see if your orchid needs watering.
The pot should be slightly larger than the previous pot and about the same size as the tangled mass of roots. Pots that are too large will be filled with excess planting media, which will keep the orchid root zone too moist.
You can use a soldering iron to melt holes in the container or a hot screwdriver or knife to make random holes. Drainage holes are not essential, but they are helpful for water drainage and encouraging air movement around the plant's root system.
