Orchids & other plants in same pot?

[nicki]

Today I went to the store and saw several clay pots each with a dend and 2 other non-orchid plants potted together. I don't know what medium was used, looked like maybe a small bark mixture or some sort of rough looking 'soil'. Drain hole on the bottom I'd assuming. While they looked nice I can't imagine this would be ok. Is this a death sentence waiting to happen?

[orchidlady]

It would not be recommended to have more than one type of plant in the same pot mainly because of differing culture requirements. What is right for one probably is not right for the others. They can also spread diseases more readily between each other.

Susan

[Brutal_Dreamer]

And if the dend is potted in a soil mixture, then it will likely rot pretty quickly. Dends like to dry completely out before being watered again.

Cheers,
BD

[walingwaling]

hi nicki,
its possible, as long as those plants thrive in the same medium and there is enough space.

for example, i have paph and bulbo, or eria and bulbo, phal and tiny thrixspermum in one pot or coconut. catt's and dendro's also do well, it all depends on your growing area.

but of course, when it comes to diseases, susan is right!

[nicki]

So it's not common but is possible if you take special steps. I think the ones at the store were more eye candy to sell but not gonna last in the long run They were crammed in the pot & I've seen the other non-orchid type plants that are ususally sold on their own in soil.

Ron you have an orchid in a coconut for a pot? Or is the coconut the medium?

[Becky15349]

I think he means coconut huir, which is chipped coconut husk.

I've been tempted to put several orchids together in 1 pot just for the sake of savings space and watering time...its so tempting!!

[nicki]

I think he means coconut huir, which is chipped coconut husk.

I've been tempted to put several orchids together in 1 pot just for the sake of savings space and watering time...its so tempting!!

Oh ok. Thanks.

Becky I wish I had that problem

[walingwaling]

So it's not common but is possible if you take special steps. I think the ones at the store were more eye candy to sell but not gonna last in the long run They were crammed in the pot & I've seen the other non-orchid type plants that are ususally sold on their own in soil.

Ron you have an orchid in a coconut for a pot? Or is the coconut the medium?

yes, i use it as a pot and serves as a medium at the same time.
its common here, you can use either the hard shell, just make sure you bore some holes in there, or the husk part.
you can add your medium like moss, chipped coconuts, charcoal etc.

for me it looks nice and natural!

[bench72]

one thing from experience, don't let ferns get into the orchid pots. Ferns have lots of very fine roots which tends to clog up the medium and causes the medium to retain more mositure and stops the aeration causing the roots to rot!

[walingwaling]

one thing from experience, don't let ferns get into the orchid pots. Ferns have lots of very fine roots which tends to clog up the medium and causes the medium to retain more mositure and stops the aeration causing the roots to rot!

how funny tim,

i was just about to add, that fern does nicely in coconut shells, hehe.
but i only keep fern in there.

yes, you are right, occasionally i would leave the fern in or around the pot, if i know it doesnt disturb the orchid or roots.
it only works on big and healthy orchids though.