When you’re planting orchids, searching for the perfect pot can often times be overwhelming. There are so many different sizes and types, let alone the vast assortment of colors to choose from.

• Pots are good for orchid display

One thing is certain; whatever pot you choose must have holes in the bottom for proper drainage, because without drainage holes you orchid is sure to develop root disease.

One of the first things to determine is what size of pot your orchid needs. When talking about the size of the pot, this refers to the diameter (inches) along the top and not the height of the pot itself.

You will want to look for a pot that is only slightly larger than the bulk of the orchid’s roots. Orchids prefer to not have a pot that is too large.

When deciding on the type of pot to use, this is really where the choices are abundant. One very standard, and affordable, choice among orchid growers is plastic pots.

Plastic pots even come in clear so that you can easily see your orchid’s roots without having to remove the plant itself. Another type of pot is clay.

Because clay pots allow water to evaporate more quickly, orchids that are grown in clay will need to be watered more often. For this reason, if clay is your pot of choice, you will want to be sure to choose a potting medium that will be able to absorb and maintain moisture.

• Learn about Phalaenopsis orchid

Maybe you’ve found a decorative pot that you really want to use for your orchid. Well, you should never plant an orchid directly in a decorative pot because the glaze that is used on the pots can be very harmful to your plant and can even damage the leaves and roots of the orchid. Instead, you will want to plant your orchid in a plastic or clay pot and then place that pot inside of the decorative pot.

Wooden slat baskets are another option. These baskets are usually made of wood types that are resilient to rotting. In order to keep the potting medium from falling out of the basket you should put down a layer of sheet moss before filling the basket.

Another type of basket is plastic net baskets. Both of these types of baskets may be hung from a peg or a hook for presentation purposes.

One of the most unique ways to display an orchid in your home is to mount the orchid on a natural material such as cork or driftwood. If you choose to mount your orchid, you will have to remember that because of the exposed roots, the orchid will dry out faster and will require more frequent watering.

There are also specialty pots that are made specifically for certain types of orchids. For orchids that have a long root system, such as the cymbidium orchid, you can buy special pots that are tall and skinny to accommodate the long roots.

• How to water your orchids?

Once you’ve decided on the pot and potting medium you will use you can then determine what type of watering routine you will need to establish in order to properly care for your orchid.

Choosing the perfect container will ensure that your orchid remains healthy and productive.