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Orchids - transparent pots or not?

Discussion in 'Other Plants' started by The Bird Lady, Mar 1, 2026 at 11:08 AM.

  1. The Bird Lady

    The Bird Lady Apprentice Gardener

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    Should Orchids be in transparent pots or not?

    I've been watching a few videos on YouTube regarding Orchids and I noticed that they use ordinary plant pots with drainage holes, rather than transparent pots. Years ago, I changed all mine to transparent pots because I read that the roots will benefit from the light but now I'm wondering whether that was necessary. All mine are phalaenopsis.
     
  2. Tidemark

    Tidemark Total Gardener

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    Transparent pots are the best for orchids which in the wild would be epiphitic, i.e. growing high up in trees in a forest. They need light to reach their roots, which turn green and act as extra chlorophyll makers.

    Orchids which naturally live in the soil, like the wild British orchids in my garden, don’t need clear plastic pots because their roots are naturally hidden beneath the ground and are in the dark.
     
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    • The Bird Lady

      The Bird Lady Apprentice Gardener

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      Thank you.

      Yes, I think I'll stick with the transparent pots. The RHS also recommend transparent pots so I'm happy to go along with it.
       
    • Michael Hewett

      Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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      A few weeks ago I bought an orchid (to try yet again) but it's in a dark pot. Should I repot it ? and is that why all the ones I've ever tried have died on me ?
       
    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      I've always found, Phalaenopsis anyway, make enough roots outside the pot to make up the difference.:smile:
       
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